In 1853, Matthew Perry led four ships into Tokyo Bay to establish formal ties between the United States and Japan for the first time. Others had tried before, but none were successful. Perry’s mission was to secure safe harbor for shipwrecked Americans and gain permission for U.S. ships to refuel and resupply at Japanese ports.Continue reading “Friends Forged In Fire: A Haiku Series”
Tag Archives: American history
Heroes From History: David Humphreys
David Humphreys was an American officer, diplomat, and poet during the revolutionary period. He was born in Derby, Connecticut on July 10, 1752. Before the war of 1776, Humphreys went to Yale College and was one of the founders of a literary society known as the Connecticut Wits along with Joel Barlow, whom Humphreys wouldContinue reading “Heroes From History: David Humphreys”
Christmas Miracles: The Collapse of the Soviet Union
On December 25, 1991, the red flag with a hammer and sickle flying over the Kremlin was lowered, never to be raised there again. Numerous Soviet states had already announced they were leaving the Union. Intolerance of any political dissent, the centralized economy, and constant conflict with the rest of the world had finally wornContinue reading “Christmas Miracles: The Collapse of the Soviet Union”
Christmas Miracles: The Battle of Trenton
The month of December is host to many great tales. Some of heroism and bravery, others of self-sacrifice and generosity, and some tell of unsuspecting peace and tranquility. This is a special time for many when magic is in the air and the impossible is made possible. The Battle of Trenton in December of 1776Continue reading “Christmas Miracles: The Battle of Trenton”
Through Feast and Famine, We Give Thanks
I had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday this year, and it has given me the opportunity to ruminate further on the spirit of Thanksgiving. This is a holiday rich with tradition and history, even though it may often be overlooked by many as a mere family gathering every November. This prompted me to produce another ABABContinue reading “Through Feast and Famine, We Give Thanks”
The Spirit of Thanksgiving
The story of Thanksgiving holds many common themes found in numerous holidays from across the ages. A people sent adrift in a strange land, unprepared for the perils and hardship. They find themselves set upon by famine and hunger, threatened with oblivion. Then, a kind people take notice of their plight and offer a tradeContinue reading “The Spirit of Thanksgiving”
Day of the Devil Dogs: A Haiku Series
November 10th this year was the 246th anniversary of the birth of the United States Marine Corps. At the time of their initial inception, the US Marines were referred to as the Continental Marines. The Second Continental Congress ordered the formation of two battalions of marines on November 10, 1775 to serve as a landingContinue reading “Day of the Devil Dogs: A Haiku Series”
Happy Halloween!
Halloween is the modern-day interpretation of All Hollow’s Eve, the Vigil of All Saint’s Day. Historically, this is a day for people to remember those who have passed on and are now in Heaven, and to pray for those in Hell or Purgatory. The imagery of ghosts, ghouls, and other deathly images was meant toContinue reading “Happy Halloween!”
The Texas Revolution Began on October 2, 1835
This weekend was the anniversary of the Texas Revolution in 1835. This armed conflict is also known as the “Texas War of Independence.” It was a brief dispute in which the Republic of Texas rebelled against the government of Mexico. The notorious “Gonzales Flag” was born out of this conflict and inspired many reimagined versionsContinue reading “The Texas Revolution Began on October 2, 1835”
Dust Settles Back Where It First Flew: A Haiku Series
As many of you may know, the Star Spangled Banner was written on September 14, 1814 by Francis Scott Key. September has an eventful month in human history with many prominent occasions to note. It can difficult to decide for which to account on a weekly basis. Yet, I still wished to write something aboutContinue reading “Dust Settles Back Where It First Flew: A Haiku Series”
The Pensive Warrior 