Book Presented to TN State House Representative

On December 7, 22024, the Honorable Clay Dogget, of the Tennessee State House of Representatives, District 7, visited the Joseph Greer House.  The Dogget family and many members of the Camp Blount Historical Site Association (CBHSA) were on hand as well.  The three siblings of the Gill family, special members of the CBHSA, as it was their family farm where the original Joseph Greer House was located.

My recently published book "Symbols of America - An American Creation" was presented to Representative Dogget and his family with best wishes for the Holiday Season and enjoyment of the book.

Paul Henry from the Elk Valley Times cam to take pictures of the event, and the following photographs are credited to him.  

All of those in attendance were very pleased with the extraordinary structure at Camp Blount is finally being realized.  CBHSA members discussed the other near term efforts for the House of the Messenger.
 

Rick Laws, presenting Mr. Dogget a copy of the book - Symbols of America - An American Creation

Members of the Dogget family, city/county/state governments, CBHSA members

For more news of the upcoming book House of the Messenger, see this link.
 https://houseofthemessenger.blogspot.com/

 

 

Symbols of America

I was inspired to write Symbols of America, as I know many immigrants who have come to my country, and citizenship and knowledge about these topics were important to them. This book will be valued as a learning resource and reinforcement for learning about the many historical and cultural Symbols of America, compiled into a single book.  The book would be a nice complement to learning programs, or perhaps a presentation piece to schools, libraries which you visit, or friends you have come to know.  All the things every American should know about Symbols of America, compiled into a single resource, in a referenced and easy to read format.

When we think of American symbols, images of the bald eagle, Lady Liberty, and the Stars and Stripes immediately spring to mind. But the stories behind our nation's iconic images and objects run far deeper than these surface representations. They are intricately woven through the harsh realities, hard-won victories, and scrappy inspirations experienced by early pioneers in carving out a new society.

In this collection of historical vignettes, the rich origins and meanings behind America's most powerful symbols are brought to life through beautifully rendered narratives and images. At their core, the seminal symbols explored emerge directly from the everyday struggles, moments of revelation, and pursuits.

The 18th Century was a formative period for the creation of symbols and emblems that would come to represent American ideals and identity. One of the most iconic symbols to emerge during this time was the American flag. Initially designed with 13 stripes and 13 stars to represent the original colonies, the flag became a powerful emblem of unity and independence. Its design has evolved over the centuries, but the core symbolism of liberty and national pride has endured, making it a timeless representation of the United States.

Another significant symbol that took root in the 18th Century was the bald eagle. Adopted as the national bird in 1782, the bald eagle was chosen for its majestic appearance and representation of strength, freedom, and resilience. The eagle features prominently in the Great Seal of the United States, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to peace and readiness for defense. This imagery encapsulates the dual aspirations of the young republic: to foster harmony while standing prepared to protect its sovereignty.

Additionally, symbols such as the Liberty Bell and the Statue of Liberty (though the latter was a 19th-century addition) began to take on profound significance. The Liberty Bell, originally cast in 1752, became an enduring icon of American independence, particularly after it was associated with the Declaration of Independence. Its famous crack and the inscription "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof" have made it a poignant symbol of the struggle for freedom and justice. These symbols, rooted in the 18th Century, have continued to inspire and unite Americans, reflecting the core values and aspirations of the nation.

Elk Valley Times - 14 Aug 2024

Elk Valley Times - 14 Aug 2024

https://www.elkvalleytimes.com/lifestyles/laws-new-book-symbols-of-america-has-been-released/article_0d0dafd0-5b37-11ef-a35e-9f187ef39cc2.html

 

Accepted for a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN).

Click or type in the URL or scan the QR Code to order the book directly from the printing company; https://tinyurl.com/yc3282dt 

or the long URL;

https://www.lulu.com/shop/rick-laws/symbols-of-america/paperback/product-yvnkmy6.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 
 

Symbols of America - An American Creation
by: Rick Laws  
Library of Congress Control Number: 2024914751
ISBN 978-1-304-15477-4, Book, 185 Pages 

All proceeds from the sale of the "Symbols of America" support the Tennessee Society, Sons of the American Revolution. The funds will be allocated to historical and educational programs dedicated to the founding principles of the republic and the Constitution of the United States.

