October 30

 “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

 Martin Luther King Jr

October 16, 2011

 “Ours is the only country deliberately founded on a good idea.”

John Gunther

October 9

 “The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness, you have to catch it yourself.”

 Franklin, Benjamin

October 2

 “Don’t expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong.”

Calvin Coolidge

September 25

 “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” ~Abraham Lincoln

September 18

“National honor is national property of the highest value.”          ~James  Monroe, first inaugural address, 4 March 1817

September 11

 “Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I’m not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be.”  John Wayne

 

 

 

 

 

September 25

 “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” ~Abraham Lincoln

 

September 18

“National honor is national property of the highest value.”          ~James  Monroe, first inaugural address, 4 March 1817

September 11

 “Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I’m not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be.”  John Wayne

August 21

“Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting to have lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!”

Benjamin Franklin

August 14

 “Don’t expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong.”

                                                                                        Calvin Coolidge

 

August 7

“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” John Quincy Adams

 

July 31

 The Four chaplains It was the evening of Feb. 2, 1943, and the U.S.A.T. Dorchester was crowded to capacity, carrying 902 service men, merchant seamen and civilian workers. On board were four Army chaplains: Lt. George L. Fox, Methodist; Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Jewish; Lt. John P. Washington, Roman Catholic; and Lt. Clark V. Poling, Dutch Reformed. The Dorchester was torpedoed by a Nazi submarine and quickly began to sink. Panic and chaos filled the air, but these four brave men circulated among the frightened passengers calming them and offering spiritual strength to all they could reach. As the waters began to lap the deck, knowing they would soon be trapped and drowned these four American patriots took off their life jackets and gave them to others so they could be saved. When last seen the four had locked their arms together to face their death, a death they willingly choose so others would not have to. The Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart were awarded posthumously December 19, 1944, to the next of kin by Lt. Gen. Brehon B. Somervell, Commanding General of the Army Service Forces, in a ceremony at the post chapel at Fort Myer, VA. A one-time only posthumous Special Medal for Heroism was authorized by Congress and awarded by the President Eisenhower on January 18, 1961.

July 24

What is the essence of America? Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom “to” and freedom “from.” — Marilyn vos Savant, Parade (Ask Marilyn): July 17, 2005

July 17

Paul Bates, War Commander

Paul L. Bates, was the white colonel who commanded the first black tank battalion to enter combat in World War II.

In January 1943, about two years after he joined the Army,  Bates took command of the 761st Tank Battalion, all of whose enlisted men were black.

The 761st entered combat in November 1944 as part of Gen. George Patton’s Third Army and fought for 183 consecutive days without relief.

When the unit completed training in rigidly segregated boot camps in Louisiana and Texas, Bates refused a promotion to full colonel (to which he was eventually promoted) becuase it would have required him to be separated him from what he regarded as one of the best tank battalions in the Army. While in Texas, Col. Bates refused to court-martial a black officer who had refused to move to the rear of a bus at Fort Hood.

The officer was Jackie Robinson, who was subsequently court-martialed but not convicted and left the 761st before it went overseas.

Praising Mr. Bates for his fairness and good judgment, Robinson, who would break the color line in major league baseball, recounted the incident in his autobiography.

July 10

A Gunpowder Story

By John Esten Cooke
(Adapted)

In the autumn of 1777 the English decided to attack Fort Henry, at Wheeling, in northwestern Virginia. This was an important border fort named in honor of Patrick Henry, and around which had grown up a small village of about twenty-five log houses.

A band of Indians, under the leadership of one Simon Girty, was supplied by the English with muskets and ammunition, and sent against the fort. This Girty was a white man, who, when a boy, had been captured by Indians, and brought up by them. He had joined their tribes, and was a ferocious and bloodthirsty leader of savage bands.

When the settlers at Wheeling heard that Simon Girty and his Indians were advancing on the town, they left their homes and hastened into the fort. Scarcely had they done so when the savages made their appearance.

The defenders of the fort knew that a desperate fight must now take place, and there seemed little probability that they would be able to hold out against their assailants. They had only forty two fighting men, including old men and boys, while the Indian force numbered about five hundred.

What was worse they had but a small amount of gunpowder. A keg containing the main supply had been left by accident in one of the village houses. This misfortune, as you will soon see, brought about the brave action of a young girl.

After several encounters with the savages, which took place in the village, the defenders withdrew to the fort. Then a number of Indians advanced with loud yells, firing as they came. The fire was returned by the defenders, each of whom had picked out his man, and taken deadly aim. Most of the attacking party were killed, and the whole body of Indians fell back into the near-by woods, and there awaited a more favorable opportunity to renew hostilities.

The men in the fort now discovered, to their great dismay, that their gunpowder was nearly gone. What was to be done? Unless they could get another supply, they would not be able to hold the fort, and they and their women and children would either be massacred or carried into captivity.

