Today it is all the more urgent that we study American history and culture. Defending the ideas and ideals of America requires more than a strong national defense. Americans must know our nation's past so we can uphold its guiding principles and labor toward a free and just society.

On Constitution Day 2002, President George W. Bush announced We the People, an NEH initiative to explore significant events and themes in our nation's history, and to share these lessons with all Americans.

• Enhances the teaching and understanding of American history through grants to scholars, teachers, filmmakers, museums, libraries, and other individuals and institutions.

• Provides opportunities for teachers to deepen their knowledge of American history through summer seminars and institutes.

• Supports the reading of classic literature through the We the People Bookshelf, a collection of books recommended for young readers and made available to schools and libraries for use in local programs.

• Preserves our nation's historic documents, such as newspapers and presidential papers, and supports scholarly research, while expanding access to these important documents.

• Explores the lives and deeds of heroic men and women from America's past through the annual "Heroes of History Lecture." The inaugural address was given by historian Robert V. Remini on the subject of "Ordinary Heroes."

• Disseminates knowledge of American history through exhibitions, public programs, and partnerships with the state humanities councils.

• Encourages students to reflect upon important American principles and events through the annual "Idea of America" essay contest. For her winning essay in the 2003 contest, Morghan Transue received $5,000 and a medal from First Lady Laura Bush.