Page 11 - TFRW PNL Dec 2018

Inspire. Unite. Achieve.
Americanism
by June Rentmeester and Jeannee O’Neill
Americanism Co-Chairmen
Moments in History
The month of December begins on
a serious note with National Pearl
Harbor Remembrance Day on the
seventh. The flag is to be flown at
half-staff until sunset when it is to be
raised and then lowered. On this day
in 1941, the U.S. Naval base at Pearl
Harbor was attacked by nearly 200
Japanese aircraft which left nearly
3,000 Americans dead. Winston
Churchill referred to it “as a date
that will live in infamy.”
President James Monroe in his “Those who cannot remember the
annual message to the Congress
on December 2, 1823, introduced past are condemned to repeat it.”
his “Monroe Doctrine” which stated
to other European governments – George Santayana, Philosopher
that any other colonization of the
American continents would be considered to be an act of
aggression, in our modern terms. It meant the same as the
Gadsden Flag, “Don’t Tread on Me.”
Celebrations
Hanukkah begins on the third and ends on the tenth
at sundown, commemorating the rededication of the
Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Each night one of the eight
candles of the menorah are lit by the Shamash.
All over the world, December 25th is celebrated
by choristers everywhere as they join in songs and
hymns proclaiming the birth of Jesus. The music of
the season is inspiring to everyone just as the gifts of
the Magi are a reminder to all of the true meaning of
CHRISTMAS. Fly your flag!
December 26 through January 1, Kwanzaa, an African
American family observance established in 1966,
celebrates traditional African harvest festivals,
focusing on family unity, with a community harvest
feast on the seventh day. Kwanzaa means “first fruit”
in Swahili.
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2018 11
Who was the first President to be
born a citizen of the United States?
On December 5, Martin Van Buren
(1782-1862) was born in Kinderhook,
New York, and was elected as
the 8th President. He served from
March 4, 1837, to March 3, 1841.
On December 5, 1901, Walt Disney
was born in Chicago, Illinois. Disney
has become a household name
around the world. He moved to
Hollywood in 1928 and produced
the first cartoon in synchronized
sound, and “Mickey Mouse” became
a beloved character by children
everywhere. In 1937, he released his
first full-length cartoon Snow White
and the Seven Dwarfs.
Just recently, an article appeared in the newspaper
concerning the Life Magazine cover photo of a sailor kissing
a nurse. Photojournalist Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898-1995) born
in Dirschau, Prussia, on December 6, 1898, and was best
known for his Life magazine cover photo in Times Square,
celebrating the end of WWII. The question was asked if
they ever identified their names.
On December 10, 1896, Alfred Nobel died at San Remo,
Italy. As a notable Swedish chemist, he left a will that
stipulated that his income from his 9-million-dollar estate
be used for awards recognizing persons who have made
contributions to humanitarian causes. Dr Ralph Bunche was
the first African American man awarded the Nobel Peace
Prize in his efforts in mediation between Israel and Arab
States.
On December 16, 1863, Philosopher George Santayana
(1863-1952) was born in Madrid, Spain. As a child, he
emigrated to the U.S. and eventually became a teacher at
Harvard University.
Correction in November Newsletter: The Mayflower
landed on November 19, 1620.
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year To All!
TEXAS FEDERATION OF REPUBLICAN WOMEN