America at 250 Fireside Chat - General HR McMaster

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Vertex Partnership Academies has launched the America at 250 Fireside Chat series. Thoughtful and engaging speakers discuss America’s founding principles with Vertex Founder Ian Rowe, and how our students’ embrace of the four cardinal virtues of Courage, Justice, Temperance and Wisdom lead to stronger lives and a stronger nation. In the spirit of democratic discourse, after the Fireside Chat, Vertex students engage in a spirited dialogue and Q&A with our speakers. 

In the inaugural Fireside Chat, General HR McMaster - a highly decorated US Army Lieutenant General who served as the 25th US National Security Advisor - discussed his upbringing in Philadelphia; how America’s founding principles have empowered the country to create more opportunities for people of all backgrounds; the need for courage in the face of fear by developing a “warrior ethos;” and even what it was like to work for President Donald Trump. 

Having earned a Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star during his illustrious 34-year career in the military, this scholar-warrior had much to share with our students about values such as courage, honor, and self-sacrifice.