When you walk in your gowns at graduation, think of the heroes of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment.

Think of their sense of pride and their strong sense of loyalty to each other and their country. 

The 54th fought the injustices of slavery through strength and persistence.

Their leader, Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, led them as equals and as in life, lies beside his men of the 54th, in death.

We began this year learning about modern and historical models of civic virtue.

We ended the year learning about the bravery and resilience of the 54th Massachusetts, an all black regiment. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw led his black regiment when it was unpopular. Despite discrimination like lower pay, risks like executions, he stood by them and truly led by example.

Shaw and the men of the 54th made sacrifices to benefit the common good.

Think back to the characters we discussed in class-Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, Trip, Sergeant Major John Rollins, Jupiter Sharts, Thomas Serles, Major Cabot Forbes, etc. 

How did their actions inspire you? 

• Who was your favorite character?
• What character traits did they exemplify?
• Which scene in the movie was the most powerful? Explain.
• Which character experienced an epiphany? How did that change their perspective?  
• Which characters/events represented obstacles for the 54th?