Holidays
When Faith Rang Louder than War: The Back Story to “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
The bells should not have mattered. Yes, it was Christmas morning. But the nation was at war. Cannons thundered across battlefields. Homes mourned sons who would never return. And in…
Read MoreOur Lives, Fortunes and Honor: The Declaration of Independence
Ever hear of George Walton, Arthur Middleton, Lyman Hall or William Ellery? Or Thomas Heyward, Richard Stockton, Francis Hopkinson or William Floyd? Probably not. They’re hardly household names. Did you…
Read MorePresident’s Day: The Story Behind the Day America Celebrates Her Presidents
“HAPPY PRESIDENTS DAY!” Celebrated on the third Monday of February, it’s one of 12 federal holidays (originally proclaimed in 1879). But the celebrations had been around much longer, initially to…
Read MoreJohn Howland: How One Pilgrim’s Miracle Rescue Created One of America’s Greatest Family Trees
Consider this diverse list of notable Americans: U.S. politicians and leaders H.W., G.W. and Jeb Bush, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Sarah Palin Poets Henry Waldo Emerson and Henry Wadsworth…
Read MoreThe Winter That Should’ve Ended America—And Why It Didn’t
The winter of 1777 should’ve been the end of the Great American Revolution. Everything was going wrong for our patriot forefathers. Throughout the fall of 1777, the British tightened their…
Read MoreFour Chaplains Day: A Day of Faith, Sacrifice and Service
“Four Chaplains Day” might be the most important (and inspirational) military holiday Americans have never heard of. The U.S. military has celebrated it since 1951, even if the story has…
Read MoreHark! The Herald Wesley Wrote: How a Christmas Hymn Transformed America
In 1739 a young colonial Georgia preacher wrote a “Hymn for Christmas Day.” His opening line was “Hark! how all the welkin rings.” Welkin is an old Dutch word for…
Read MoreMemorial Day History: How Former Slaves Created a National Holiday
American summers revolve around three holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Memorial Day and Labor Day are the bookends. The July 4th celebration is the centerpiece. Most Americans…
Read MoreSaint Patrick: The Tale of a Slave for Christ
Saint Patrick is celebrated every March 17, but his legacy extends far beyond the festive green parties, green beer, and shamrocks typically associated with this day. British Born Under Roman Rule…
Read MoreValentine: The Bishop Who’s Love Made Him a Legend
Every February 14, Americans spend billions on roses, chocolate, jewelry, and dinner reservations. Kids pass out cards. Couples exchange gifts. Social media fills with hearts. But here’s the question: Who…
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