International Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed on January 27, commemorates the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp in 1945 and honors the memory of the more than six million Jewish men, women, and children murdered during the Holocaust, along with millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. Auschwitz has become a powerful symbol of the atrocities of World War II, where approximately 1.1 million people were killed before Soviet forces liberated the remaining survivors. Remembering the Holocaust reminds us of the importance of defending freedom, standing against hatred, and teaching future generations so that such horrors are never repeated.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/liberation-auschwitz-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

In a 1784 letter to his daughter, Benjamin Franklin criticized the bald eagle’s moral character and praised the turkey as a more respectable and courageous bird, sparking the enduring myth that he preferred the turkey as America’s national symbol. While Franklin never formally proposed the turkey, his comments reflected his belief in honesty, hard work, and moral virtue. After several failed design attempts by committees including Franklin, Jefferson, and Adams, Congress adopted the Great Seal of the United States in 1782 featuring the bald eagle, a choice that continues to invite reflection on the values America seeks to represent.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/franklinbird-greatseal-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

Robert Boyle, born January 25, 1627, in Ireland, is known as the “Father of Chemistry” and is regarded as the first modern chemist for helping transform science from mysticism into an experimental discipline. Best known for Boyle’s Law, which explains the relationship between gas pressure and volume, his discoveries remain foundational to modern science and everyday technologies. Deeply religious and generous, Boyle believed faith and science worked together, openly shared his research, supported Bible translations, helped establish the Royal Society, and lived a life that demonstrated how belief in God can coexist with and strengthen the pursuit of knowledge.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/boyle-fatherofchemistry-6

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

National Compliment Day is celebrated every year on January 24 and encourages people to express sincere appreciation to friends, family, and others around them. Compliments build trust, improve relationships, and boost happiness for both the giver and the receiver, with research showing that kind words can create positive emotional effects similar to tangible rewards. Simple acts like offering thoughtful praise, writing encouraging notes, or graciously accepting compliments can scatter kindness and brighten homes and communities, reminding us that small words of encouragement can have a lasting impact.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/compliments-8

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

John Hancock, born January 23, 1737, was a Founding Father, President of the Continental Congress, and the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, remembered especially for his bold and unmistakable signature. A wealthy merchant turned patriot, Hancock risked his fortune and life in support of American independence, enduring British retaliation and personal loss for the cause of liberty. His courageous signature has become a lasting symbol of standing firmly for one’s beliefs, and National Handwriting Day honors his legacy by reminding us that what we commit to writing—especially words of truth, testimony, and encouragement—can endure and influence generations.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/hancockwritingday-8

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

Excavation for the Empire State Building began on January 22, 1930, and the skyscraper was completed just 410 days later in 1931, becoming an enduring symbol of New York City and American ambition. Standing 1,454 feet tall with 103 stories, the Art Deco landmark was once the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years and remains one of the most recognized structures on earth. Built through determination, careful planning, and teamwork, the Empire State Building reminds us that when we follow correct principles and remain obedient to the Lord, we can gain a higher, eternal perspective beyond what is visible from the ground.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/empire-statebuilding-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

The USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, was launched on January 21, 1954, in Groton, Connecticut, and forever changed naval history. Built under the leadership of Captain Hyman G. Rickover, the submarine could remain submerged indefinitely, travel faster underwater than any previous submarine, and shattered speed and distance records, including a historic voyage beneath the North Pole in 1958. Powered by nuclear energy rather than air-dependent engines, the Nautilus symbolized innovation, endurance, and unseen strength, much like the guidance we can receive through the Holy Ghost when we seek direction, comfort, and strength in our lives.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/uss-nautilus-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

U.S. Presidential Inauguration Day was moved to January 20 by the Twentieth Amendment, with the first January inauguration held in 1937 during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s second term, ensuring a smoother and timelier transition of power. The inauguration centers on sacred oaths to uphold the Constitution, followed by an address that often acknowledges God’s guidance and the nation’s reliance on moral responsibility. These traditions highlight the importance of covenants, accountability, and faith in public service, reminding us of the solemn duty leaders and citizens share in preserving liberty and righteousness in His Story today.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/inaugurations-20amendment-5

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.