Colonel Shepherd, who was in command, explained to the settlers exactly how matters stood. He also told them of the forgotten keg of powder which was in a house standing about sixty yards from the gate of the fort.

It was plain to all that if any man should attempt to procure the keg, he would almost surely be shot by the lurking Indians. In spite of this three or four young men volunteered to go on the dangerous mission.

Colonel Shepherd replied that he could not spare three or four strong men, as there were already too few for the defense. Only one man should make the attempt and they might decide who was to go. This caused a dispute.

Just then a young girl stepped forward and said that SHE was ready to go. Her name was Elizabeth Zane, and she had just returned from a boarding school in Philadelphia. This made her brave offer all the more remarkable, since she had not been bred up to the fearless life of the border.

At first the men would not hear of her running such a risk. She was told that it meant certain death. But she urged that they could not spare a man from the defense, and that the loss of one girl would not be an important matter. So after some discussion the settlers agreed that she should go for the powder.

The house, as has already been stated, stood about sixty yards from the fort, and Elizabeth hoped to run thither and bring back the powder in a few minutes. The gate was opened, and she passed through, running like a deer.

A few straggling Indians were dodging about the log houses of the town – they saw the fleeing girl, but for some reason they did not fire upon her. They may have supposed that she was returning to her home to rescue her clothes. Possibly they thought it a waste of good ammunition to fire at a woman, when they were so sure of taking the fort before long. So they looked on quietly while, with flying skirts, Elizabeth ran across the open, and entered the house.

She found the keg of powder, which was not large. She lifted it with both arms, and, holding the precious burden close to her breast, she darted out of the house and ran in the direction of the fort.

When the Indians saw what she was carrying they uttered fierce yells and fired. The bullets fell like hail about her, but not one so much as touched her garments. With the keg hugged to her bosom, she ran on, and reached the fort in safety. The gate closed upon her just as the bullets of the Indians buried themselves in its thick panels.

The rescued gunpowder enabled the little garrison to hold out until help arrived from the other settlements near Wheeling. And Girty, seeing that there were no further hopes of taking Fort Henry, withdrew his band.

Thus a weak but brave girl was the means of saving strong men with their wives and children. It was a heroic act, and Americans should never forget to honor the name of Elizabeth Zane.

July 3

With these 1,338 words we Americans changed the world forever. No longer would we live under an elected ruler and no longer would we be taxed without a say in our government.

The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies
Action of Second Continental Congress, July 4, 1776  

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. –That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. –Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world. He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only. He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people. He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within. He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands. He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers. He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance. He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures. He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power. He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation: For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us: For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States: For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world: For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury: For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences: For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies: For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments: For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation. He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands. He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions. In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends. We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.  

The signers of the Declaration:
New Hampshire – Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton
Massachusetts – John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island – Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery
Connecticut – Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott
New York – William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris
New Jersey – Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark
Pennsylvania – Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross
Delaware – Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean
Maryland – Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia – George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton
North Carolina – William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn
South Carolina – Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton
Georgia – Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

June 26

Ted Williams, Navy pilot, baseball hall of famer

 

After hitting .406 in 1941 Williams hit for a season average of .406. decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy and entered active duty in November 1942. In that same year he won the first of two Triple Crowns (in which a player has the best batting average, most home runs, and most runs batted in [RBIs] during a single season).

Williams missed the baseball seasons of 1943–45 training and serving as a Navy flyer, but he saw no combat. Upon his return to baseball in 1946 he had lost none of his skill, hitting .342 in 1946 and in 1947 winning his second Triple Crown. In 1952 he was once again called up for military service, and for most of the ’52 and ’53 seasons he served as a pilot during the Korean War, this time in combat. (He batted .400 and .407 respectively for these years, but because he played only 43 games the records are not for complete seasons and therefore are not counted.)

Williams hit a career total of 521 home runs, even though he lost five prime years of his career to military service. He won the American League batting title in 1958 (at age 40) with a .328 average, the oldest player ever to do so. Concerning his abilities as a hitter, Williams once said, “A man has to have goals—for a day, for a lifetime—and that was mine, to have people say, ‘There goes Ted Williams, the greatest hitter who ever lived.’” In 1960 he announced that he would retire at the end of the year. During the final home game of the season he hit a home run in his last at bat. Williams was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1966.

The above was taken from http://www.history.com/topics/ted-williams

June19 

Why The American Flag Is Folded 13 Times

 

Have you ever wondered why the flag of the United States of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran? Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means to you.

The ‘first fold’ of our flag is a symbol of life.

The ‘second fold’ is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. The ‘third fold’ is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The ‘fourth fold’ represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The ‘fifth fold’ is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

The ‘sixth fold’ is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The ‘seventh fold’ is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The ‘eighth fold’ is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

The ‘ninth fold’ is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The ‘tenth fold’ is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The ‘eleventh fold’, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The ‘twelfth fold’, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust”.

