History Day.,

We're starting out on this Memorial Day, with John Wayne's Birthday! On this day in 1907, the Duke was born....My brother's all time biggest hero, you could always count on John Wayne saying exactly what he meant--and not caring whether you agreed with him or not. Gotta respect that! Plus, come on. THE QUIET MAN. THE SONS OF KATIE ELDER....

In 1864 the Montana Territory was created. Good call, people!

In 1897, the first copies of the now classic vampire novel DRACULA, written by Irish author Bram Stoker, went on sale in London. Wonder if Bram is still keeping up on the whole vampire industry in publishing that HE began?

1938, the House Un-American Activities Commission was established by Congress. You know... really makes you wonder what they were all thinking. Not exactly the proudest moment in our nation!

In 1940 on this day, the evacuation of Dunkirk took place. Thousands of allied soldiers stranded on a beach in France, being surrounded by German soldiers. No way out?? I don't think so. Hundreds of ships, from Naval vessels to small, privately owned rowboats like this one, set sail from England and got those stranded soldiers to safety. They risked everything and won.

The dh and I saw one of the actual boats in the British War Museum...and I swear it was no bigger than this. Makes you proud, doesn't it?

And in a not so proud moment, Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson got married on this date in 1994. Divorced 19 months later. Was anyone surprised?

2004, Terry Nichols was found guilty of 161 state murder charges for his part in the Oklahoma City bombing. (He later received 161 life sentences.) Not enough, but that's only my opinion.

So today...take a minute and think about all of those who gave so much so that we could have so much. And when you think about your freedom---thank a veteran.

Meanwhile...can you guys find any more news about today??

posted by Maureen Child @ 8:48 AM