Susie Moore, Redstate: Attending my daughter’s college graduation
While freedom has long been a critical feature of the American experiment, the extent to which we can actually lay claim to it has been called into serious question in recent years. Repeatedly, we’ve seen instances of government overreach, most notably during the COVID pandemic, when lockdowns and mandates were all the rage and censorship was sexy (at least in the eyes of some).
There was a stretch of time where everything felt constricted and subdued, and a future featuring freedom seemed elusive. That cloud has lifted some, but it still feels as though it’s lurking in the background.
This past weekend, I was witness to some reassuring signs that America is, indeed, still a free country. I had the pleasure of attending my daughter’s college graduation. In addition to being an enjoyable celebration of her accomplishments, two things really stood out to me:
- There wasn’t a masked face to be found – not at the ceremony in a crowded arena, not in the grocery store or restaurants, not in the bars.
- Listening to live music on Saturday, while the crowd was lively throughout, it was at its liveliest when the band played Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.”
A bar full of celebrating, drinking, flirting 20-somethings jumped up and down and shouted out the lyrics at the top of their lungs. Times may be tough, and it may feel like we’re faltering, but most of the kids are alright — and something tells me we will be, too.
- Free tickets and book: Yeonmi Park, Oct 20 at LindenwoodMORE INFORMATION AND RSVP The Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise at Lindenwood University is offering free tickets to its latest H.F. Langenberg Memorial Speaker Series to hear author, speaker, and Human Rights Activist Yeonmi Park on October 20th, 2026. Park… Read more: Free tickets and book: Yeonmi Park, Oct 20 at Lindenwood
- Documentary world premiere with The Washington Guard: Oct. 1stREGISTER HERE The Washington Guard Proudly presents THE WORLD PREMIERE of the documentary Shielded by Power: Whistleblowers VS. the Big Guy. Featuring interviews with Gary Shapley, Joseph Ziegler, Miranda Devine, and John Solomon. There will be a live Q&A with… Read more: Documentary world premiere with The Washington Guard: Oct. 1st
- St. Louis County Lincoln/Reagan Day Dinner – Sept. 19 at River City CasinoYou are invited to attend the annual St. Louis County Lincoln/Regan Day dinner on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at the River City Casino Hotel Ballroom. You will hear from Missouri state officials, Missouri federal officials, and NewsMax host Rob Carson,… Read more: St. Louis County Lincoln/Reagan Day Dinner – Sept. 19 at River City Casino
- Nick Shirley at the Leadership for America Dinner: Fri. Sept. 25th at the St. Charles Conv. Ctr.BUY TICKETS Friday, September 25, 2026St. Charles Convention CenterTickets must be purchased online before the event.General Admission Dinner Tickets: Start at $100Dress: Business CasualDoors Open: 5:00pmProgram Begins: 5:45pm NICK SHIRLEYIndependent Investigative JournalistNick Shirley has become one of the most recognizable… Read more: Nick Shirley at the Leadership for America Dinner: Fri. Sept. 25th at the St. Charles Conv. Ctr.
- St. Charles County Republican Rally: Oct. 1st at Old Hickory Golf ClubCOST: FREE! WHEN: Thursday, October 1stDoors at 6 pmEvent begins at 6:30 pmLight refreshments • Cash bar • Children welcome WHERE: Old Hickory Golf Club in the Azalea Room1 Dye Club Drive, St. Charles, Missouri INVITED SPEAKERS INCLUDE:STATE SENATOR ADAM… Read more: St. Charles County Republican Rally: Oct. 1st at Old Hickory Golf Club





