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History

In 1945 On This Day In History: V-J Day

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On this day in history in 1945, V-J Day, or Victory over Japan Day, the day Japan surrendered in World War II effectively ending the war.

Because of the two different time zones, the announcement was made on August 14 while it was afternoon on August 15 in Japan.

The timeline that led to the announcement happened rather quickly:

  • On July 26, 1945, the Potsdam Declaration was issued by Allied leaders calling on Japan to surrender. If they accepted the terms, they would be promised a peaceful government according to “the freely expressed will of the Japanese people”, if not they would face “prompt and utter destruction.”
  • On August 6, 1945, the Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
  • Three days later on August 9, a second atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki.
  • The following day, the Japanese government accepted the terms of the Potsdam Declaration.

On the Japanese afternoon of August 15, a speech by Emperor Hirohito was played over the radio.

Text of Hirohito’s address:

TO OUR GOOD AND LOYAL SUBJECTS:
After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining in Our Empire today, We have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure.

We have ordered Our Government to communicate to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union that Our Empire accepts the provisions of their Joint Declaration.

To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well-being of Our subjects is the solemn obligation which has been handed down by Our Imperial Ancestors and which lies close to Our heart.

Indeed, We declared war on America and Britain out of Our sincere desire to ensure Japan’s self-preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, it being far from Our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to embark upon territorial aggrandizement.

But now the war has lasted for nearly four years. Despite the best that has been done by everyone – the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our servants of the State, and the devoted service of Our one hundred million people – the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan’s advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest.

Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is, indeed, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should We continue to fight, not only would it result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization.

Such being the case, how are We to save the millions of Our subjects, or to atone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why We have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers.

We cannot but express the deepest sense of regret to Our Allied nations of East Asia, who have consistently cooperated with the Empire towards the emancipation of East Asia.

The thought of those officers and men as well as others who have fallen in the fields of battle, those who died at their posts of duty, or those who met with untimely death and all their bereaved families, pains Our heart night and day.

The welfare of the wounded and the war-sufferers, and of those who have lost their homes and livelihood, are the objects of Our profound solicitude.

The hardships and sufferings to which Our nation is to be subjected hereafter will be certainly great. We are keenly aware of the inmost feelings of all of you, Our subjects. However, it is according to the dictates of time and fate that We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is unsufferable.

Having been able to safeguard and maintain the structure of the Imperial State, We are always with you, Our good and loyal subjects, relying upon your sincerity and integrity.

Beware most strictly of any outbursts of emotion which may engender needless complications, or any fraternal contention and strife which may create confusion, lead you astray and cause you to lose the confidence of the world.

Let the entire nation continue as one family from generation to generation, ever firm in its faith in the imperishability of its sacred land, and mindful of its heavy burden of responsibility, and of the long road before it.

Unite your total strength, to be devoted to construction for the future. Cultivate the ways of rectitude, foster nobility of spirit, and work with resolution – so that you may enhance the innate glory of the Imperial State and keep pace with the progress of the world.

(Hirohito’s signature and Privy Seal)

 

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1782: Washington Created the Purple Heart

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In 1782, on August 7, commander in chief of the Continental Army, General George Washington created the “Badge for Military Merit.” It was a rather simple looking award consisting of a purple, heart-shaped piece of cloth with the word MERIT stitched across it. The soldier who would be awarded for ‘meritorious action’ would be able to pass without challenge, and would have their name placed in a “Book of Merit.”

During the Revolutionary War, Washington had only awarded the purple heart to three people: Elijah Churchill, William Brown and Daniel Bissell, Jr. It wasn’t until 1927 when US Army chief of staff General Charles P. Summerall wanted to bring the award back and Congress denied the bill. Thanks to the efforts of General Douglas MacArthur, in 1931, who pushed Congress again to reinstate the medal prior to the bicentennial of Washington’s birth.

On February 22, 1932, creation of the “Order of the Purple Heart” was announced by the US War Department.

Flag Day 2015

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On the 14th of June in 1777, the Second Continental Congress, by resolution, adopted the flag of the United States.

It wasn’t until 1916, did President Woodrow Wilson issue a proclamation to set the day aside as Flag Day.

As you proudly unfurl your flags and honorably display them, please remember what it stands for. If you need a refresher, please read the words of the Pledge of Allegience:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

In addition, please enjoy the sweet words of the Star-Spangled Banner:

O say can you see by the dawn’s early light,

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,

Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,

O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,

Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,

In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:

‘Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore

That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion,

A home and a country, should leave us no more?

Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave

From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation.

Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

 

150th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address

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Gettysburg Address

The iconic speech by President Abraham Lincoln we know today as the Gettysburg Address was delivered 150 years ago today.