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

The next time you see a flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in our civilian services such as the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our flag and our Country

June 12

 Horace Mann

  (May 4, 1796 – August 2, 1859) was an educator and politician who is credited with having founded the system of universal public education we use today by establishing what were called “Normal Schools.” Normal schools trained teachers and are the forerunner of Teacher’s colleges.

 June 5

HOFFMAN, CHARLES F. Army Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, 49th Company, 5th Regiment, 2d Division, (Name changed to Ernest August Janson, see p. 444. ) Place and date: Near Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June 1918. Entered service at: Brooklyn,  N.Y. Born. 17 August 1878, New York, N.Y. G.O. No.: 34, W.D., 1919. (Also received Navy Medal of Honor) Citation: Immediately after the company to which he belonged had reached its objective on Hill 142, several hostile counterattacks were launched against the line before the new position had been consolidated. G/Sgt. Hoffman was attempting to organize a position on the north slope of the hill when he saw 12 of the enemy, armed with 5 light machineguns, crawling toward his group. Giving the alarm, he rushed the hostile detachment, bayoneted the 2 leaders, and forced the others to flee, abandoning their guns. His quick action, initiative, and courage drove the enemy from a position from which they could have swept the hill with machinegun fire and forced the withdrawal of our troops.

http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/worldwari.html

May 29

The history of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women’s groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, “Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping” by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication “To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead” (Source: Duke University’s Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860′s tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

 Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 – 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis’ birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.

May 22

Maria Mitchell

Maria Mitchell (August 1, 1818 – June 28, 1889) was an American astronomer, who in 1847, by using a telescope, discovered a comet which as a result became known as the “Miss Mitchell’s Comet”. She won a gold medal prize for her discovery which was presented to her by King Frederick VII of Denmark. Mitchell was the first American woman to work as a professional astronomer.

May 15

William Tecumseh Sherman

(February 8, 1820 – February 14, 1891) was an American soldier businessman, educator and author. He served as a General in the Union Army during the American Civil War (1861–65), for which he received recognition for his outstanding command of military strategy as well as criticism for the harshness of the “scorched earth” policies that he implemented in conducting total war against the  Confederate States Military historian B.H. Liddell Hart famously declared that Sherman was “the first modern general.”

Sherman served under General Ulysses S. Grant in 1862 and 1863 during the campaigns that led to the fall of the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg on the Mississippi and culminated with the routing of the Confederate armies in the state of Tennessee. In 1864, Sherman succeeded Grant as the Union commander in the western theater of the war. He proceeded to lead his troops to the capture of the city of Atlanta, a military success that contributed to the re-election of President Abraham Lincoln. Sherman’s subsequent march through Georgia and the Carolinas further undermined the Confederacy’s ability to continue fighting. He accepted the surrender of all the Confederate armies in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida in April 1865.

When Grant assumed the U.S. presidency in 1869, Sherman succeeded him as Commanding General of the Army (1869–83). As such, he was responsible for the U.S. Army conduct in the Indian Wars over the next 15 years, in the western United States. He steadfastly refused to be drawn into politics and in 1875 published his Memoirs, one of the best-known firsthand accounts of the Civil War.

 

 

May 9

  Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Augustus Saint-Gaudens (March 1, 1848 – August 3, 1907) was the Irish-born American sculptor of the Beaux-Arts generation who most embodied the ideals of the “American Renaissance“. Raised in New York City, he traveled to Europe for further training and artistic study, and then returned to major critical success in the design of monuments commemorating heroes of the American Civil War, many of which still stand. In addition to his famous works such as the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial on Boston Common and the outstanding grand equestrian monuments to Civil War generals John A. Logan, atop a tumulus in Chicago, 1894–97, and William Tecumseh Sherman, at the corner of New York’s Central Park, 1892–1903, Saint-Gaudens also maintained an interest in numismatics and designed the $20 “double eagle” gold piece, for the US Mint in 1905–1907, still considered the most beautiful American coin ever issued^[1] as well as the $10 “Indian Head” gold eagle, both of which were minted from 1907 until 1933.

May 1

Washington Irving

 

(April 3, 1783 – November 28, 1859):  American author, essayist, biographer and historian of the early 19th century. He was best known for his short stories “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle“, both of which appear in his book The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. His historical works include biographies of George Washington, Oliver Goldsmith and Muhammad, and several histories of 15th-century Spain dealing with subjects such as Christopher Columbus, the Moors, and the Alhambra. Irving also served as the U.S. minister to Spain from 1842 to 1846.

