January, a Month of Firsts

We're one week into the first month of the New Year. 

It's still shiny and new despite the disgraceful actions of crazy people on both the right and the left.

Our country has a proud history that I hope won't be tarnished by people who seem to have forgotten that this is the land of the free.

Let's celebrate some of the historical firsts undertaken by Americans.

Some of these remind us to be proud of our country. Some are scientific or technological achievements. Others remind us of our popular culture and the lifestyle we grew accustomed to.

At the same time, let's pray that the Rule of Law is upheld and people quit trying to tear apart our country.

Firsts in January

1776 — During the American Revolution, George Washington unveiled the Grand Union Flag, the first national flag in America.

1863 —The Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln.

1892 — Ellis Island in New York Harbor opened. Over 20 million new arrivals to America were processed until its closing in 1954.

1909 —Automobile hearse was used first time in a funeral procession

1933 —Work is started on The Golden Gate Bridge across the San Francisco Bay.

1935 — First Orange Bowl Game

1937— Federal Old Age Pensions Started1938 March of Dimes Foundation Created

1944 — GI Bill Signed Into Law and millions of those who served in the U.S. military found it possible to obtain higher education.

1952 —  first effective polio vaccine was developed in 1952 by American Jonas Salk and a team at the University of Pittsburgh

1954 — Elvis Presley Records First Demo Record

1954 — US launched the world's first atomic submarine, Nautilus

1959 — Alaska became the 49th state of the United States of America

1970 — The Boeing 747 makes its first commercial passenger trip to London

1977 — The Alex Haley book, Roots, was turned into a TV Mini Series

1983 — Apple announces "The Apple Lisa" the first commercial personal computer to have a graphical user interface GUI and a computer mouse.

2007 — Apple introduces the 4.5 inch X 2.4 inch Apple iPhone

2009 — Barack Obama, the first African-American president, was inaugurated.

2011 — U.S. Navy S.E.A.L.s found Osama Bin Laden. You know the rest of that story.

2012 — US Swimmer Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympian of all time.

2016 — Simone Biles conquered the Olympics

2016 — The Cubs finally won the World Series.

2017 — Hurricane Harvey struck Houston and Texans and others who arrived with boats risked their lives to save strangers.

2018 — In the U.S. the economy continued to grow, wages increased, and unemployment fell to 3.7%, it's lowest level since 1969.

2020 — If you're reading this, it means you survived the first round of CoVid19. Keep taking precautions until this disease can be conquered the way many others have been.

Takeaway Truth

I think it's appropriate to say, "Happy New Year." Don't let the dissenters eat away your optimism.