A Tuscaloosa County couple wants to educate Alabama students about the importance of the Declaration of Independence.
Bèla and Linda Gail Berty spoke to 1819 News about their mission.
"The Declaration of Independence is the reason why this country is doing so well," said Bèla Berty. "The people 250 years ago had the courage to make a change, a big change, a huge change."
"We believe that people need to understand the reason we have this Declaration of Independence is so that we could have a United States of America and this is the foundation of our country," Linda Gail Berty said.
After escaping communist Hungary with his family at 8 years old, Bèla Berty said he learned how truly blessed the United States was. As an adult, he served with the U.S. Navy, where his interest in the Declaration of Independence grew.
The Bertys travel with copies of the Declaration of Independence and dress in 1776-style clothing. Bèla Berty shows a digital slide show that illustrates his escape from communism.
"Many young people do not recognize communism. They do not always recognize socialism as the gateway to communism," he said. "Every country that would try socialism devolves into communism.
"We have grandsons in elementary schools, and they don't know much about the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence," he continued.
With an education system failing to teach young Americans about dangerous political ideologies and more educational institutions becoming part of an international movement toward socialism, the Bertys say they want young Alabamians to know the truth.
"I am eager to eager to warn young Americans how Communist ideology wiggles into thoughts and bills before legislatures," Bèla Berty said.
The Bertys are involved in Eagle Forum of Alabama, and Linda Gail is the second vice president of the Republican Women of Tuscaloosa. They told 1819 News it was important for them to get others involved.
"We're really trying to get people interested in what is happening to our country and how important it is to know our documents put out for us so that we could have freedom and liberty and justice," Linda Gail Berty added.
The Bertys hope to visit schools statewide and eventually expand to other states.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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