He made his literary debut in 1802 with a series of observational letters to the Morning Chronicle, written under the pseudonym Jonathan Oldstyle. After moving to England for the family business in 1815, he achieved international fame with the publication of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. in 1819. He continued to publish regularly—and almost always successfully—throughout his life, and completed a five-volume biography of George Washington just eight months before his death, at age 76, in Tarrytown, New York.

Irving, along with James Fenimore Cooper, was among the first American writers to earn acclaim in Europe, and Irving encouraged American authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Edgar Allan Poe. Irving was also admired by some European writers, including Sir Walter Scott, Lord Byron, Thomas Campbell, Francis Jeffrey, and Charles Dickens. As America’s first genuine internationally best-selling author, Irving advocated for writing as a legitimate profession, and argued for stronger laws to protect American writers from copyright infringement.

Editor’s note: Irving took the name Ichabod Crane which he used as the name of one of his “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” character, from the real Ichabod Crane withwhom he served during the War of 1812. Crane is buried on Staten Island part of New York City.   

April 24

David Farragut Civil War naval hero

David Glasgow Farragut (July 5, 1801 – August 14, 1870) was a flag officer of the United States Navy during the American Civil War. He was the first rear admiral, vice admiral, and admiral in the United States Navy.^[1][2] He is remembered in popular culture for his order at the Battle of Mobile Bay, usually paraphrased: “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” by U.S. Navy tradition.^[1][3]

 Farragut was born in 1801 to Elizabeth Shine (b. 1765 – d. 1808), of North Carolina Scots-Irish descent, and her husband George Farragut, a native of Minorca Spain, at Lowe’s Ferry on the Holston (now Tennessee) River. It was a few miles southeast of Campbell’s Station, near Knoxville, Tennessee.^[4] His father operated the ferry and also served as a cavalry officer in the Tennessee militia.^[2] Born Jorge Farragut, his father became a Spanish merchant captain from Minorca, son of Antoni Farragut and Joana Mesquida. He had joined the American Revolutionary cause after arriving in America in 1766, when he changed his first name to George.^[4] The Farraguts moved west to Tennessee after George finished serving in the American Revolution.

David’s birth name was James. After his mother’s death, he agreed to living with and being adopted in 1808 by David Porter, a naval officer whose father had been friends with his father. In 1812 James adopted the name David in honor of his adoptive father, with whom he went to sea late in 1810. David Farragut grew up in a naval family, as the adoptive brother of future Civil War admiral David Dixon Porter and commodore William D. Porter).

April 17

Daniel Webster

 Daniel Webster (January 18, 1782 – October 24, 1852) was a leading American statesman and senator during the nation’s Antebellum Period. He first rose to regional prominence through his defense of New England shipping interests. Webster’s increasingly nationalistic views and the effectiveness with which he articulated them led him to become one of the most famous orators and influential Whig leaders of the Second Party System. As a leader of the Whig Party, he was one of the nation’s most prominent conservatives, leading opposition to Democrat Andrew Jackson and the Democratic party. He was a spokesman for modernization, banking and industry. He was an acknowledged elitist.^[2] During his forty years in national politics Webster served in the House of Representatives for ten years (representing New Hampshire), the Senate for nineteen years (representing Massachusetts), and served as the Secretary of State for three presidents.

Daniel Webster was one of the most successful lawyers of the era, appearing in several key Supreme Court cases that established important constitutional precedents that bolstered the authority of the federal government. As Secretary of State, he negotiated the Webster-Ashburton Treaty that established the definitive eastern border between the United States and Canada. Primarily recognized for his Senate tenure, Webster was a key figure in the institution’s “Golden days”. So well-known was his skill as a Senator throughout this period that Webster became the northern member of a trio known as the “Great Triumvirate“, with his colleagues Henry Clay from the west and John C. Calhoun from the south. His “Reply to Hayne” in 1830 was generally regarded as “the most eloquent speech ever delivered in Congress.” ^[3]

As with his fellow Whig Henry Clay, Webster’s desire to see the Union preserved and civil war averted led him to search out compromises designed to stave off the sectionalism that threatened war between the Northern States and those of the South. Webster tried and failed three times to become President of the United States. In 1957, a Senate Committee selected Webster as one of the five greatest U.S. Senators, along with Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, Robert La Follette, and Robert Taft

 

April 10

The Boston Tea Party

By John Andrews
(Adapted)
From a letter written to a friend in 1773

On November 29, 1773, there arrived in Boston Harbor a ship carrying an hundred and odd chests of the detested tea. The people in the country roundabout, as well as the town’s folk, were unanimous against allowing the landing of it – but the agents in charge of the consignment persisted in their refusal to take the tea back to London. The town bells were rung, for a general muster of the citizens. Handbills were stuck up calling on “Friends! Citizens! Countrymen!”

