Following are some thoughts, composed on the 66th anniversary of the most famous D-Day in history, related to history and cultural memory, especially how commemoration and experience of momentous events (meaning social, political and military episodes that affected the entire nation and shaped the culture) shift over generations. What causes some episodes to “stick” through … Continue reading From 2/15/98, to 6/6/44, to 9/11/01
Author: fredmo1812
On Memorial Day, Thanks for the Sacrifice
It’s said that “freedom isn’t free,” but on Memorial Day weekend, it often feels like it. Memorial Day in America is a day of solemn commemoration entangled with the banalities of a three-day party, the summer-season opener. Since 1865, when former slaves in South Carolina visited Union cemeteries to honor the sacrifice the men in … Continue reading On Memorial Day, Thanks for the Sacrifice
Simon (Schama) Says …
Simon Schama, a respected and erudite British historian, opines in FT.com that we are “On the brink of a new age of rage” as financial and economic systems in Europe and America melt down. I think he overstates the power of the American variant of inchoate rage–the Tea Party–as he writes: The best way to … Continue reading Simon (Schama) Says …
History and Memory
More from the vault. Just remember that Clio is the daughter of Mnemosyne. In 1932, Carl Becker urged his readers to “admit that there are two histories: the actual series of events that once occurred; and the ideal series that we affirm and hold in memory.” His insight summarizes the difference between the past itself … Continue reading History and Memory
Janus-Faced (American) Revolution
If you are remotely curious about what the heck this means, do go and read a paper I wrote under this rubric a while ago, when I could write extremely fascinating stuff like: The American Revolution, conceived broadly as the quarter-century from 1764 to 1788, has innumerable facets, interpretations, and legacies. The Revolution was a … Continue reading Janus-Faced (American) Revolution
Polk’s War Message
Back in ‘46 (18), President James K. Polk fomented a little war with Mexico over a trumped-up border dispute with America’s southern neighbor. Viva California! This week in May marks the anniversary of President Polk’s request for a declaration of war against Mexico, which he got on May 13. Back in '03 (20), I wrote … Continue reading Polk’s War Message
No (Judicial) Experience Necessary
There are many reasons to be for or against President Obama’s nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to become the next associate justice on the Supreme Court. But lack of prior judicial experience shouldn’t be one of them. Consider this from the annals of terrible headlines. As the Dayton Daily News reports: “Supreme Court nominee … Continue reading No (Judicial) Experience Necessary
More U.S. Grant Love
Sean Wilentz, a Princeton U. professor of history, tells us why we need to give U.S. Grant more respect. In “Who’s Buried in the History Books?” Wilentz writes: “To honor Reagan’s genuine achievements by downgrading those of Grant would deepen our chronic historical amnesia about the Civil War and Reconstruction, the central events of the … Continue reading More U.S. Grant Love
What Sarah Palin and Nelson Rockefeller Have in Common
A friend asked about whether Sarah Palin’s resignation as Alaska governor last summer had any precedent, or if any governors in the past had, like her, just abruptly resigned. The short answer is “no,” with one exception. But before the long answer, let’s take a look at former Governor Palin’s stated reasons for leaving her … Continue reading What Sarah Palin and Nelson Rockefeller Have in Common
Reagan on the $50 Bill?
News from North Carolina: Rep. Patrick McHenry ® has introduced a bill to direct the Treasury to replace U.S. Grant’s portrait on the $50 bill with Ronald Reagan’s visage. He is reported to have said, “every generation needs its own heroes.” I won’t go into the pros and cons of President Reagan, nor the expense … Continue reading Reagan on the $50 Bill?
Public Historian 