Photo: Writing the Declaration of Independence (Wikipedia Commons, license) Persistent houseflies echoed throughout the solitude of the second story parlor room, interrupted only by the sound of passing carriages on the street below. A young red haired Virginian was writing with a sense of duty and passion. Anxiety and excitement raced through his thoughts at composing … [Read more…]
US Postmaster General Harry S. New posing with airmail pilot James D. Hill, July 1, 1925. (Wikipedia Commons, license) On this day 1925, airmail pilot James Hill departed Hadley Field, New Jersey at 9 pm in the evening. This was the start of regularly scheduled transcontinental night and day airmail flights in the United States. In … [Read more…]
“The air is the only place free from prejudices” Bessie Coleman Photo: Bessie Coleman and her plane, 1922 (Wikipedia Commons, license) On this day 1921, Bessie Coleman became the first woman of African American and Native American descent to earn an airplane pilot’s license. Inspired by the pilots returning from WWI, Bessie was determined to … [Read more…]
Hannah Giving Her Son Samuel to the Priest, by Jan Victors via Wikipedia Commons (license) Comment from the author: As a political geek, I’ve always been fascinated by the biblical story of Samuel. He was a man who oversaw the transition of Israel to a monarchy. He warned his fellow countrymen of the dangers of … [Read more…]
Jim Birkett working on the Merlin engine of a Supermarine Spitfire of No 241 Squadron, Royal Air Force on a chilly day in Southern Italy, 1944. (Photo: Royal Air Force official photographer via Wikipedia Commons, license) Using their mechanical skills, and love for aviation, aircraft mechanics kept their airmen in the fight and served their … [Read more…]
During the liberation of the Netherlands, British airman Fred Frazan took the time to bring joy to these Dutch children. Even in time of war, dressing as Santa Claus and delivering gifts may be all you need to put a smile on someone’s face. This photo was taken at No. 122 Wing airfield at Volkel, … [Read more…]