Mr. Rotch, the owner of the ship, found himself exposed not only to the loss of his ship, but to the loss of the money value of the tea itself, if he should attempt to send her back without clearance papers from the custom house – for the admiral kept a vessel in readiness to seize any ship which might leave without those papers. Therefore, Mr. Rotch declared that his ship should not carry back the tea without either the proper clearance or the promise of full indemnity for any losses he might incur.

Matters continued thus for some days, when a general muster was called of the people of Boston and of all the neighboring towns. They met, to the number of five or six thousand, at ten o’clock in the morning, in the Old South Meeting House – where they passed a unanimous vote THAT THE TEA SHOULD GO OUT OF THE HARBOR THAT AFTERNOON!

A committee, with Mr. Rotch, was sent to the custom house to demand a clearance. This the collector said he could not give without the duties first being paid. Mr. Rotch was then sent to ask for a pass from the governor, who returned answer that “consistent with the rules of government and his duty to the king he could not grant one without they produced a previous clearance from the office.”

By the time Mr. Rotch returned to the Old South Meeting House with this message, the candles were lighted and the house still crowded with people. When the governor’s message was read a prodigious shout was raised, and soon afterward the moderator declared the meeting dissolved. This caused another general shout, outdoors and in, and what with the noise of breaking up the meeting, one might have thought that the inhabitants of the infernal regions had been let loose.

That night there mustered upon Fort Hill about two hundred strange figures, SAID TO BE INDIANS FROM NARRAGANSETT. They were clothed in blankets, with heads muffled, and had copper colored countenances. Each was armed with a hatchet or axe, and a pair of pistols. They spoke a strange, unintelligible jargon.

They proceeded two by two to Griffin’s Wharf, where three tea-ships lay, each with one hundred and fourteen chests of the ill-fated article on board. And before nine o’clock in the evening every chest was knocked into pieces and flung over the sides.

Not the least insult was offered to any one, save one Captain Conner, who had ripped up the linings of his coat and waistcoat, and, watching his opportunity, had filled them with tea. But, being detected, he was handled pretty roughly. They not only stripped him of his clothes, but gave him a coat of mud, with a severe bruising into the bargain. Nothing but their desire not to make a disturbance prevented his being tarred and feathered.

The tea being thrown overboard, all the Indians disappeared in a most marvelous fashion.

The next day, if a stranger had walked through the streets of Boston, and had observed the calm composure of the people, he would hardly have thought that ten thousand pounds sterling of East India Company’s tea had been destroyed the night before.

April 3

General Winfield Scott and the flag

By E. E. Townsend
(Adapted)

One day, as the general was sitting at his table in the office, the messenger announced that a person desired to see him a moment in order to present a gift.

A German was introduced, who said that he was commissioned by a house in New York to present General Scott with a small silk banner. It was very handsome, of the size of a regimental flag, and was made of a single piece of silk stamped with the Stars and Stripes of the proper colors.

The German said that the manufacturers who had sent the banner, wished to express thus the great respect they felt for General Scott, and their sense of his importance to the country in that perilous time.

The general was highly pleased, and, in accepting the gift, assured the donors that the flag should hang in his room wherever he went, and enshroud him when he died.

As soon as the man was gone, the general desired that the stars might be counted to see if ALL the States were represented. They were ALL there.

The flag was then draped between the windows over the couch where the general frequently reclined for rest during the day. It went with him in his berth when he sailed for Europe, after his retirement, and enveloped his coffin when he was interred at West Point.  

 March 27

 William Carney awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor 

Rank and Organization:

Sergeant, Company C, 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry. Place and date: At Fort Wagner, S.C., July 18, 1863. Entered service at: New Bedford, Mass. Birth: Norfolk, Va. Date of issue: May 23, 1900.

Citation:

“When the color sergeant was shot down, this soldier grasped the flag, led the way to the parapet, and planted the colors thereon. When the troops fell back he brought off the flag, under a fierce fire in which he was twice severely wounded.”

The attack on Fort Wagner is depicted in the film Glory. Carney’s face is shown on the monument to Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th on the Boston Common designed by Augustus Saint Gaudens.

The Sgt. Carney Salute—folding of a flag on a staff in a manner to allow immediate unfurling—was developed by California Scoutmaster J.S. Fox at the 1997 Boy Scout National Scout Jamboree after studying the creases and folds of Civil War Regimental Flags.

A New Bedford Mass. Elementary school was named in his honor.

 

March 20

 

Philip Mazzei

 

 

Philip Mazzei (Italian pronunciation: [matˈtsei], but sometimes erroneously cited with the name of Philip Mazzie; December 25, 1730 – March 19, 1816) was an Italian physician and a promoter of liberty. He was a close friend of Thomas Jefferson and acted as an agent to purchase arms for Virginia during the American Revolutionary War. 

 

Philip Mazzei was an Italian physician and a promoter of liberty. He was a close friend of Thomas Jefferson and acted as an agent to purchase arms for Virginia during the American Revolutionary War.

