In Stafford, a notable donation was made by the Legion Auxiliary.
Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy emphasized the importance of respectful discussion, saying:
Democracy as we know it, presumes an open, rational, thoughtful, decent discussion, where you respect the dignity of the person with whom you disagree.This cornerstone of democracy relies on educated, rational individuals with access to accurate facts and a strong moral compass.
Early leaders recognized the significance of public access to information through libraries, which initially started as personal collections of the wealthy. The evolution of libraries aimed to provide education and information to the public, making it a crucial element in the country's development.
Historically, the unwritten laws of slavery prohibited slaves from learning to read and write, with punishment by death. This highlights the significance of education as the key to freedom and democracy.
Author's summary: Education is crucial for democracy and freedom.