On that afternoon, months after one of the most bloodiest battles of the Civil War, Lincoln delivered the carefully chosen words to a nation that was left bruised and broken.

In those few minutes he spoke, he touched on the very founding principles that are espoused by the Declaration of Independence which turned the tides and helped give a ‘new birth of freedom.’

If you haven’t taken the time to read and review one of the greatest speeches in our history, please do. Lincoln was very careful and spoke in a slow and deliberate manner, so read it slowly.

You can read it HERE

9-11: Never Forget

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September 11, 2001 on Tuesday morning, America would never be the same and we will never forget.

That day will forever be a stain in the history of this nation. The coordinated terrorist attacks that brought this nation to its knees are burned into the memories of everyone.

Everyone remembers where they were, who they were with, and what they were doing.

Everyone remembers watching the events unfold live on television. Those who couldn’t be near a TV, were glued to the radio. Talk buzzed around each and every office about what was happening.

Those horrific images will stand as a reminder at how ugly some in the world can be. Images and video of people jumping and falling from the towers. The Pentagon with an enormous hole in the side in flames. The scorched land where Patriots took action into their hands. Those images brought this nation to its knees both in sadness and prayer.

The events of the day, and those that followed united this nation like never before.

Since that day, we have continued to stand guard. We have continued to take on more acts. And yet, with the division we face daily in the halls of Washington, we stand tall and proud.

We will Never Forget!

Please, take a moment below and share your thoughts and memories. We would love to hear them!

A Commentary of Alexander Hamilton on Slaves Serving as Soldiers: The Constitution Reader Challenge

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In a letter to John Jay, Alexander Hamilton wrote about slaves earning their “freedom with their muskets.”

For today’s reading: CLICK HERE

The American Revolution had been going on for a few years when this letter from Alexander Hamilton wrote John Jay. The reason for his letter was about some of the contention over allowing slaves to take arms and defend America from the British.

In the North, the blacks had already begun to fight, but there was some opposition from the Southern colonies. Those in the South were concerned that if their slaves were given arms, they might turn on their owners. The blacks in the South didn’t taste of those same freedoms their counterparts did in the North.

One of the freedoms they tasted was defending what they believed. What they believed was freedom. It was the reason for the very existence of America, and they knew it. Those in the South, wanted that.

So what did Alexander Hamilton have to say? He said:

“An essential part of the plan is to give them their freedom with their muskets. This will secure their fidelity, animate their courage, and I believe will have a good influence upon those who remain, by opening a door to their emancipation.”

Allowing any man to secure their “freedom with their muskets” was the very reason for the American Revolution. Petitioning men of the South to allow slaves to take part was unheard of to them. However, while some had already taken up arms, estimates of some 5000 blacks would serve as soldiers during the war. Something that certainly opened “a door to their emancipation” years later under the presidency of Abraham Lincoln.

Today, we enjoy many freedoms thanks to the countless patriots of yesteryear. Hundreds of thousands of blacks serve in the ranks of our military, and to them we owe many thanks. And, thanks to those patriots, regardless of race, who stood for what they believed in during the American Revolution.

With special thanks to Constituting America and Heritage College, we will be taking part in their project: The U.S. Constitution: A Reader. It is a 90 day challenge to learn and dive deeper into understanding the Constitution.

In case you missed it, catch up with previous commentaries HERE. We hope you are enjoying this journey to dig deeper into what inspired those who wrote the Constitution. If you are, TWEET IT!

A Commentary on The Northwest Ordinance: The Constitution Reader Challenge

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The Northwest Ordinance helped change the shape, not only of the United States, but also the Constitution that had yet to be passed.

For today’s reading: CLICK HERE

The Northwest Ordinance was passed by the Congress of the Confederation in 1787. It was later signed into law by President George Washington in 1789 after the newly formed Congress reaffirmed it after small alterations according to the Constitution.

The main reason for this was to lay boundaries to the Northwest Territory. It covered the area south of the Great Lakes, east of the Mississippi River, and north and west of the Ohio River. This was the first organized territory of the United States, and would be the model for future expansion.

Arguably one of the most important parts of this piece of legislature is the prohibition of slavery for the newly formed territory. Not only did it set boundaries for the new territory, but it divided the north from the south. Which, would ultimately help lead to the Civil War.

The language of the ordinance stated clearly that, “There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said territory.” This gave a new freedom to the slaves that were in the territory. But, one strange piece of wording gave a strange level of support to slavery when it said, “That any person escaping into the same, from whom labor or service is lawfully claimed in any one of the original States, such fugitive may be lawfully reclaimed.” So, on one side it outlawed slavery for new territories for the United States, while permitting it in certain areas of the original States of the Union.