 

Mazzei was born Filippo Mazzei in Poggio a Caiano in Tuscany. He studied medicine in Florence and practiced it in Italy and the Middle East for several years before moving to London in 1755 to take up a mercantile career as an importer. While in London he met the Americans Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Adams of Virginia. They convinced him to undertake his next venture.

 

In 1773 he led a group of Italians who came to Virginia to introduce the cultivation of vineyards, olives, and other Mediterranean fruits. Mazzei became a neighbor and friend of Thomas Jefferson. Mazzei and Jefferson started what became the first commercial vineyard in the Commonwealth of Virginia. They shared an interest in politics and libertarian values, and maintained an active correspondence for the rest of Mazzei’s life. In 1779 Mazzei returned to Italy as a secret agent for the state of Virginia. He purchased and shipped arms to them until 1783.

 

March 13

The Roosevelt Medals of Honor

Theodore Roosevelt once called it “That Infernal Medal of Honor.”

After tremendous bravery and what some would call “the most conspicuous gallantry” as he led his “rough riders” charge on San Juan hill in Cuba in 1898, Roosevelt went on to serve as President of the United States – but it was the Medal of Honor he coveted more.

Roosevelt pressured the Decorations Board who awarded the Medal, and he enlisted powerful advocates in Congress, including the legendary Senator Henry Cabot Lodge to push for his nomination to receive the Medal of Honor.  Some say it was his very insistence that he deserved the Medal that ultimately offended the Secretary of War, who summarily denied Roosevelt the honor.  The President gave up his efforts, and resigned himself to the fact that his cherished pursuit was finished.

But forty six years later, as American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, one Teddy Roosevelt did indeed receive the Medal of Honor – Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.  The president who was himself denied never lived to see America’s highest honor bestowed on his own son.  As President Franklin Roosevelt said that day of Teddy Roosevelt Jr., “His father would have been the proudest.”

Theodore Roosevelt, Sr., statesman, soldier, and president, was awarded the Medal of Honor himself – 82 years after his death  by President Bill Clinton.

March 6

 “God Bless America”

(Irving Berlin, 1918)

Berlin first wrote this song while serving in the U.S. Army in Yaphank, N.Y. He was writing a revue, but decided this song did not fit so he set it aside. With the rise of Hitler, Berlin felt it was time to revive it as a “peace song” in 1938. It was introduced on an Armistice Day broadcast and sung by Kate Smith on her radio show.

“God Bless the U.S.A.”

(Lee Greenwood, 1984)

This song written and performed by country musician Lee Greenwood first appeared on his 1984 album “You’ve Got A Good Love Comin’.” It reached No. 7 on the country charts when it was originally released in April 1984. It was played at the 1984 Republican National Convention. It gained greater prominence during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991. The popularity rose sharply since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

“My Country Tis of Thee”

(Samuel F. Smith, 1832)

This patriotic song also known as “America,” was first performed in public on July 4, 1831. It was published in 1832. The melody is the British national anthem “God Save the Queen,” although Smith took the tune from a German symphony. It served as the national anthem before the adoption of the “Star Spangled Banner.”

February 27

The stories behind two of our favorite patriotic songs

“America the Beautiful”

(Katharine Lee Bates, 1895)

Katharine Lee Bates originally wrote this song as a poem after a trip through the Great Plains and a visit to the top of Pike’s Peak. It was first published in the July 4th edition of the church periodical “The Congregationalist.” The poem was titled “America.” Church organist and choirmaster Samuel A. Ward had composed a hymn. His music and Bates’ poem were combined and first published in 1910 as “America the Beautiful.”

“Battle Hymn of the Republic”

(Julia Ward Howe, 1861)

This American abolitionist hymn was first published in “The Atlantic Monthly” in February 1862. It became popular during the Civil War. The tune was written in 1855 by William Steffe. The first known lyrics were called “Canaan’s Happy Shore” or “Brothers, Will You Meet Me?” Other lyrics emerged during the war changing the song to “John Brown’s Body” – a tune about the famed abolitionist. Howe heard the song and it was suggested she write new lyrics for the soldiers to sing. Thus was born “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

February 6

Niland Brothers – Story Behind ‘Saving Private Ryan’
January 10, 2011

The story of my family revolves around D- Day June 6th, 1944 and our family’s connection with Steven Spielberg’s movie Saving Private Ryan. 

I am Preston Niland. I am called Pete named after my Uncle Preston whom I never met. I work at the University at Buffalo and have a daughter named Briana and my wife Jan.

We are from Tonawanda New York, not Iowa as the movie suggested. Our family’s history of service includes my Grandfather, Michael Niland, who served in The Spanish American war with the Rough Riders. He went up San Juan Hill with Teddy Roosevelt. (Photo right… Mike Niland is top right above, sitting with Teddy Roosevelt, lower left, at San Juan Hill, almost half a century before D-Day.)

