October 23, 2008 at the annual Dialogue for Democracy meeting Study Grouper, John Kesler, was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in the area of civic education. It took Senator Margaret Dayton a long time to read John's extensive resume. In his acceptance speech he talked about a small pocketbook copy of the United States constitution that originally belonged to his great-grandfather, Joseph F. Smith. John has carried this small volume in his suit pocket with him every day for over 30 years. This daily action exemplifies how John has made that document part of his life and his desire to share the lofty tenets and inspired ideals contained therein with others. I know that John has been instrumental in bringing the 3R's (Respect, Rights and Responsibility) into many public school classrooms in Utah. Among many other civic ideals, the 3R's also promotes the teaching of various religious philosophies in schools and teaching respect for adherents of different philosophies because religious beliefs reflect the deeply held convictions of men. Those convictions have and continue to effect the history of our country and our earth. While religion cannot be proselyted in school, the understanding of different religious philosophy is an intellectual key to developing a knowledge of the peoples of our world.
John, we salute you. We are so proud
of your years of hard work and want
you to know of our support and
admiration of your endeavors.
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