Suggested Hymns:
God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand (Hymns 78)
My Country, 'Tis of Thee (Hymns 339)

Read:
D&C 101:76-80

Discuss:
This scripture gives several reasons that God wanted a constitutional government to be established in the United States. Make a list of those reasons.

Point out that the list you've just created represents God's principles for good government. Explain that on Presidents Day we remember some of the "wise men" God raised up to carry out these principles (verse 80). Then discuss the following questions:

• What was George Washington's role in "establish[ing] the Constitution of this land" (verse 80)?
• How did Abraham Lincoln carry out the principle that no one "should be in bondage one to another" (verse 79)?
• What other U.S. presidents would you regard as "wise men" who acted in keeping with the principles from this scripture?

Activity:
On the top of a piece of paper, write the words "We give thanks for..." Then underneath, write the names of the presidents you discussed during this home evening lesson, along with an explanation of what this president did for which you are thankful (for example: "John F. Kennedy, because he helped push forward civil rights").

Post the list of presidents in the room where family prayer is held. As you pray to close this home evening, you might mention each of the presidents on your family's list.