In addition, my great Uncle Fred was a WWI hero.

My Grandmother, Augusta Niland, (Nicknamed Gussie) had six children. (Four sons and two daughters) All four boys joined the service and fought in WWII.

I read a letter, at the HBO taping, from my Uncle Bobby to his mom that moved the entire production crew. It revolved around the fact that all her sons would return safely which clearly was not the case. My three uncles were in the invasion of Normandy and my Dad was sent into the China Burma Theater. So, as of June 7th, 1944, all four brothers had been reported killed or missing in action.

All Brothers Reported Lost: 

Edward Niland  (My father Eddie) 

Edward was my father. He was the oldest brother and served as an Army Air Force Sergeant. Two weeks before D-Day he was shot down in a B-25 over Burma. He went MIA on May 20th, 1944. He was serving as a radio operator and gunner on the bomber for the 434th Squadron, 12th Bomb Group.

Although my Grandparents never gave up hope, because of the lack of communication, he was presumed dead. My grandfather had a dream. He dreamed that he saw the plane crash and Eddie walked out of it and said, “I’m OK Dad, I’m coming home.” After that my grandmother always set a place for him at the dinner table, and true to the dream, he returned.

After my Dad was shot down over Burma, he survived, set the mayday signal and wandered through the jungle for about seven days. Eventually he wandered into an unfriendly village that turned him over to the Japanese.  He then spent almost a year of his life beaten, starved and tortured. When he finally escaped/released, he weighed 85lbs. After my Dad escaped and before his rescue, he lay down in a field to rest when he heard Preston’s voice tell him,  “Move! What kind of a soldier are you?” He moved and the area was laid down with machine gun fire.

Robert Niland (Uncle Bobby) 

Bob Niland served as a Motor Sergeant with D Company 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. Bob had also seen combat in Italy before jumping on D-Day. Bobby was killed at Neuville au Plain on June 6th, 1944, north of St. Mere Eglise.

When I was in Hollywood, I met with Jim Kelly, who served as a medic and was with my Uncle when he was killed. They were best of friends. Jim Kelly with tears in his eyes told the story that after their unit moved out Kelly decided to stay with the wounded soldiers. Bob said, “If you’re staying, I’m staying”.

After they ran out of ammo they decided to leave and have the Germans take care of the soldiers. They tried to make it across a hedgerow and Kelly recalled how the Germans shot the heel right off his boot, but Uncle Bob was shot in the head landing on top of Kelly, already dead.

Jim said that he never got over that.

Preston Niland (Uncle Pete) 

Preston was a Lieutenant with the 22nd Infantry Regiment 4th Division and came onshore at Utah Beach.

On June 7, 1944 D + 1 Day he was shot in the head by a sniper inland, northwest of Utah Beach.We know before D-Day he visited briefly with his first cousin, BillyAnna Niland, in Redondo Beach, California before shipping out to take his officer’s training on Christmas Island.

Aside from that no one knows too much more how Uncle Pete died because most of the records at the National Archives and Records Administration located in St. Louis, Mo. were lost in a fire on July 12, 1973. 

The family story indicates that he was going after a wounded soldier.

He is sometimes referred to as the mystery brother.

rederick Niland (Uncle Fritz) 

Fritz served in H Company 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. He jumped into France on June 6, 1944 . . . His plane was hit and the pilot had the paratroopers jump out early of their drop zone. Typical of the miss drops they were scattered all over behind enemy lines. Uncle Fritz landing near Raffoville, southwest of Carentan.

It took him nearly a week to fight his way back to his regiment. With the help of Jean Kapitem, who was a leader in the French Underground, he rejoined his unit in time to assault Hill 30 on June 12th, 1944 near La Billonnerie.

Fritz had been told by his brother’s company Commander that Bob had been killed and was buried in a cemetery near St. Mere Eglise. Fritz sought out the help of Father Francis Sampson, a Chaplain for the 101st Airborne. They drove around most of the day looking for the grave; finally at one cemetery Father Sam told Fritz what he believed was a mistake in identity. That there was no Robert Niland buried there, only a Preston. Fritz said, “That is my brother too”. In this sad way he discovered that his other brother had also been killed. The account is given in Father Sampson’s book, Look Out Below!

In the late summer of 1944 Father Sampson came to see Fritz again before their jump into Holland for Operation Market Garden. He told him that his orders had arrived. The President had ordered him to return to the states as sole surviving son. His jump buddy, John Bacon, told the family that Fritz refused to come home and was ready to be taken back in handcuffs. He wanted to stay and fight. Father Sam told him that he could take it up with General Eisenhower or the President, but he was going home. A day and half later he was gone, en route back to New York. In the 1950’s he told his two daughters (Cate and Mary) to always remember that it took a Presidential Congressional order to get him out of Europe.

