U.S Secretary of Education Linda McMahon paid a visit this morning to Cedar Drive Middle School in Colts Neck, part of her tour to celebrate America's history.

"These are stories that make New Jersey the crossroads of the Revolution, but the Revolution wasn't won by muskets and cannons," said McMahon. "It was won more importantly with ideas. Ideas that were written, debated and defended by some of the best educated men of their times including 5 courageous New Jersey signers of the Declaration of Independence."

This is McMahon's third stop in her 50-state "History Rocks!" tour to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

"History can rock, can be fun and participated in," said McMahon.

The event featured the Colts Neck High School ROTC presentation of colors and the national anthem sung by students.

But the visit caused some controversy in the community as the U.S. Department of Education's initiative partners with some conservative groups, including the late Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA.

"It should not be in a public school. We have a separation of church and state," said Donna from Monmouth County.

"Afraid that we are raising a generation of children who wouldn't even have any critical thinking skills," said another Monmouth County resident.

The superintendent did inform parents, saying in an email the event would be meaningful and nonpartisan.

Some parents opted to keep their kids out of school today to do their own civics lesson from home.