Editor’s Note

Dear Readers,

For 20 years, Mike Rowe has been shining the spotlight on the skilled trades and the hardworking people who keep American homes and businesses in fine working order (page 24). As we currently face a serious labor shortage for millions of available jobs, Rowe’s storytelling and his foundation’s work ethic scholarships are powerful vehicles for changing the stigmas that sometimes accompany these essential jobs.

In our history section, we get acquainted with the patriotic side of John Wayne (page 38), an actor whose convictions led him to choose films that promoted America’s greatness—primarily Westerns and war movies. During World War II, he felt he would do more good by working in Hollywood than on the frontlines of battle. Till the end, he would remain America’s cowboy.

We also explore the musical universe of Rodgers and Hammerstein (page 58) and enjoy some presidential wit and humor from our nation’s leaders (page 56)