2009 Marks the 100th anniversary of the minting of the American penny that proudly displays Abraham Lincoln.
Did you know that the Lincoln penny is more than just currency?
It has taken on another unusual purpose. It can often be found on top of a fallen civil war soldier's headstone.
Why do people place a penny on a soldier’s monument?
The purpose is symbolic. The first Lincoln penny was issued in 1909. Union soldiers and their families started placing them on headstones to honor their connection to Abraham Lincoln.
You may even find a penny on monuments of others that provided support to the war effort such as war nurses. Even Harriet Tubman's stone has been known to accumulate them.
This month’s issue of the Bugle Call, the official newsletter of the Grand Army of the Republic, offers a wonderful explanation on the significance of this ritual.
It is believed that the penny brings peace to the soldier as he serves under Lincoln in death as he did in life. In turn, Lincoln would be looking up at the stars as his spirit continues to serve a country that he lived and died for.
Next time you pass a monument with a penny placed on top it, may you be reminded of the person’s sacrifice. May it also bring awareness to all of the progress that we have made as a unified country .
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Graduation 2009
June is such an exciting time for the many graduates from schools around the country. This year, Dana L West Sr High closed with history in the making.
William Rice had the honors to read to his fellow classmates a personal greeting from Secretary of State and former U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, in honor of our historic year.
Commencement not only focused on the achievement of the students, it also showed appreciation to all the family, friends, faculty and community members that made their success possible. The heart of every community is the people.
Over 50 different scholarships were awarded, some issued to multiple students. The class was 105 students strong.
Go Panthers and best of luck to you!
William Rice had the honors to read to his fellow classmates a personal greeting from Secretary of State and former U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, in honor of our historic year.
Commencement not only focused on the achievement of the students, it also showed appreciation to all the family, friends, faculty and community members that made their success possible. The heart of every community is the people.
Over 50 different scholarships were awarded, some issued to multiple students. The class was 105 students strong.
Go Panthers and best of luck to you!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Lost Radeau
The Oldest Intact Warship in North America is found at the Depths of Lake George in New York State
Recently PBS broad casted a wonderful documentary made about the Land Tortoise radeau warship, which was part of the "The Sunken Fleet of 1758" during the French and Indian War.
To read more about the documentary:
Archaeological study of the 1758 Land Tortoise "Radeau" warship
Recently PBS broad casted a wonderful documentary made about the Land Tortoise radeau warship, which was part of the "The Sunken Fleet of 1758" during the French and Indian War.
To read more about the documentary:
Archaeological study of the 1758 Land Tortoise "Radeau" warship
