VE Day – 70 Years Ago Today

Seventy years ago today, Victory in Europe Day  generally known as VE day, was proclaimed when the Allies accepted Nazi Germany’s surrender, marking the end of World War II and Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich.

Ve day

Thank you to all the brave men and women who gave their lives to preserve freedom in the world!

First American in Space – May 5, 1961

Fifty four years ago today, on May 5, 1961, a long time before I knew anything about Cinco de Mayo, Mercury Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr. blasted off in his Freedom 7 capsule atop a Mercury-Redstone rocket. His 15-minute sub-orbital flight made him the first American in space. 

His flight further fueled my love for space travel that had been building since the Sputnik and Vanguard satellites were launched a few years previously.

 

Alan Shepard, Mercury-Redstone Rocket

George Washington – First Inaugural Address

George Washington

Two hundred twenty six years ago yesterday, George Washington was sworn in as the first American president and delivered the first inaugural speech at Federal Hall in New York City. 

A few excerpts from that speech that I like:

it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the People of the United States, a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes: and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success, the functions allotted to his charge.

No People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.

the foundations of our National policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality; and the pre-eminence of a free Government, be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its Citizens, and command the respect of the world.

the propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained: And since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

Thank you, Mr. President, for your inspired leadership as the founder of this great nation!