It has been called “the nation’s memory.” It preserves and makes available for research historically valuable records of the federal government. Three billion documents, beginning with papers of the Continental Congress, are entrusted to its care. Such is the National Archives – a half-century old this month – headquartered in an imposing neo-classical style building… Continue reading Fascinating Tale of Archives
Category: History
Flag Day, a Time to RecaII Creed
The annual 21-day “Honor America” period decreed by Congress between Flag Day and the Fourth of July is a good time to brush up on our historic documents, symbols and traditions. For starters, why not get better acquainted with “The American’s Creed”? The Creed’s significance isn’t in the class of the Constitution. Declaration of Independence or… Continue reading Flag Day, a Time to RecaII Creed
Flag Day Support High in Area
Regrettably we will never know what colonial patriot stood before the Continental Congress June 14, 1777, and moved for adoption of a resolution: “that the flag of the 13 United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field…” Approval of the measure 207 years ago… Continue reading Flag Day Support High in Area
Remembering Heroes of D-Day
Let’s take a few minutes this week to reflect on D-Day. It was just 40 years ago on Wednesday – June 6, 1944 – that the great Allied invasion of the French Normandy coast took place, a vital step toward ending World War II the next year. This “greatest amphibious assault of all time” pierced… Continue reading Remembering Heroes of D-Day
Drop George? Time to Protest
How will the public – and Congress in an election year respond to the United States Postal Service’s decision to interrupt a 142-year tradition by displacing George Washington’s picture from postage stamps? Philatelic portraits of the Father of the Country have appeared on 19 stamps in an unbroken succession since the first postage stamp was issued… Continue reading Drop George? Time to Protest
Harry Truman Centennial May 8
It’s time to dust off our memories of Harry S Truman, the 33rd president. The centennial of Truman’s birth is May 8. By proclamation. President Reagan has called on Americans to reflect on the Missouri Democrat’s accomplishments and his “dedication to freedom and democracy.” If you were among the thousands who heard either of Truman’s… Continue reading Harry Truman Centennial May 8
Remembering Henry’s Oratory
It was March 23, 1775 – 209 years ago this week – that Patrick Henry, one of oratory’s all-time heavy hitters, gave the blazing speech that made his name immortal. There was tension in the air as great men of Virginia gathered in the little St. John’s Church at Richmond for the colony’s second revolutionary convention.… Continue reading Remembering Henry’s Oratory
Cleveland, Only ‘Split’ President
Grover Cleveland, who was born 147 years ago on March 18, holds two unique distinctions among American presidents: He was the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms (1885-89 and 1893-97) and the only president married in the White House. Cleveland, previously mayor of Buffalo and governor of New York, was elected the 22nd president in… Continue reading Cleveland, Only ‘Split’ President
Recalling Lincoln’s Pithy Sayings
It has been 175 years since Abraham Lincoln was born in a Kentucky cabin, Feb. 12, 1809. Indeed nearly 119 years have passed since his years as America’s 16th president were abruptly ended by the tragic assassination at Ford’s Theatre. But Lincoln’s imprint still lingers in the legacy of his resolve and leadership to reunify… Continue reading Recalling Lincoln’s Pithy Sayings
Quiz on Presidents Of United States
Any quiz on American presidents surely would carry the question: Which president was the oldest upon assuming office? The answer, of course, is Ronald Reagan, inaugurated Jan 20, 1981 at 69. He turns 73 today Feb. 6. Now that he’s officially a candidate for re-election, Reagan has a chance at stretching the age distinction by four years. Before Reagan became… Continue reading Quiz on Presidents Of United States