Today is Armed Forces Day. We remain the proud and the free because these Patriots -- American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen -- have stood bravely in harm's way and remain on post today. For this, we, the American people, offer our heartfelt thanks and prayers for you and your families.
Today is the National Day of Prayer.
In 1775, on the eve of Revolution, the First Continental Congress called for "a day of publick humiliation, fasting, and prayer." Indeed, our Founders saw a national day of prayer as a fitting observance.
Today in 1775, the first shots of the American Revolution were fired at Lexington, Massachusetts, when about 40 militiamen formed ranks against 700 British Red Coats on their way to Concord.
"Don't fire unless fired upon. But if they want a war let it begin here." --Captain John Parker, commander of the militiamen at Lexington, Massachusetts, on sighting British Troops
Today we mark the birth anniversary of Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson (1824-1863). Jackson died of pneumonia after being accidentally shot by his own men during the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863.