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Jeff McKenna urges civic education, previews Patriots Day events at Washington County Republican Women meeting
Summary
Author and attorney Jeff McKenna told the Washington County Republican Women the education of youth in 'the science of government' is vital, promoted America 250 activities including a Patriots Day event in Santa Clara, and said proceeds from his book will help a member's family.
Jeff McKenna, an estate-planning attorney and author, told members of the Washington County Republican Women that teaching young people about government should be a central goal of civic life.
"A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government," McKenna said, invoking a line he attributed to George Washington as he promoted classroom outreach tied to America 250 commemorations. McKenna said he spends time in fifth‑grade classrooms reenacting Dr. Joseph Warren and has written a young‑adult historical novel, Saving Dr. Warren.
Why it matters: McKenna framed the talk as part of a wider effort to mark the nation's 250th birthday and to encourage local celebration and civic instruction. He tied historical narratives about Joseph Warren and Patrick Henry to contemporary efforts, arguing that stories and reenactments can spark lifelong patriotism in younger generations.
McKenna outlined several local and state activities connected with America 250. He said Utah now recognizes Patriots Day following legislation signed by Gov. Cox and promoted a Patriots Day celebration planned for April 10 in Santa Clara, featuring reenactors, a world‑premiere audio‑visual program and a planned lantern distribution tied to the anniversary. "We're going to have reenactors and ... 1,776 lanterns," he said, describing plans to give lanterns to attendees as a visual emblem for the holiday.
McKenna also said proceeds from sales of his book would be donated to local fundraising efforts to help a member, Janine, who is raising money to bring her son home. He encouraged attendees to buy signed copies after the meeting.
The presentation covered Revolutionary War history and local commemoration: McKenna spoke at length about Joseph Warren's role in Boston in 1775, the Boston Massacre commemorations, and later battles such as Bunker Hill that shaped the Revolution. He used historical anecdotes to illustrate why civic education and community observances matter, and urged members to help stage local events.
Following his remarks McKenna signed books and encouraged attendees to participate in the Santa Clara Patriots Day program; he thanked Washington County officials and donors who provided funding and support for the event. The meeting moved on after brief remarks by visiting former Congressman Jason Chis and a motion to adjourn.
