New American Voters Learn Finer Points of Democracy

VOAVideo: New American Voters Learn Finer Points of Democracy

Cambodian immigrants in Los Angeles, California, who want to vote in November's U.S. presidential election are getting help this year. Some 60,000 Cambodians live in the area -- so election officials plan to provide voting material for them in the Khmer language. And in the nearby city of Long Beach, students at a citizenship class are learning as much as they can, as fast as they can. Brian Calvert reports for VOA.

Combat Photographer Recalls Bloodiest Battle

VOANews: Combat Photographer Recalls Bloodiest Battle

The horrific battle for the small Pacific island of Tarawa in 1943 was one of the bloodiest of World War Two. U.S. Marine Sergeant Norman Hatch was there. But instead of a rifle, Hatch carried a camera and the film he shot helped to change Americans' view of the war. VOA's June Soh visited the combat photographer at his home outside of Washington where he reminisced about the fierce struggle for the island.

US Marks Memorial Day to Honor Fallen Troops

VOAVideo: US Marks Memorial Day to Honor Fallen Troops

U.S. President Barack Obama paid tribute to the nation's veterans and their families during the Memorial Day holiday Monday, as communities across the country hosted their own festivities. VOA's Sean Maroney reports from Washington.

Photo Gallery: Thirteen Presidents Mark Memorial Day | The White House

Photo Gallery: Thirteen Presidents Mark Memorial Day | The White House

This Memorial Day, we honor the men and women who have served our country. Here is a selection of Memorial Day photos and speeches from the holdings of the Presidential Libraries of the U.S. National Archives. http://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/

Every Day is a Holiday

VOA: Chinese-American Recalls POW Past

Looking at him today, few would guess Paul Loong, 88, has a larger-than-life story. Even his daughter, Theresa Loong, a filmmaker, was taken by surprise when she discovered her father's diary from his time in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during World War II.

She chronicles her father's story in the documentary "Every Day Is A Holiday," which is being released to coincide with Memorial Day in the United States, a time when Americans honor those serving in the military. (read more).  Watch Trailer.

West Wing Week: 5/25/12 or "We Are Not Meant to Walk This Road Alone."

West Wing Week: 5/25/12 or "We Are Not Meant to Walk This Road Alone."

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President announced a major new initiative on food security, hosted the G8 and NATO summits, gave the commencement addresses in Joplin, Missouri and at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and traveled to Iowa to urge Congress to act on the "To Do List," invest in clean energy, and extend the Production Tax Credit that has bipartisan support. That's May 18th to May 24th or "We Are Not Meant to Walk This Road Alone."

USCIS U.S. Wars in the 1800s - Beginning Level

U.S. Wars in the 1800s - Beginning Level

The U.S. wars in the 1800s lesson plan and handouts for literacy and low beginners covering civics test items 72, 73, 91, 98, and 100.

Download file (926.0 KB)  | 05/22/12

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US Looks Toward Memorial Day

VOAVideo: US Looks Toward Memorial Day (2010)

The last Monday in May is "Memorial Day" in the United States, a day of remembrance for the country's military war dead. This year's observance comes as the number of casualties in Afghanistan has surpassed one thousand. VOA's Carolyn Presutti explains.

USCIS Civil War - Beginning Level

USCIS: Civil War - Beginning Level

The Civil War lesson plan and handouts for literacy and low beginners covering civics test items 48, 60, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, and 76.

Download file (389.5 KB)  | 04/16/12

Download handouts (2.4 MB) 
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A New Education Center at Theater Where Lincoln Was Shot

VOA Learning English Videos: A New Education Center at Theater Where Lincoln Was Shot

Ford's Theatre in Washington has opened a new education center. It tells about President Abraham Lincoln, who was shot in the theater just after the civil war ended. The new center has a 10-meter-high tower of 7,000 books about the president. Tracey Avant says there are more books about Abraham Lincoln than about any other American. (read more)

USCIS Abraham Lincoln - Beginning Level

Abraham Lincoln - Beginning Level

Abraham Lincoln lesson plan and handouts for literacy and low beginners covering civics test items 60, 72, 74, 75, and 100.

Download file (594.0 KB)  | 04/16/12

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Learning History at Birmingham's Civil Rights Institute

VOA Learning English Videos: Learning History at Birmingham's Civil Rights Institute

Birmingham, Alabama, was a battleground in the early 1960s during the civil rights movement. The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and others led peaceful protests in support of equal rights for African-Americans. But some protests turned violent when police attacked the demonstrators. Many people were hurt. Thousands were arrested. (read more)

USCIS Benjamin Franklin and the U.S. Constitution - Beginning Level

USCIS: Benjamin Franklin and the U.S. Constitution - Beginning Level

Benjamin Franklin and the U.S. Constitution lesson plan and handouts for literacy and low beginners covering civics test items 1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 14, 65, 66, 67, and 68.

Download file (255.8 KB)  | 04/16/12

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West Wing Week: 5/18/12 or "Reach High and Hope Deeply"

WH.gov: West Wing Week: 5/18/12 or "Reach High and Hope Deeply"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President discussed his plan to help responsible homeowners in Reno, gave the commencement address at Barnard College, honored law enforcement officers, awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for heroism in the Vietnam War, and continued to call on Congress to act on a "To Do List" that will create jobs and help restore middle class security, highlighting the need to invest in small businesses and jumpstart new hiring. That's May 11th to May 17th or "Reach High and Hope Deeply."