 

Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN)

“Symbols of America – An American Creation”,  has been approved for the Library of Congress Control Number: 2024914751

A Library of Congress Catalog Control Number (LCCN) is a unique identification number that the Library of Congress assigns to the catalog record created for each book in its cataloged collections. Librarians use it to locate a specific Library of Congress catalog record in the national databases and to order catalog cards from the Library of Congress or from commercial suppliers. The purpose of the Preassigned Control Number (PCN) program is to enable the Library of Congress to assign control numbers in advance of publication to those titles that may be added to the Library's collections.

A Library of Congress control number (LCCN) is a unique identification number that the Library of Congress assigns to the catalog record created for each book in its cataloged collections. Librarians use it to locate a specific Library of Congress catalog record in the national databases.

Only U.S. authors and book publishers are eligible to participate in the program. For more information on this, please see the Eligibility section of this site.

Library of Congress Control Numbers (LCCN) are preassigned to works that may be selected and cataloged by the Library of Congress for its collections. Final determination of works selected and cataloged is made by selection librarians and recommending officers in compliance with Library of Congress collection development policies upon receipt of the printed book. 

Please note that while a title may receive a preassigned LCCN, the Library of Congress is under no obligation to provide preliminary or final cataloging information within its catalog for titles that are not ultimately selected for the Library's permanent collection. 

Library of Congress - Home Page

LOC Search and Browse the Library of Congress (LOC) Collection - Search the LOC

https://lccn.loc.gov/2024914751
Laws, Ricky L, 1956- author. Symbols of America : volume 1 - American creation series / Ricky L Laws. 1. Taft : Tennessee Society, Sons of the American Revolution, 2024.
ISBN: 9781304154774 (paperback)

New Book, "Symbols of America".

New Book, "Symbols of America".

The book is hosted by a print on demand service and can be bought directly from the print house.  It is published and is now for sale at this link:

https://www.lulu.com/shop/rick-laws/symbols-of-america/paperback/product-yvnkmy6.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Symbols of America is a comprehensive consolidation of numerous and varied sources of information that are often dispersed across the internet, academic papers, and historical documents. By bringing together these diverse materials into a single, cohesive volume, we aim to provide readers with an accessible and thorough understanding of the symbols that define American culture and identity. From the personification of national ideals to the significance of iconic buildings and monuments, this book delves into the many facets of American symbols, ensuring that readers have a well-rounded perspective on their historical and contemporary significance.

The contents of this book are meticulously curated to offer both depth and breadth, covering a wide range of symbols, from national music and natural icons to founding era writings and key documents. Each chapter is designed to present detailed insights and context, helping readers appreciate how these symbols have shaped and continue to influence the American ethos. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student, or simply curious about the symbols that represent the United States, this book serves as a valuable resource, saving you the time and effort of piecing together information from scattered sources.  
A reference table is included at the end of each vignette to aid in further research of the specific topic without it becoming lost in a long reference table in the back of the book.  Many hyperlinks are included to add in finding the references as well.  When available, I have attempted to include links to libraries offering downloads of the reference or public “check out”. 

Importantly, the proceeds from the sale of this book are dedicated to supporting the Tennessee Society, Sons of the American Revolution (TNSSAR). These funds will be allocated to historical and educational programs that focus on the founding principles of the republic and the Constitution of the United States. By purchasing this book, you are not only gaining a comprehensive resource on American symbols, but also contributing to the preservation and promotion of American history and values.

The Tennessee Society, Sons of the American Revolution, is committed to honoring the legacy of the nation's founders through various initiatives. Your support helps fund educational programs that teach future generations about the importance of liberty, democracy, and the rule of law. Additionally, these funds aid in preserving historical sites and documents, ensuring that the rich heritage of the United States remains vibrant and accessible for years to come.