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VE "Victory Over Europe" Day
VE "Victory Over Europe" Day marks the formal acceptance by the Allied Forces of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender.Prior to the surrender of the German Nazi forces, Adolf Hitler and his new bride (and longtime mistress), Eva Braun, committed suicide, which left the Nazi's under the control of General Karl Dönitz. Dönitz negotiated for surrender in hopes that the Allies would prove more lenient than their Soviet adversaries and their leader, Josef Stalin. Unfortunately for Dön
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May 07, 2023
3 COVID Safe Ways to Honor our Heroes
With reports of wildfires burning across the United States and Firefighters being called to action, we are reminded of the risks these heroes take every day to keep our communities safe. The first weekend of October recognizes National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day Weekend, a national tribute to honor all firefighters who died in the line of duty. In these unprecedented times, some of us are not able to show our solidarity by gathering in large groups. Here are 3 ways you can show your sup
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Oct 03, 2020
The History of the Pledge of Allegiance
The History of the Pledge of Allegiance Before today's version, there was a version that was
created by Captain George T. Balch, a veteran of the Civil War and teacher of
patriotism in New York City schools. Balch’s version, “We give our heads and
hearts to God and our country; one country; one language; one flag!” was embraced
by many schools, DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), and GAR (Grand
Army of the Republic). This version was used until 1923 when the National Flag
Conferenc
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Dec 22, 2019
U.S. Coast Guard: Protecting America Since 1790
Coast Guard Day is celebrated on August 4th to commemorate the founding of this branch of the service back in 1790. The Coast Guard is one of the oldest organizations in the federal government and has played a vital role in the safety and security of the United States for over 225 years.History of the Coast GuardOn August 4, 1790, the first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, officially created the Revenue Cutter Service. It’s original role was to enforce federal tariff and trade laws
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Aug 02, 2019
Three Interesting Facts About America’s First Independence Day
Every July 4th, we celebrate the birth of our nation. It was on July 4, 1776 that the Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence. That moment thirteen disparate colonies came together to reject being ruled by a tyrannical monarch and to begin the process of creating a revolutionary form of government.Even if you know the basics of the first Independence Day, here are a few facts that may surprise you.Who Else Contributed to the Writing of the Declaration o
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Jun 17, 2019
What is National Airborne Day?
What is National Airborne Day?August 16th is National Airborne Day. President George W. Bush designated the first Airborne Day in 2001 as a way to pay tribute to the airborne troops of the U.S. military. Airborne troops are also sometimes referred to as “jump troops” or “parachute troops”.History of U.S. Airborne TroopsDuring the early days of World War II, the Allies were looking for any advantage they could get against the rapidly advancing Axis forces in Asia and Europe. Even though the Unite
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Aug 16, 2018
Honoring the U.S. Air Force on Air Force Day
In 1947, President Truman declared August 1st to be Air Force Day. This declaration came at a critical point in the history of the U.S. Air Force, as U.S. air power had been critical to the Allies’ victory in World War II. However, the Air Force was not yet an independent branch of the armed services. It was still technically part of the U.S. Army.President Truman’s support of the Air Force would lead it to becoming an independent branch of the military on September 18, 1947.Origin of the U.S. A
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Jul 23, 2018
Celebrate U.S. Army Chaplain Corp on July 29th
July 29th is the anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. The Chaplain Corps has been an important part of the military since the beginning of the country and continues to fill a vital role as spiritual advisors within the armed forces.Primary Duties of a ChaplainChaplains are charged with seeing after the spiritual welfare of the soldiers in the military. Chaplains are non-combat personnel, like medics. U.S. Army chaplains are not allowed to be armed in combat. Chaplains con
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Jul 11, 2018
The Story of Flag Day in the USA
The
very first recognition of the Flag Day celebration started in 1777, less than
one year after Betsy Ross received the order from General Washington to make
the first flag. The Second Continental Congress stated, “Resolved, that the
flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that
the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new
Constellation.” The first national observance of the holiday was 100 years
later.Flag
Day was officially esta
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Jun 13, 2017