What Does it Mean To Be an American? Conservative Opinion Leaders Discuss America's National Identity

WASHINGTON -- Hudson Institute's Bradley Center for Philanthropy and Civic Renewal, the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, and National Affairs will convene on May 11 a distinguished panel to discuss "True Americanism:" What It Is and Why It Matters. The panel takes its inspiration from a new anthology,What So Proudly We Hail: The American Soul in Story, Speech, and Song, edited by panelists Amy and Leon Kass and Diana Schaub.

Our celebration of diversity at home and globalization abroad raises questions about what it means to be an American. What So Proudly We Hail uses the soul-shaping possibilities of classic American short stories, political speeches, and moving songs, as it addresses issues of national identity, the American character, the virtues and aspirations of civic life, and the problem of making a national one out of the multicultural many. The book contains a moving speech by Theodore Roosevelt, which powerfully argues that all new immigrants must be assimilated into the idea and practice of "True Americanism." What is that idea and practice today?

"This panel of distinguished thinkers will provide substance and context to a subject that may have lost its meaning over the years," said Michael W. Grebe, President and CEO of the Lynde and Bradley Foundation.

Hudson Institute is a nonpartisan policy research organization dedicated to innovative research and analysis. Founded in 1961, Hudson is celebrating a half century of forging ideas that promote security, prosperity, and freedom.

CONTACT: Kevin McVicker, Shirley & Banister Public Affairs, 703-739-5920, kmcvicker@sbpublicaffairs.com; Kristen McIntyre, Hudson Institute, 202-974-2424