Famed Author McCullough Meets With Committee Members
Photos courtesy of Robin Taylor

Pullitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough met with representatives of the Operation Protect and Defend steering committee and with judges of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals at a March reception.

The reception, held at the Ninth Circuit's courthouse in San Francisco, gave committee members a chance to describe their program to McCullough. Besides writing the acclaimed biographies, Truman and John Adams, McCullough serves as part of President Bush’s initiative to encourage the teaching of history and civic education.

Rio Americano teacher Sharon Gillum, a member of the teacher advisory committee to Operation Protect and Defend, found McCullough’s enthusiasm for teaching history impressive. "He was passionate, he was eloquent, he was downright insistent that historical education be improved," Gillum said.

U.S. District Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr. said that during the visit McCullough opened his wallet and pulled out a carefully folded copy of the Bill of Rights that he has carried with him for years. “This is a man who is as committed in his private moments about history and the Constitution and he is in his public moments,” Judge Damrell said.

Judge Damrell, McCullough, and Ninth Circuit Chief Judge Mary Schroeder.

U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England, Jr., author David McCullough,
and U.S. District Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr.