Awakenings from Then ’til Now allows you to Embrace Your Past, Empower the Present, Enrich Your Future.
Welcome to Awakenings
Life IS history in the making. Every word we say, everything we do becomes history the moment it is said or done. Life void of memories leaves nothing but emptiness. For those who might consider history boring, think again: It is who we are, what we do and why we are here. We are certainly individuals in our thoughts and deeds but we all germinated from seeds planted long, long ago.
. . .there was actually opposition to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Edward Rutledge, one of South Carolina's representatives to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, expresses his reluctance to declare independence from Britain in a letter to the like-minded John Jay of New York. [Click the History icon or the link above to continue reading.]
The games we used to play meant time spent outside in a world waiting to be explored. Imagination was the name of the game where no stone was left unturned or ignored. Within today's society of gadgetry, gizmos and gear, 'techie' tips at every turn, it seems wishes for the simplest things no longer do hearts and minds yearn. That is what I thought until I found. . .
What is history without a story from
childhood? Each of us has a fond memory that perhaps either directly or
indirectly connects our lives in some way to past historical events.
It took war for America to win its independence in 1776; then,
civil war almost tore a nation apart . . .
June 25, 1864: On this day, Pennsylvania troops begin digging a tunnel toward the Rebels at Petersburg, Virginia, in order to blow a hole in the Confederate lines and break the stalemate. . .
(Click the date or picture to read more @ History.com)
American Civil War
Footsteps
of History
It is a sad day when events provoke attacks
that set brother against brother and father against son.
How heart rendering
that must be;
yet, it is a decisive turning point in America’s history.
"I am passionately interested in understanding how my country works. And if you want to know about this thing called the United States of America you have to know about the Civil War." —Ken Burns (1953-Present)
Also on this day in history. . .
June 25, 1876: On this day, Native American forces led by Chiefs Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull defeat the U.S. Army troops of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer in a bloody battle near southern Montana's Little Bighorn River. . .
(Click the date or picture to read more @ History.com and America's Story)
Painting by Robert Lindneux in 1942 commemorating
the suffering of the
Cherokee people under forced removal. (Image Credit: The Granger Collection, New
York)
There are many events leading up to the defeat of Custer but none any more devastating to the native American Indian than the Trail of Tears. What did they do that was so wrong to provoke brutally closing the curtain on their native American culture?
Stripped of their dignity, the Cherokee people became victims in one of the saddest episodes of our brief history. Whether man, woman, infant, or young child, all were taken from their land, hearded like cattle into makeshift living quarters with minimal facilities and food, then forced to march overland to a destination neither of their choice nor free will.
The forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation stemmed from tensions between Georgia (not yet a state) and the United States. One of the saddest moves in American history forced the Cherokee to march one thousand miles under horrible conditions to the Western United States.
Amid freezing December temperatures, attentions were elsewhere rather than on Christmas gatherings around the fireplace and times of good cheer. With act after act plaguing the American colonists, it is no wonder The Tea Act became the catalyst of the Boston Tea Party. Disguising themselves as Mohawk Indians, a group of Sons of Liberty boarded three ships moored in Boston Harbor. The result: 92,000 pounds of British East India Company tea was dumped into the water. Understand this was not your ordinary tea party. . .
Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party
Boston Tea Party
An iconic event recorded in American history reflects Boston's refusal to return shiploads of taxed tea to Britain. Colonists boarded the ships destroying the tea by throwing it into the Boston Harbor.
“A crumpet with your tea?” Not the question, nor a social party When three shiploads of tea
Were dumped freely into Boston harbor
So unbearable Were the acts of that day! Parliament’s Tea Act Left people in dismay
“Good,” the British said
“Colonists would rather pay a fee Than deny themselves The pleasure of a cup of tea”
More and more irritated The Sons of Liberty became Something had to be done Things could not remain the same
Historical events on this day mark, among 169 others, the beginning of the War of 1812. It was on this day, June 18, 1812, that America issued a declaration of war on Great Britain: a war that would further secure America as an independent nation and is often referred to as the "second war of independence." Disputes over trade commissions, violations of America’s rights on the high seas and the involvement of the
British in Indian uprisings on the frontiers were the major contributors leading up to war.
Click here for the Star-Spangled Banner
music video.
It was during this time of war (1812-1815) that Francis Scott Key penned the words to the Star-Spangled Banner. There is an extreme amount of emotion involved in fully understanding the era before the battle, the defense of Fort McHenry, the poem, the tune, as well as the poem and tune becoming our anthem.
As stated within the Story of the Star-spangled Banner, if anything should be taken as seriously as the American flag, it would be the national anthem. Written during a time of war, it commemorates the waving of our flag following a vicious bombardment of Fort McHenry.
"O, say does that
star spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land
of the free and the home of the brave? " ~Francis Scott Key, 1814
On this day in 1885, the dismantled State of Liberty,
a gift of friendship from the people of France
to the people of America, arrives in New York Harbor.
