John Adams’s Salute to Independence Day
“But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion […]
The Saga of Sergeant York
In April 2012, Adventures in Odyssey, America’s longest-running radio drama, broadcast a four-part series dramatizing the life of Alvin C. York, a Tennessee backwoodsman who became a World War I hero. Under heavy fire, York successfully overpowered a German machine gun emplacement, ultimately capturing 132 soldiers. Remarkably, York was a conscientious objector. Sound designers Christopher […]
President Harry S. Truman on America’s Christian Heritage
Mr. Chairman, Dr. Pruden, my friends: I am happy to have the privilege of speaking to this meeting of the Washington Pilgrimage of American Churchmen. You have come to the Nation’s Capital to visit its monuments and to look at the basic documents on which our Government was founded. Many people come to Washington to […]
The Queen’s Christmas Message, 2011
From Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England, a Christmas message, recorded December 9, 2011, presented December 25, 2011: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olEp_3Spc1g The text is provided here. Here is an excerpt: Finding hope in adversity is one of the themes of Christmas. Jesus was born into a world full of fear. The angels came to frightened shepherds […]
President Harry S. Truman, Christmas 1952
Remarks Upon Lighting the National Community Christmas Tree. December 24, 1952 My fellow Americans: As we light this National Christmas tree tonight, here on the White House lawn-as all of us light our own Christmas trees in our own homes–we remember another night long ago. Then a Child was born in a stable. A star […]
U.S. Continental Congress Thanksgiving Resolution, October 18, 1780.
United States. Continental Congress. Resolution setting apart a day of Thanksgiving and prayer. October 18, 1780. Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with gratitude and praise for the wonders which his goodness has wrought in conducting our forefathers to this western world; for his protection to them and to […]