This division would certainly not rest until years later under the stewardship of President Abraham Lincoln. Yes, he oversaw the bloodiest war the United States would ever see, the Civil War, but because victory was won by the North, slaves would be freed. It gives a certain weight to Lincoln’s House Divided speech when he said:

“A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become lawful in all the States, old as well as new — North as well as South.”

This newly found freedom for slaves helped shape the Natural Rights that we find talked about in the Constitution.

With special thanks to Constituting America and Heritage College, we will be taking part in their project: The U.S. Constitution: A Reader. It is a 90 day challenge to learn and dive deeper into understanding the Constitution.

In case you missed it, catch up with previous commentaries HERE. We hope you are enjoying this journey to dig deeper into what inspired those who wrote the Constitution. If you are, TWEET IT!

A Commentary on Essay XI by Brutus: The Constitution Reader Challenge

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In his Essay XI, Brutus wished to focus on the part of the Judiciary within the proposed Constitution.

the scales of justice

For today’s reading: CLICK HERE

Of the three branches of government, the one that had received the least of attention was the Judiciary arm. There was plenty to say about the executive branch, and the legislative branch, but the judiciary was hardly touched. That being, Brutus of the Anti-Federalist party wished to address in his Essay XI.

The same sentiments can be proclaimed today as they were at the time of this essay. The power that was to be granted by the proposed Constitution to the Judiciary branch was feared by many. Echoed today, it is easy to see why concern was raised as to the lengths of their power.

One concern was that there was none above them. These are appointed positions by the president, but answered really to no one. There was nobody to put them in check. There was none that would be their balance. At least that was the concern, and rightly so. These men, and women of today, really have free reign. The only check and balance to their nature, is in the election of the president.

Another plight was that eventually politics would get in the way and they would be able to legislate from the bench. Today, that issue is always of great debate.

Thirdly, Brutus wanted their powers to be strictly laid before them. It was in his argument that they were to clearly focus on the interpretation of the Constitution, and that it would favor neither party or the government over the people. It was in his opinion that they would lean in favor of the government, and that they would be able to mold the shape of government for years to come.

These same concerns are as relevant today as they were when he wrote this essay. With certainty, the judiciary branch has no real oversight. Who is to question the ruling of the Supreme Court? That was the fear then, and is certainly an issue today.

 

With special thanks to Constituting America and Heritage College, we will be taking part in their project: The U.S. Constitution: A Reader. It is a 90 day challenge to learn and dive deeper into understanding the Constitution.

In case you missed it, catch up with previous commentaries HERE. We hope you are enjoying this journey to dig deeper into what inspired those who wrote the Constitution. If you are, TWEET IT!

A Commentary on Letters from the Federal Farmer I and II: The Constitution Reader Challenge

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The letters from the Federal Farmer argued that the proposed Constitution would give too much power to a central government.

For today’s reading: CLICK HERE

It has long been thought that Richard Henry Lee was the author of the letters under the name Federal Farmer, but some recent scholars believe Melancton Smith authored them. Either way you take it, it is the argument brought forth in the letters that should get the attention.

The Constitution as it was presented was only a few weeks old when these letters were written, but the content thereof was an opinion worthy of getting attention. It was the opinion of the writer that the proposed Constitution would make the government too powerful and that it was set up to take power from the states.

The proposition in the letters was that none other knew better for the people of one state than that of the same state. So, the view of centralizing all the power into the formation of a grand government was one that people were fearful of and in opposition of.

So, the author of the letters wished to offer three solutions to be taken under consideration.

  1. A federal plan.This plan gave the most power to the states, and that they would operate separately under the powers of congress. The federal government would take an advisory role, instead of a governing role.
  2. A complete consolidating plan. This was a plan that would centralize, and operate, the respective states under one entity. It would render all powers of the states to the government.
  3. A partial consolidating plan. This plan would offer the most separation of powers of the three. It would give separate and divided powers to a federal government, while still allowing the states to govern on their own.

Of these three plans, careful consideration was to take place on the direction of the Constitution. These Anti-Federalist views expressed in these letters were influential in the eventual passing of the Constitution and how the practice of government would be for the upcoming years. Even then was there an argument that the government had too much power.

With special thanks to Constituting America and Heritage College, we will be taking part in their project: The U.S. Constitution: A Reader. It is a 90 day challenge to learn and dive deeper into understanding the Constitution.

In case you missed it, catch up with previous commentaries HERE. We hope you are enjoying this journey to dig deeper into what inspired those who wrote the Constitution. If you are, TWEET IT!