Sixty-seven years after the real life tragedy of the Niland Brothers, the dynamics and sadness of their sacrifice has not diminished. Their story and others like them continue to embrace the courage, discipline and love of country that all men and women who serve demonstrate.

January 30

Oliver North

Oliver L. North is a combat decorated marine, a #1 best-selling author, the founder of a small business, an inventor with three U.S. patents, a syndicated columnist, and the host of War Stories on the Fox News Channel. Yet, he claims his most important accomplishment is to be “the husband of one, the father of four and the grandfather of twelve.”

North was born in San Antonio, Texas, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and served 22 years as a U.S. Marine. His awards for service in combat include the silver star, the bronze star for valor and two purple hearts for wounds in combat.

Assigned to the National Security Council Staff in the Reagan administration, Lieutenant Colonel North was the United States government’s counter-terrorism coordinator from 1983-1986. He was involved in planning the rescue of 804 medical students on the Island of Grenada and played a major role in the daring capture of the hijackers of the cruise ship Achille Lauro. After helping plan the U.S. raid on Muammar Qaddafi’s terrorist bases in Libya, North was targeted for assassination by Abu Nidal, the infamous terrorist found dead in Baghdad in August, 2002. President Ronald Reagan described him as “an American hero.”

Since 2001, North has been the host of War Stories — the award-winning military documentary series on Fox News Channel. He has also authored eleven books — all of them New York Times bestsellers. His latest book, American Heroes, based on his extensive coverage of U.S. military units engaged in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Philippines was released in May 2008 and is yet another New York Times Best-Selling Book.

North is a life member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the NRA board of directors. He is also the founder of Freedom Alliance, a foundation that provides college scholarships for the sons and daughters of service members killed in action.

 

January 23

American Patriot Daniel Rodriguez

 

 

Daniel has long supported our men and women in uniform, performing at military functions and visiting with the men and women at Walter Reed and Bethesda military hospitals. 

Daniel has been recognized for his patriotic and humanitarian efforts by those such as the USO who honored him with a Lifetime Achievement award and the DAR Ellen Hardin Walworth Medal for Patriotism,  Rotary international, and others.

Over the past several years Daniel has focused on a personal project called “Songs for the Soldiers,” to supply music to our troops around the world.

Funds to sponsor these CD’s have come from donations, and profits from his “Concerts for the Troops.”

Since their inception these concerts have helped to bring the gift of music to thousands of our service men and women serving their country overseas. 

In Daniel Rodriguez’s own words…

Editor’s Note: Danny Rodriguez is everything this essay says and more. I’m proud to say he comes from my hometown of Staten Island, New York.

January 16

WILLIAMS, HERSHEL WOODROW

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945. Entered service at: West Virginia. Born: 2 October 1923, Quiet Dell, W. Va.

Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as demolition sergeant serving with the 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945. Quick to volunteer his services when our tanks were maneuvering vainly to open a lane for the infantry through the network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines, and black volcanic sands, Cpl. Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machinegun fire from the unyielding positions. Covered only by 4 riflemen, he fought desperately for 4 hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flamethrowers, struggling back, frequently to the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out 1 position after another. On 1 occasion, he daringly mounted a pillbox to insert the nozzle of his flamethrower through the air vent, killing the occupants and silencing the gun; on another he grimly charged enemy riflemen who attempted to stop him with bayonets and destroyed them with a burst of flame from his weapon. His unyielding determination and extraordinary heroism in the face of ruthless enemy resistance were directly instrumental in neutralizing one of the most fanatically defended Japanese strong points encountered by his regiment and aided vitally in enabling his company to reach its objective. Cpl. Williams’ aggressive fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty throughout this fiercely contested action sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. 

January 9

Interesting facts about the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence!

 

Twenty-four were lawyers / jurists. Eleven were merchants.

Nine were farmers and large plantation owners. Five were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. 

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. 

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy.  He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly.  He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding.  His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Rutledge, and Middleton had their properties looted by vandals or soldiers. Thomas Nelson Jr., at the battle of Yorktown, noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. 

 He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire.  The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed.  The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying.  Their 13 children fled for their lives.  His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste.  For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.  A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

January 2

Sgt. Alvin C. York 

Representing the best who served in World War I 

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company G, 328th Infantry, 82d Division. Place and date: Near Chatel-Chehery, France, 8 October 1918.

Medal of Honor Citation

After his platoon had suffered heavy casualties and 3 other noncommissioned officers had become casualties, Cpl. York assumed command.  Fearlessly leading 7 men, he charged with great daring a machinegun nest which was pouring deadly and incessant fire upon his platoon.

In this heroic feat the machinegun nest was taken, together with 4 officers and 128 men and several guns.  (He was subsequently promoted to sergeant.)