Human history is filled with stories about bravery, brotherhood, and the power of friendship. There are many instances throughout the existence of our species which exemplify these traits and inspire us to be better than we are. This is one of those tales, which despite not having the happiest of endings, speaks to the importanceContinue reading “Heroes From History: Jesse Brown and Thomas Hudner”
Category Archives: History and Origins
History of Decoration Day (Memorial Day)
Memorial Day is a national holiday in the United States of America. It was originally known as Decoration Day until the First World War. While many States claim to have been the first to commemorate the holiday, and the exact year of its founding is disputed, most sources officially recognize the holiday as founded inContinue reading “History of Decoration Day (Memorial Day)”
Heroes From History: Valeria Panlilio
Valeria Panlilio was a spy and guerilla fighter for the Allies during the Second World War. Commonly referred to as “Colonel Yay,” she is considered to have been the brains behind the “Marking Guerillas,” a notorious resistance group in the Philippines which fought against the Japanese occupation during the war. She was born in Denver,Continue reading “Heroes From History: Valeria Panlilio”
Celebrating the Bow: National Archery Day
It’s National Archery Day! The second Saturday of May is recognized as National Archery Day, an obscure holiday meant to celebrate the iconic duo of the bow and arrow. Archery is the application of the bow in combat and recreation across history. An “archer” is an individual armed with and wielding a bow. People canContinue reading “Celebrating the Bow: National Archery Day”
Iconic Weapons: The M1 Garand
Since we looked at two iconic swords from history this month and one firearm, I thought it appropriate to look at another firearm in keeping with his month’s theme. That firearm we will explore today is the famous M1 Garand. Known officially as the “United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1,” the M1 Garand is oneContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: The M1 Garand”
Iconic Weapons: History of the Longsword
The longsword is such a classic and iconic symbol that it is used as a generic model for a sword in numerous different mediums of art and culture. Technically, the distinction between the classic “longsword” design and other types of swords such as the arming sword and “shortsword” may be a matter of blade lenght,Continue reading “Iconic Weapons: History of the Longsword”
Iconic Weapons: Brown Bess
The “Brown Bess” was the common name for the Land Pattern Musket, as well as other flintlock muskets in the same family. It was the weapon of choice of both the British Army and the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and was also prominently used in other significant conflicts such as the TexasContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Brown Bess”
Iconic Weapons: History of the Katana
This month, we will be following the theme of looking at iconic weapons from throughout human history, starting with the katana. This legendry sword design comes from Japan and is renowned as one of the most effective cutting tools ever made. The iconic sword features a curved, single-edged blade with a small guard. The wordContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: History of the Katana”
Thomas Paine’s Unceremonious Ending and Enduring Legacy
Not every hero from history has a glorious end where they are remembered fondly and held up for the contributions they made to history. Sadly, this was the case with Thomas Paine. Despite his importance to American history, and indeed, human history as a whole, his later years in life were marred by imprisonment, betrayal,Continue reading “Thomas Paine’s Unceremonious Ending and Enduring Legacy”
The Battle of Bunker Hill
When I was a child, I remember one of the picture books my father shared with me told the Battle of Bunker Hill. It was an inspirational story of courage and heroism. Reading it, I felt moved by the tales of bravery, self-sacrifice, and standing against impossible odds. This week, I decided to revisit thatContinue reading “The Battle of Bunker Hill”
