In this lecture, David Barton explores the roots of America as the exception rather than the rule among the nations of the world. He states that our exceptionalism encompasses great diversity of race, ethnicity, and religion, and has benefited every American.

Barton asserts that today, American Exceptionalism is no longer understood or venerated. Following several decades of indoctrination in both education and politics, many Americans now seem ashamed of their country and feel compelled to apologize to others for it. He contends that we have been taught America's flaws but little of its matchless benefits.

What produced the blessings we take for granted that so many other nations only dream of? Barton believes the answer is found in five principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence. He argues that if we discover these principles, we will learn what every citizen can do to restore America's greatness.

David Barton is the Founder and President of WallBuilders, a national pro-family organization that presents America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on our moral, religious and constitutional heritage.

He is the author of numerous best-selling books, with the subjects being drawn largely from his massive library of tens of thousands of original writings from the Founding Era. He also addresses well over 400 groups each year.

His exhaustive research has rendered him an expert in historical and constitutional issues and he serves as a consultant to state and federal legislators, has participated in several cases at the Supreme Court, was involved in the development of the History/Social Studies standards for states such as Texas and California, and has helped produce history textbooks now used in schools across the nation.

A national news organization has described him as "America's historian," and Time Magazine called him "a hero to millions - including some powerful politicians. In fact, Time Magazinenamed him as one of America's 25 most influential evangelicals.

David has received numerous national and international awards, including Who's Who in Education, DAR's Medal of Honor, and the George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. His work in media has merited several Angel Awards, Telly Awards, and the Dove Foundation Seal of Approval.

David and his wife Cheryl reside in Aledo, Texas, they have three grown, married children (Damaris, Timothy, and Stephen), and three grandchildren.