Memorial Day.

My school focus a lot on American patriotism... Which of course I loooove. 

On Friday, we had a special Assembly for Memorial Day.

 I love that we go all out to commemorate a special day and its true meaning.

 Nowadays Memorial Day means the end of school, the beginning of summer, pools opening, holiday weekend, camping or barbecuing with family and friends and sales at the mall. But just like any holiday, its always important to reflect on its purpose and meaning.

 I know for me I forget that it should be a day to remember all of the fallen soldiers that have fought for our freedoms and sacrificed their lives for this country, for us. Our Assembly reminded me of this and taught each of our students to honor those and show our upmost respect on Monday. 

It made me reflect on the brothers, sons and fathers who fought against each other in the Civil War. We had the most casualties in that war, a war we fought against our fellow Americans on ideas of equality and freedom. At the Battle of Gettysburg it is estimated that 46,000-51,000 soldiers between the two sides were killed in that battle alone. A grand total of 1,030,000 Americans lost their lives, which was 3% of the population at that time.  I thought of the horrible conditions of World War I. The diseases and infections in the trenches alone cost countless amount of lives. And then World War II that captivated and destroyed so many nations and had lasting affects at home as well. In WWII, 131,028,000 American casualties, thats including the 416,800 military deaths. And today people continue to serve our country, continue to fight valiantly when the call comes in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

I was so touched in our Assembly when our students, all hailing from different countries and ethnicities, stood together and recited the Gettysburg Address, given by Abraham Lincoln in November 1863:

"Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forthn on this continent a new nations, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. 

Now we are engaged in a great vicil war, testing whether that nation, or any nations so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. 

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the las full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth"

President Lincoln, we have not forgotten what was said on that solemn day. We will remember all those that have died for this nation. 

what so proudly we hailed, at the twilights last gleaming.

Happy 4th of July!!

I LOVE America.

I LOVE jumping photos! Jessica and I outside Independence Hall, location of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. Nov. 09.

I LOVE George Washington. 

I love everything to do with the founding of this country.

I love the Revolutionary War.

I love hearing stories of how the colonists were discouraged, without supplies, cold with poor clothing, not formally trained soldiers, did not have proper war strategies and were still able to beat and conquer the Red Coats. 

I love Valley Forge. 

I love the Continental Army.

I love Bunker Hill.

I love the Continental Congress.

I love Lexington and Concord.

I love the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

I love Thomas Jefferson for writing such inspired words.

I love the Founding Fathers. 

I love the Colonists militia taking over Dorchester Heights.

I love the crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Day.

Nothing brings me more joy than learning and appreciating the struggles that so many endured to found a country in which we can enjoy so many freedoms. 

I love history so much because it further deepens my love for this country. 

I love America. And  I am so proud to be an American. 

Happy 4th of July!

However, that being said, I hope you all know that the Declaration of Independence was actually first approved on July 2nd.

my idol.

i am a history lover.

an all american fanatic.

and the biggest patriot.

i LOVE the Revolutionary War

and thus I am obsessed with George Washington.

he is my hero.

and I love him.

and yes, I will be wearing my president shirt "freedom rocks" (featured to the right) all day long in celebration.


In honor of President's Day, here are some interesting facts about my favorite guy:

1. He was born on February 11, 1732 (although the changing of the calendar system, changed his birthday to the 22nd). He was born near the Potomac in Virgina.

2. He served in the French & Indian War, fighting for the British.

3. He fought in the infamous Braddock's Defeat and considered the hero, in which General Braddock lead his men into battle against the Indians. Almost all the men, including Braddock were killed. Both of Washington's horses were killed, he was shot at numerous times, but remained uninjured. His actions here pushed him in the colonial spotlight.

4. He married Martha Dandrige Custis, a widow with two children.

5. His family owned the small farm Mount Vernon but he built it up into the large home himself.

6. He was appointed Commander of the Continental Army, although against his wishes.

7. He wasn't that great of a war strategist, he mostly got lucky. But he was daring, rash, and unconventional.

8. All of the letters between him and Martha were burned after the war, giving us not too much information and insight into their relationship.

9. Numerous times during the war he would march on his horse straight into the cross fire of bullets between his troops and the British. His men believed he was walking straight to his death only to walk out of the gunfire with bullet holes through his coat and hat, but none hitting the General.

10. He was appointed President over the Constitutional Convention held in Independence Hall of Philadelphia. He did not want this appointment, he wanted to be back on his farm at Mount Vernon.

11. He wasn't allowed to voice his opinion at the Convention, just preside. However, after meetings he would meet with members and discuss the issues giving advice and counsel of what needed to be done. And the men all listened to him.

12. The role and duties of the President were all created and molded around the personality and character traits of George Washington.

13. He did not want to be President, he didn't feel as if he was worthy of such a calling.

14. In the Constitution, originally there were no term limits to the President--they could be voted in as many terms as the people allowed. However, Washington only wanted to serve one, then did two because the people loved him. Every President after that--up to FDR--only served 2 limits because the precedent was set by Washington. After FDR it was written into the Constitution.

15. He did not have wooden teeth, but just very few. He did not like to speak publicly because he was embarrassed by it.

16. He died at home due to a inflammation of his throat on December 13, 1799. He is buried at Mount Vernon next to Martha. 

During his farewell speech as Commander of the Continental Army, he pulled out his eyeglasses--something that few people ever saw him wear and said--"Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country."

I love that man. 

With my combined knowledge of history and the gospel, I truly believe that George Washington was foreordained to lead this country to its independence. His life was preserved countless times throughout the war so that through his leadership he could establish and found this great country in which we live. I am grateful for his knowledge, bravery, wits, strength, and love for this country. Thank you GW. I love you.

Happy President's Day!