Pledge of Allegiance First Published
On September 8, 1892, Francis Bellamy’s Pledge of Allegiance was published in The Youth’s Companion magazine to promote patriotism among children. More than 50 years later, it became America’s national pledge.
Politics
Birth of Ralph Bunche
Ralph Johnson Bunche was born on August 7, 1904, in Detroit, Michigan.
Death of Robert A. Taft
Senator Robert A. Taft, son of America’s 27th president, died on July 31, 1953, in New York City. He was considered one of the five greatest US Senators.
Antarctic Treaty
On June 23, 1961, the Antarctic Treaty went into effect. Originally signed by 12 nations, it called for the peaceful use of the Antarctic Territory surrounding the South Pole.
Death of O. Henry
On June 5, 1910, American author O. Henry died in New York City. A prolific writer of short stories, he’s best known for his work, “The Gift of the Magi.”
Happy Birthday James Buchanan
James Buchanan was born on April 23, 1791, in Cove Gap, Pennsylvania, to Irish immigrants.
Birth of Dennis Chávez
The first American-born Hispanic senator, Dionisio “Dennis” Chávez was born on April 8, 1888, in Los Chaves, New Mexico. The 1991 Chavez stamp was the first US stamp printed outside the US and led to a Congressional inquiry!
Teddy Roosevelt Departs for African Safari
On March 23, 1909, former president Teddy Roosevelt set sail from New York City for a joint expedition with the Smithsonian Institution. He embarked on an African safari to collect more than 23,000 natural history specimens for the museum.
Birth of Grover Cleveland
Stephen Grover Cleveland was born in Caldwell, New Jersey, on March 18, 1837. Our 22nd and 24th president, he’s the only US president to serve two non-consecutive terms.