Captain John Barry: An American-Irish Naval Hero and “Father of the American Navy” – By Daniel Sheridan
Captain John Barry: An American-Irish Naval Hero and “Father of the American Navy” – By Daniel Sheridan On June 27, 1963, President John F. Kennedy laid a wreath at the memorial to the Revolutionary War hero, John Barry, of Wexford, on the first full day of his visit to Ireland. Who is John Barry? The British Navy dominated the seas in the 1770s. During the Revolutionary War, the American Navy was no match for them. But private ship owners bravely filled the gap. Congress granted them the authority to “distress the enemies of the United States by sea or land.” [...]
An Early Constitutional Crisis: An Act Concerning Aliens – by Daniel Sheridan
#OTD, June 25, 1798, An Act Concerning Aliens is by Daniel SheridanIt’s the 1790s. Trouble is brewing in France. Meanwhile, we were having trouble at home. Many American newspapers favored France, and the editors viciously attacked President Adams and Great Britain. In 1798, Congress tried to check these offenses by passing two laws:1. The Alien Law authorized the President to banish any foreigner he considered dangerous to the peace and safety of America. The law read in part: “Confers power on the President to order aliens to depart…Such as the President shall judge dangerous to the peace and safety of [...]
The Benevolent Lawgiver Who Made Religious Freedom The Basis Of The State – By Daniel Sheridan
#OTD, June 20, 1632, one of the wisest and benevolent lawgivers of all ages is given rights to land near the Chesapeake Bay; then, one year later, on this same day, he’s granted a Colonial Charter. One historian says he was “the first man in the world to seek for religious security, peace, and prosperity by the practice of justice, and not by the exercise of power.”Here’s the story.
Happy #FlagDay! Do you know the story behind the flag? By Daniel Sheridan
The Story of the First Stars and Stripes – By Daniel Sheridan#OTD, June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress authorized the “stars and stripes†flag for the new United States.On the right of the provided photo is the British Union Jack with the red cross of St. George and the Scottish white cross of St. Andrew. General George Washington used the flag on the left at Cambridge in January 1776. The flag in the middle, our “stars and stripes,†was adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, when Americans exchanged the British Union for a Union of 13 States, [...]
June 12, 1776, the Virginia Constitutional Convention approves George Mason’s Bill of Rights. Why should we care? by Daniel Sheridan
June 12, 1776, the Virginia Constitutional Convention approves George Mason’s Bill of Rights. Why should we care?By Daniel SheridanRecurrence to Fundamental Principles, Love, and Charity: The Foundations of a Free Society – By Daniel Sheridan1776 was the year of the Declaration of Independence and constitution-making in the new states. One question Americans couldn’t answer yet: Who had the right to declare what the law shall be?Historian Forrest McDonald describes the problem facing the Patriots:“Of the eight constitutions established in 1776, six were drafted by bodies especially elected for the purpose, but they were never submitted to anyone for ratification…Proclamation of [...]
June 5, 1944, General Eisenhower, having decided to launch Operation by Daniel Sheridan
June 5, 1944, General Eisenhower, having decided to launch Operation Overlord, sent a message to every member of the armed forces! By Daniel Sheridan June 6th, 2022SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCESoldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi [...]
Loyal Opposition – By Daniel Sheridan
Today is John Wayne's Birthday. He was born on May 26, 1906. Here's one thing we can learn from him.John Wayne was a famous American actor and an outspoken conservative Republican. However, he respected and supported whoever held the job – for the office is more important than the man. Beginning with President Kennedy, Wayne would send a letter applauding the new president saying, "congratulations from the loyal opposition." He sent the same message to other presidents he didn’t vote for, like Lyndon B. Johnson and Jimmy Carter. Duke, as Wayne was called, criticized some of Kennedy's policies, but when [...]
Original Intent, Individual Dignity, and Freedom of Conscience by Daniel Sheridan
By Daniel Sheridan On this day, May 25, 1521, Martin Luther is declared an outlaw. However, the words that sealed his condemnation are the foundations of a free society. Here’s the story.
Morse Code: What Hath God Wrought! By Daniel Sheridan
By Daniel Sheridan May 24, 1844, the most significant discovery in the methods of communication, an invention born out of personal tragedy, was successfully put to the test, thus launching the worldwide communications revolution and marking a turning point in the advancement of human civilization. Here's the story...
America’s First Declaration of Independence: A Town Meeting Production by Daniel Sheridan
May 20, 1775, the first Colonial Declaration of Independence was written, or was it? Did you that over ninety “Declarations of Independence” were written by townships and counties throughout the colonies between April and July of 1776, three months before Jefferson’s hallowed parchment? America is the product of town meetings – a bottom-up movement. Here’s the story.
The First International Peace Conference By Daniel Sheridan
By Daniel Sheridan On this day, May 19th, 1899, reps of the first International Peace Conference contemplate their awesome responsibility.Wars abounded in the years leading up to 1899. The expanding technology was making the world a smaller place. As a result, many saw the need for...
Marquette’s Last Missionary Trip By Daniel W. Sheridan
By Daniel W. Sheridan On this day, May 18th, 1675, Marquette completed his mission. “I found myself in the blessed necessity of exposing my life for the salvation of these peoples, and especially of the Illinois, who have very urgently entreated me…to carry the word of God to their country.” Jacques Marquette Those are the words of Jacques Marquette, who gave his life in the service of...