Veterans group takes interest
in history curriculum

By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
September 9, 2004
The president of a local veterans group said he wants to make sure the state's elementary and secondary school history curriculum will inspire students to be more patriotic.
John Simmons, who also founded the group called Veterans for Accurate History, said students need to know about their country.
After reading in October 2003 that Mississippi was one of 23 states that received a failing grade for U.S. history education standards, Simmons began to research history curriculum across the state.
He then decided to form a nonprofit organization whose members would be available to speak to public organizations, classes and social groups about U.S. history.
The veterans group is working in partnership with The Montgomery Institute, which promotes strategic thinking and helps develop leadership in East Central Mississippi and West Central Alabama.
While the group is still in the process of applying for nonprofit status, Simmons has put together a temporary, five-member board to help establish the organization.
The board which includes himself along with state Sens. Videt Carmichael, R-Meridian, and Terry Burton, R-Newton, and state Reps. Eric Robinson, R-Quitman, and Steve Horne, R-Meridian plans to meet next week.
Carmichael said he is willing to do whatever he can to help the veterans group.
Simmons plans to offer his services to public and private schools in Lauderdale County.
He already has visited Lamar School. He also plans to meet with both Lauderdale County School Superintendent David Little and Meridian School Superintendent Sylvia Autry.
Carmichael said he would like to see the group serve as a resource organization for local teachers.