There are dates in history that leave an indelible mark on us all. They’re dates that live in infamy, dates that are extrinsically-linked to memorable events and dates that instantly bring to mind very specific moments. These are the dates that warrant a challenge coin or make you remember where you were when you heard the news.
Let’s take a look at some of the most famous dates that made history:
July 4th, 1776: A nation is born when the thirteen colonies sign the Declaration of Independence and begin fighting for the right to be the United States of America. America’s founding fathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, are all present for this historic moment.
April 9th, 1865: General Lee surrenders on behalf of the Confederacy at Appomattox, basically ending the Civil War. The actual battles would end one month later but this moment, where General U.S. Grant accepted the unconditional surrender, would be the moment when the bloodiest battle in U.S. history ended.
April 14th, 1865: Just days after General Lee’s surrender, President Abraham Lincoln is taking in a show at Ford Theater when he is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on behalf of Confederacy supporters. Lincoln, called the Great Emancipator, was a figurehead of the government that ended slavery in America and helped heal a nation that was torn apart by the Civil War.
December 7th, 1941: Any American alive on that day can probably tell you where they were when they heard the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. The unprovoked attack was the catalyst to send American into World War II and served as a call-to-action for millions, not only to help those injured in the attack but also to help those in need around the world.
June 6th, 1944: More formally known as D-Day, the day of the greatest military invasion in history. Also known as Operation Neptune, the Allied forces invaded Normandy and stormed the beach in order to start pushing German forces back from the occupied territory. Over 160,000 troops made land that day and roughly 20,000 soldiers from both sides of the battle died. Many challenge coins were earned on this day.
September 11th, 2001: It is more than a little ironic that the 9/11 would come to mean a day of such tragedy. Two planes, piloted by terrorists, flew into the World Trade Center towers in NYC and destroyed them, killing thousands. A third plane was flown into the Pentagon, killing hundreds. A fourth plane, which was en route to Washington, D.C., was taken down by the passengers in an act of bravery.
These acts of bravery and heroism have all contributed to the way our country is to this day and will not soon be forgotten.
Citations:
- Photo credit
- Ken Tannenbaum
Mercedes Potter is a writer who was inspired to write this piece by the recent passing of September 11th- a day that will never be forgotten. My prayers go out to all that were effected by this heinous crime and any others mentioned. Follow her @CedesPotter to read other pieces she has written.