For those of you who missed our last look at this series, Liberty’s Kids was a DIC show that aired on PBS, a rarity for the big name animation studios. It followed the formation of the United States Of America through the eyes of three kids working for Ben Franklin’s printing studio. Beth came from England and saw what her king was doing to the people, while Franklin’s French assistant James and local boy Henry join in the battle against the British forces through the power of the press. Franklin is voiced by famous reporter Walter Cronkite.
For this year’s Fourth Of July, Independence Day, and the 250th anniversary of our nation, I’m jumping from the first two episodes, which we watched last time with some bonus material, to 114th. The kids are there when the Declaration Of Independence is formed just as General Washington sees the British get help from the Germans in the war to reclaim their colonies. James and Henry want to get help, but the tories are going to try to stop Franklin from getting the word out.
Meanwhile, you can get the word to your kids as to why this day is so important to American history and the varying points of view that could have set the stage for the important event or kept us a British colony. Enjoy, and I hope you had a happy and safe 250th Independence Day.
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