Problem with US Citizenpod--FIXED!!!

05/18/2012--US CITIZENPOD HAS BEEN FIXED!  
Thanks Katney, Blogger Top Contributor!

What does it mean when the flag is flown upside down?

05/17/2012--There seems to be a problem with US Citizenpod--not only with the web page design (where's the side bar?), but the links to other pages and resources don't seem to working in the Google browser, but the same links work well in Netscape. The problem has been reported to Blogger and I hope to have an answer soon. Thanks for your patience.

USCIS Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence - Beginning Level

Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence - Beginning Level

Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence lesson plan and handouts for literacy and low beginners covering civics test items 8, 9, 61, 62, 69, 64, 71, 96, 97, 99, 100.

Download file (586.6 KB)  | 04/16/12

Download handouts (564.4 KB) 
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USCIS George Washington - Beginning Level

George Washington - Beginning Level
George Washington lesson plan and handouts for literacy and low beginners covering civics test items 28, 69, 70, 93, 94, 100.

Download file (1.2 MB) | 04/16/12
Download handouts (732.2 KB)
Download answer key (308.2 KB)

The First Lady and Dr. Biden celebrate Mother's Day

wh.gov: The First Lady and Dr. Biden celebrate Mother's Day

Military Mom's and their children celebrate Mother's Day at the White House, where kids were able to prepare gifts to surprise their moms. Also, at the Naval Observatory volunteers gathered to put together care packages for military mothers

Asian-American Vote Could Impact US Election

VOANews: Asian-American Vote Could Impact US Election

Fast growing group could provide key votes in crucial states in the 2012 election.

West Wing Week: 5/10/12 or "Teach Your Parents How to Tweet"

wh.gov: West Wing Week: 5/10/12 or "Teach Your Parents How to Tweet"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President traveled to Virginia and New York to urge Congress not to let interest rates double on student loans and to introduce a to do list for Congress. He also hosted the University of Kentucky Wildcats, the Fermi Science award winners, and this year's Gershwin Award Winners. That's May 4th to May 10th or "Teach Your Parents How to Tweet."

US Lawmakers React to Obama Gay Marriage Comments

VOAVideo: US Lawmakers React to Obama Gay Marriage Comments

Top U.S. lawmakers are weighing in on same-sex marriage - one day after President Obama voiced support for allowing committed homosexual men and lesbians to marry each other. VOA's Michael Bowman reports.

VOAVideo: Americans React to Obama's Same-Sex Marriage Stance

Reaction to President Obama's statement supporting same-sex marriage was swift in the nation's capital. VOA's Michael Bowman reports

ESL Podcast 783 – Different Political Philosophies

ESL Podcast 783 – Different Political Philosophies 
    
Download Podcast Whether you’re a capitalist, a socialist, or a communist, you will love this episode about political philosophies. 

Women in the Navy: Aboard an Aircraft Carrier

USCIS 100: 53. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?

VOA Learning English Video: Women in the Navy: Aboard an Aircraft Carrier

The United States Department of Defense has announced plans to open 14,000 more military positions to women.

USCIS 100: 53. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?

▪ give up loyalty to other countries
▪ defend the Constitution and laws of the United States
▪ obey the laws of the United States
▪ serve in the U.S. military (if needed)
▪ serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed)
▪ be loyal to the United States

West Wing Week: 5/4/12 or "Out of Many, We are One."

West Wing Week: 5/4/12 or "Out of Many, We are One."

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President traveled to Afghanistan to sign a historic Strategic Partnership Agreement, visit with our troops and address the American people about responsibly ending the war. The President also traveled to Fort Stewart to sign an Executive Order to protect service members and their families from deceptive marketing practices, spoke at the annual White House Correspondents Dinner, welcomed the Prime Minister of Japan, and spoke at the Building and Construction Trades conference.

Obama, Romney Look to November Showdown

VOAVideo: Obama, Romney Look to November Showdown

President Barack Obama's surprise trip to Afghanistan on the first anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden is the latest indication that foreign policy and national security issues will matter this election year, even if most political analysts predict that the economy will be the central issue in the U.S. presidential campaign. VOA National correspondent Jim Malone has more from Washington

A New Way to Tour the White House

wh.gov: A New Way to Tour the White House

In their continuing effort to make the White House more accessible, President Obama and the First Lady have teamed up with the Google Art Project. People all over the world can now take a 360-degree tour of the White House's public rooms. The White House is the only building in the world that is simultaneously the home of a head of state, the executive office of a head of state, and is regularly open to the public for tours. Take a look inside the White House at http://www.googleartproject.com/collection/the-white-house/museumview/

USCIS Tarjetas de Educación Cívica para Examen de Naturalización

Civics Flash Cards (Spanish version)

Easy-to-use downloadable flash cards containing each of the 100 civics (history and government) questions and answers on the naturalization test in Spanish.

Download file (3.7 MB)