The Institute for Advancing American Values sponsors and presents Boise State University’s Distinguished Lecture Series. Twice a year, the Series brings eminent speakers to Boise State from the realm of politics, academics, and humanitarian activism to promote the discussion of important issues.

Wilfred McClay, the Victor Davis Hanson Chair in Classical History and Western Civilization at Hillsdale College will speak on “How to think about America’s 250th birthday.” The weight of our imperfect history lies heavy upon us. Remembrance is necessary, but so, too, is forgiveness. We cannot live without both, and they cannot exist for long apart from each other. Our future as a nation, as a people, depends on our learning to do both things, our learning to remember rightly. And in doing so, to celebrate what is exceptional in our national past.