Page 23 - TFRW PNL Feb 2019

Inspire. Unite. Achieve.
Americanism

by June Rentmeester and Jeannee O’Neill

Americanism Co-Chairmen

February

Fly the American Flag

On February 1, 1865, National Freedom Day was proposed by
Abraham Lincoln and ultimately became the 13th Amendment.
It was ratified on December 18, 1865, and was established to
abolish slavery.

February 2 Groundhog Day
On February 12, the flag should be flown in celebration of the birthday
has been a celebrated tradition
of Republican Abraham Lincoln. He accomplished much including freeing
since 1887 in Punxsutawney,
slaves, composing the inciteful Gettysburg Address, and establishing
Pennsylvania. If the groundhog
Thanksgiving. A little-known fact is that Lincoln was a very accomplished
sees his shadow, there will be
wrestler. His wrestling exploits were often used in his campaign.
seven more weeks of winter.
February 18 is President’s Day, which is George Washington’s birthday.
February 8, 1910, is Boy Scouts of
Even though we usually think of George Washington and Abraham
American Founders Day, which
Lincoln on President’s Day, two other presidents were also born in the
was established in 1910. It was
month of February, William Harrison and Ronald Reagan.
founded by William Boyce who
February 22, 1732, George Washington’s birthday. On February 4, 1789, patterned it after British Boy
Washington was elected unanimously as the president. Scouts.
February 14 is Valentine’s Day
which is widely celebrated around
the world. Everyone knows that
Black History Month flowers and chocolate are the

prevalent gifts to the delight of
In 1926, the precursor to Black History Month was designated as florists and chocolatiers. Don’t
Negro History Week, which was chosen to be the second week in forget dark chocolate is healthier
February to coincide with the birthday of President Lincoln (born and more nutritious.
February 12, 1809) and Frederick Douglass (born February 1818).
The black community has celebrated Black History since the late
19th century. After all, America is “the melting pot of civilization.”
Now fast forward to 1969, when the idea of Black History Month “The ultimate measure of a
was first proposed by black educators and Black United Students man is not where he stands
at Kent State University. Black history should be taught as part in moments of comfort and
of the curriculum and perpetuated by continuing events in the
schools and churches. A year later on February 1 of 1970, the convenience, but where he
first celebration of Black History Month occurred; six years later stands at times of challenge
President Gerald Ford recognized February as Black History and controversy.”
Month, which is celebrated beginning on Friday, February 1 and
ending on Friday, February 28. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2019 23 TEXAS FEDERATION OF REPUBLICAN WOMEN