Glenn Beck delivers a powerful warning to graduates: America’s future depends on preserving our true history from those seeking to rewrite it.
At a Glance
- Glenn Beck addressed graduates in PragerU’s commencement speech titled “Saving History: The Case for Clay Pots”
- Beck warned that America’s future isn’t guaranteed if history is allowed to be distorted or erased
- He referenced the Dead Sea Scrolls to illustrate how historical artifacts preserve truth against revisionism
- Beck criticized modern attempts to rewrite American history, including the 1619 Project
- Graduates were urged to become “history keepers” by collecting artifacts and documenting stories
America’s Heritage Under Threat
Conservative commentator Glenn Beck delivered a sobering message to America’s graduates in a recent PragerU commencement address. Rather than offering standard congratulations, Beck presented a stark challenge about the preservation of American history. His speech, titled “Saving History: The Case for Clay Pots,” emphasized that understanding and protecting historical truth is vital for the nation’s future. Beck’s address comes at a time when historical monuments are being removed and traditional narratives questioned across the country, raising concerns among many conservatives about the erasure of American heritage.
“Graduates, congrats on making it here, but I have some tough news. Your future, it’s not guaranteed.”, said Glenn Beck.
Beck’s message resonated with PragerU’s predominantly conservative audience, who shared concerns about modern historical revisionism. He drew a powerful parallel to George Orwell’s dystopian warning about controlling history, suggesting that current attempts to reinterpret America’s founding represent a similar danger. The commentator specifically criticized progressive initiatives like the 1619 Project and the removal of statues of Founding Fathers, characterizing them as deliberate attempts to undermine traditional American values and principles that have guided the nation since its inception.
Lessons from Ancient Preservation
A centerpiece of Beck’s address was the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947, which he used to illustrate the critical importance of preserving historical artifacts. These ancient texts, hidden in clay pots in desert caves, survived for millennia and provided invaluable confirmation of biblical accuracy. Beck drew parallels between the preservation efforts of ancient scribes and today’s need for similar dedication to protecting American historical documents and artifacts. The scrolls demonstrate how physical evidence can validate historical narratives against attempts to reinterpret or dismiss them entirely.
Beck discussed how the Jewish people maintained their faith and identity through centuries of persecution by preserving their sacred texts and traditions. He suggested Americans could learn from this example of cultural persistence. Using the iconic image of George Washington crossing the Delaware River, Beck proposed a hypothetical scenario: if documentation of this pivotal moment in American history were lost, future generations might question whether it happened at all. This illustration underscored his concern that without tangible evidence, even foundational American stories could be dismissed or denied.
A Call to Become History Keepers
Beck revealed his own commitment to historical preservation through the creation of a museum and research library in Dallas, Texas, where he has gathered significant American artifacts. His personal collection includes items from George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and other pivotal figures from American history. By sharing this initiative, Beck demonstrated a practical application of his message—showing graduates that individuals can take meaningful action to safeguard historical truth. His museum serves as both a repository for artifacts and a center for historical education.
“History is not someone else’s job. It’s ours. It’s yours, It’s mine. It’s everybody’s. We have got to preserve it, the highs and the lows, all of it in our own clay pots.”, added Beck.
The address culminated in a direct challenge to graduates to become “history keepers.” Beck encouraged them to collect artifacts, record family stories, and document their own lives. This personal approach to historical preservation makes the task accessible to everyone, regardless of resources or position. Beck emphasized that preserving history isn’t just about famous events or people—it’s also about ordinary lives and experiences that together form the complete American story. By taking up this responsibility, graduates would help ensure that future generations have access to unfiltered historical truth.
