Have you noticed the increase of houses being built in your community? Or have you watched some old buildings being torn down? Did you ever think, can it be that our history is being torn down with those buildings? And those wide open spaces, where battles were once fought or where soldiers marched, are now growing houses and shopping malls on them! Should these landmarks be saved? With your help, they can be because...

The Congress of the United States recently directed the National Park Service (NPS) to study Revolutionary War sites and the people who lived in New Jersey, or any of the original 13 colonies, to determine if there should be funding set aside to protect these areas which will be known as National Heritage Areas.

A National Heritage Area serves to protect natural and cultural resources through the efforts of many interested organizations and citizens that share the desire to work together to protect our heritage.

If you successfully promote the celebration of our nation's heritage by completing this challenge set forth by the National Park Service, you may save the disappearing landmarks and history of the American dream for independence. This quest encourages you to make some NOISE! Telling others the story of the American Revolution by completing the missions is the key to your success. Using all your available resources (books, paper and pencil, experts, technology, imagination, each other) will help you tremendously. Your quest will be completed when each mission is finished successfully.

The U.S. Postal Service is also encouraging the youth of today to design a new stamp series of 30-100 stamps promoting the 225th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. You may submit your stamp design to your teacher along with a one-page summary of why your design should be included in the Road for Independence Stamp Series.

The American Revolution continues to have a far-reaching impact around the world, and you are encouraged to explore its causes, issues, and consequences.