Tag Archives: American History

Jul4

It’s The Fourth

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It’s The Fourth

The first week in July has been a busy one with friends, writers group and book club. But the highlight is definitely the time I spent volunteering with VBS (Vacation Bible School) here in East Wenatchee at Breath of Life Church.

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to spread God’s word to so many kids by engaging them in fun activities that included skits, songs, games, crafts and even snacks. A few years back I wrote a blog post about my wish to have my own granddaughter attend one of these events. It hasn’t happened yet but I still hope that one year she will make it down here from Canada.

Today is the Fourth of July. While many associate this day with barbecues and fireworks, the history behind it is important. This is the day when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress back in 1776. The thirteen American colonies were now officially separated from Great Britain.

Later on today we’ll be going out for dinner and then over to a friend’s to watch the fireworks. I’m certain we’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the display from the deck. And it will be a pleasure to avoid the traffic and congestion at the park below.

Happy Fourth!

Jan18

Martin Luther King Jr.

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Martin Luther King Jr.

Growing up in Canada, we learned a lot about Canadian history and even British history. Living in Manitoba, we also learned about our province’s history. We even studied European history in high school. But the history of our neighbor directly to the south was seriously lacking. I’ve chosen to fill in the blanks by doing my own research.

Monday January 20, 2025 is the third Monday in January and is synonymous with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This day has been observed for the last 39 years.

King was an American Baptist minister who was active in the civil rights movement from the mid-fifties up until his assassination in 1968. He is famous for his “I Have A Dream” speech in 1963 during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. He advocated for equal rights and an end to racism. He was instrumental in bringing about the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

King traveled millions of miles throughout the USA and delivered more than 2500 speeches. He also wrote five books. His goal was to make all Americans aware of the racial, civil and economic inequality occurring in the USA. He was dedicated to his work and inspired many people to support the Poor People’s Campaign.

Whether you are mourning or celebrating the inauguration of Donald Trump, on January 20th this year it is equally important to remember and honor Martin Luther King Jr. on this day.

Jul17

Where Were You?

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Where Were You?

Where were you on Saturday when all hell broke loose at a rally in Butler?

We were out at Lake Chelan, sitting by the water. It was peaceful and the shade was a welcome respite from the stifling heat. We watched boaters out on the water. We saw swimmers on the beach. It was a very relaxing time before joining the steady stream of traffic headed back to Wenatchee.

At home the TV news was shocking. Wild speculations about this moment in history were voiced on social media. Whether this was a legitimate assassination attempt or a well orchestrated publicity stunt gone wrong on the part of Trump’s team, the fact remains that one spectator is dead and two others were injured and hospitalized.

Such a traumatic event has no place in our society. It is despicable. When innocent bystanders become victims, doubts about our own safety haunt us. Whether we viewed this horrific event in person, live on screen or on the numerous replays, our lives have been impacted in some way.

Growing up in Canada, I always marveled at how much more colorful American history was compared with Canadian history. But it’s getting far too colorful for me.

May27

Memorial Day

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Memorial Day

In the USA, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May in remembrance of those who lost their lives while in the U.S. Military. Quite frankly, I expected people to swarm the cemeteries but that just doesn’t seem to be the case. Most people don’t work and it’s a popular day for barbecues and parades. I decided that it’s time to learn more about the history of Memorial Day.

The first public ceremony held to honor soldiers killed in battle was back in 431 B.C. This took place in Greece after the Peloponnesian War.

One of the first Memorial Day events held in the USA was back in 1865 in Charleston, South Carolina. The Civil War was over and newly freed slaves had good reason to celebrate.

The original name was Decoration Day as soldiers’ graves were decorated with American flags and flowers. Those honored were soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.

Union General John A. Logan called for May 30, 1868 to be an official day of remembrance. It didn’t signify the date of any particular battle but was to honor those who died in all wars.

In 1950 Congress passed a resolution asking the President to issue a proclamation that Americans should observe Memorial Day as a day for prayer of permanent peace.

In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May and provided a three day weekend for federal employees. However it did not become an official federal holiday until 1971.

In 2000 President Bill Clinton signed the National Moment of Remembrance Act. At 3 pm on Memorial Day Americans were asked to observe a moment of silence.

Flags are displayed at half-staff until noon. The flag is then raised to full-staff.

Another tradition is that the President place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a site honoring all who died fighting for their country. The President also delivers a speech.

That’s today’s American History lesson.

Have A Great Sunday!