On this day in 1775, Congress establishes the Continental Marines, the precursor to the USMC.

Today in 1975: The 729-foot-long freighter SS EDMUND FITZGERALD sinks on Lake Superior with the loss of the entire crew of 29. She remains the largest ship to have sunk on the Great Lakes.

In 1783, the Continental Army disbanded. The soldiers typically left with little more than their worn-out uniforms and signed paper discharges. Scenes like this one of a veteran returning to his family were fleeting moments. #VeteransDay 🎨 The Veteran's Return, by Don Troiani

Made me smile

1989: The gates of the Berlin Wall, the physical embodiment of a world divided by the Cold War, were opened at last

A portrait rendered on the other side of the stage backdrop behind which I shared an earlier image depicting a moment from my recent address at an event celebrating township governments. If you wish to influence your national government, get involved in your local government.

On this day in 1941, Washington issues a "war warning" to U.S. forces at Pearl Harbor. It advises commanders to prepare for a Japanese surprise attack *somewhere* in the Pacific.

1864: U.S. army steamer Greyhound is destroyed, most likely by a bomb planted by Confederate agents, on the James River near City Point, VA. Miraculously, Gen. Benjamin Butler, Adm. David Porter, and the entire crew escape the burning ship before it sinks

On this week's iteration of, "What Is This Thing??", we present an inconspicuous, box-looking object, nothing strange here... Comment with your guess on the name and purpose of this Civil War-era object from our collection, and check back at the end of the day for the answer!

On this day in 1939, the Soviet Union is expelled from the League of Nations for invading Finland.

On this day in 1944, the United States Congress establishes the rank of five-star general. Eisenhower, Marshall, MacArthur and Bradley are all promoted.

On this night in 1940, the Luftwaffe drops 100,000 incendiary bombs on London triggering what will be remembered as the city's "Second Great Fire." Nearly 200 civilians perish in the raid.

Did you know? The George G. Meade Equestrian Monument on Cemetery Ridge is one of two of the oldest equestrian monuments in #Gettysburg, dedicated in 1896. What is the other one and where is it located? 📸: Ann Blyler Wasilus

On this day in 1915, Germany introduces a new weapon: poison gas. Although the extreme cold on the Eastern Front renders the agent ineffective, future chemical attacks elsewhere will be lethally effective. By 1918, gas will have caused more than 1.3 million casualties.

On this day in 1793, Revolutionary France declares war on Great Britain ushering in 22 years of almost continuous conflict between the two powers.

10 May 1940 Pilots of No. 85 Squadron RAF pause for a photograph between sorties at Lille-Seclin, at 9am on the first day of the German invasion of France. © IWM C 1514)

On this day in 1796, Napoleon marries Joséphine de Beauharnais. Unfortunately, the groom is busy planning his upcoming Italy campaign and keeps the bride waiting for four hours.

THE CLASH OF THE IRONCLADS 💥💥 Today marks 160 years since USS Monitor and CSS Virginia (formerly Merrimack) notoriously battled here in our waters in Hampton Roads. Neither ship won the battle, but both proved the power of iron over wood, and changed naval warfare forever.

Following the election of Abraham Lincoln in November 1860 and the secession of Southern states, Almira Newcomb McNaughton Lockwood Fales began making bandages for she was certain war and death would result. She was right, and went on to become a nurse—and lose a son in battle.

Burritt on the Mountain outside Huntsville is a unique open air museum that overlooks the city of Huntsville, Al. Great destination to explore and spend the day. #STEHuntsville @Go2HuntsvilleAl Burritt Museum Sweet Home Alabama #ihearthsv #travel #historiclandmark