Patriotism has not been lost for some younger modern Americans

Scores of parents and caregivers of daughters across the country already know that American Heritage Girls (AHG, www.americanheritagegirls.org) provides a faith-based, scout-type experience for girls that includes badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities, outdoor adventure, and much more—all with a focus on Christian values and family involvement.

Now, with Memorial Day ahead, AHG is reiterating a vital message: The organization has always been proudly patriotic, with a deep respect for America’s military heroes and all those who have sacrificed to defend our nation. AHG offers girls the chance to earn multiple badges that respect those who have served our country, including these badges: Military Heroes, which encourages girls to show their appreciation for veterans, active military, and military families; Our Constitution, which teaches girls the fundamentals of our founding document; and other badges such as Our Flag, Freedom Seekers, Dawn of our Country, and more.

“We love our nation and all those who have fought to defend it,” said AHG Founder and Director Patti Garibay. “At AHG, we are … proud of the United States and proud of the hard work of our military and our military heroes. In our program, our participants learn what it means to be an honorable citizen who respects and serves those who love our country.”

AHG supports our hardworking military members and heroes in a myriad of ways. Among other activities, many girls and their troops place flags on gravesites, help with flag ceremonies and march in Memorial Day parades as a way to say “thank you” to those who serve and have served America. AHG offers girls the chance to greet Honor Flights as they take off and return. Participants have even helped to restore an Air Force jet, as part of AHG’s Stars and Stripes Award project, which is the highest recognition available to an American Heritage Girl. The award teaches perseverance, self-respect, and satisfaction as the girls conceive, implement, and complete a substantial service project. Girls exercise servant leadership, project management, communication skills, time management, and organization skills—all while blessing their communities with their contributions and preparing themselves for adulthood in the process. The opportunities are plentiful and American Heritage Girls make the most of all of them.

“Whatever their level of participation in the activities we offer, AHG girls grow in their desire to honor our military heroes through faith, service, and fun,” says Garibay.

AHG notes that Merriam-Webster defines a hero as “a person admired for achievements and noble qualities; one who shows great courage.” In the New Testament, Jesus Himself defines heroism by measuring love. In John 15:13, NIV says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Through its thoughtful programming and clearly organized activities, AHG conveys to girls that U.S. military heroes serve our nation by sacrificing their own lives to keep the rest of us protected, safe, and free.

AHG is dedicated to providing authentic, positive, and values-driven outdoor activities and many other character and leadership development opportunities for girls across the nation. This well-organized program also honors specific and measurable accomplishments.

American Heritage Girls was founded in 1995 by a group of parents who wanted a faith-based, scout-type character development program for their daughters. American Heritage Girls across the nation and the globe participate in badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences, all with an emphasis on Christian values and family involvement.

In addition to the biblically based parenting advice shared in the Raising Godly Girls blog and Raising Godly Girls radio features that are heard on 770 radio stations, American Heritage Girls provides a community experience in a Troop setting. Girls benefit from Christ-centered friendships and mentors to assist them in becoming godly girls.

Today, there are Troops in all 50 states and girls who are being served in 15 countries around the globe through the Trailblazer Program. A variety of Christian denominations are also represented as Charter Organizations for Troops. Thousands of volunteer members across the country are helping girls grow in their faith, cultivate a heart for service, enjoy the great outdoors, and have more fun than they can imagine.