Gateway
to America
From 1892 to 1954, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through the portal of Ellis Island. This small island in New York Harbor lies within the shadow of the Statue of Liberty.
Open portal to liberty An island so small Its gateway to America Heeded freedom's call. . .
A call to come in Away from daily strife Where bloodshed ruled Under blade of the knife. . .
Where bondage and chains Were left far behind No more tears and scars Only peace of mind. . .
Where heart and mind The spirit's retreat Welcomed those who came in To rest and replete
But not without toil Labor nor skill For freedom's not free Just the free will. . .
The will to be better The will to overcome To pledge and honor The beat of her drum. . .
The heartbeat of America Standing guard, proud and strong The Statue of Liberty Embodied a daily song. . .
A song about courage To stand up and fight On that you could see By her very might
In New York Harbor Lady Liberty still stands tall Her torch ever burning A beacon of liberty for all
Open portal to liberty Ellis Island so small Its gateway to America Beckons freedom for all
Today, on the road to independence looks all the way back to the 13th century, June 15, 1215. . .
You must agree this is definitely a look into the past, way back into the past, 797 years into the past! For it was on this day in the year 1215 that the Magna Carta was sealed. So, I am sure you are thinking, "What on earth would this event have to do with America's quest for independence in the 18th century?"
Are you ready to step back in time and find the connection?
Begin your footsteps. . .
’Twas King John who ruled the day
Turmoil and revolt led the way. . .
. . .the way to peace feudal rights proclaimed Privileges nation’s laws must maintain
Failure after failure plagued with abuse Lay the foundation for a king's truce. . .
. . .a truce to end pressures and strife
All brought about under a king's knife
So King John put his seal On the Magna Carta, thus the deal. . .
. . .the deal of peace not long to remain But reissued thrice under its name
This great charter, oppressor's demise Framed its words stalwart and wise. . .
. . .wise in its statutes to set men free
Continues a symbol of liberty
Make the connection. . .
Generations of Englishmen would celebrate the Magna Carta as a symbol of freedom from oppression. Thus, the foundation was laid for the Founding Fathers of the United States of America, who in 1776 looked to the charter as a historical precedent for asserting their liberty from the English crown. This charter influenced early settlers in New England and inspired later constitutional documents, including the United States Constitution.
June 15
This Day in History. Magna Carta sealed plus more. . .
It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777. In 1916, PresidentWoodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Whereas June 14 has been set aside as National Flag Day, that does not mean the flag should wave only on this one day of the year.
Make every day your flag day: Salute and honor the red, white and blue!
Revisit Stitches in Timeand test your knowledge of the making of the American flag.
Congratulations to the United States Army on the celebration of its 237th birthday! Without our military, we would not be enjoying today the freedoms America has to offer.
Remember all of our soldiers not only on this momentous day but every day of every month of every year!
I salute the U.S. Army! What about you?
This video was first presented on YouTube on June 11, 2011.
It is a great portrayal of the U.S. Army from then 'til now.
Responsibility
for the Boston Massacre is still debated to this day. With whom does the blame rest — Bostonians hurling insults, oyster shells, and other objects at British soldiers
or overacting military violating laws by firing upon civilians? Regardless of
blame, this day had a significant impact on the American Revolution.
Once Upon a Night
Tempers flared, insults soared
Across the streets of Dock Square
On the firth day of March
Angered wailing filled the air
Crispus Attucks being killed during the Boston Massacre
Resentment over imposed taxes Activated new forms of oppression Warnings of tyranny and power American colonists judged unfair
Freedom of thought, true expression Characterized these colonists Not being awed and subjugated By the staunch British men of war
Testing the great cause of liberty Brought mockery to the square As landing of steadfast British troops The citizens did forswear
Constant feeling of irritation Led to Boston’s Battle of King Street Where
soldiers armed, ready and willing Thoughtlessly fired upon the people
Paul Revere’s famous engraving of “The Bloody Massacre”
Deaths of five civilians At the hands of British troops Could not have been spared By the most towering steeple
The after effects of the Boston Massacre: 5 dead and the beginning of a revolt.
Immediate, lasting ire Laid irrevocable groundwork For it was on this night Virtual history was made
From that moment was dated
Severance from the British “On
that night the foundation Of
independence was laid!”
Click the picture to get the story how a fledgling, largely disconnected
nation won its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.
On the Road to Independence. . .
They saw the need
For liberation
A need that led
To a united nation
Thirteen colonies Desiring to be free Joined together To fight for liberty
Taxes, taxes, taxes Duties on this and that Tempers roaring, soaring Resulted in combat
Without this fight A nation would not be Remembering those Who fought for liberty
Were it not for them Who lived and died A nation would not be Joyful with pride
Destined a nation Not to be destitute
A stalwart nation
Arose firm and resolute
America: The Story of Us The American Revolution 1775-1783
Click the flag to view Stitches in Time. . . The
Betsy Ross flag of May, 1776 continues to be one of the most popular symbols of the American Revolution.
