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5 articles

Nov9

2013What Vietnam War battlefield rescue is memorialized depicting the only time when one Medal of Honor recipient was rescued by a person who would eventually be awarded a Medal of Honor for rescuing him?

At the entrance of the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, a striking ten-foot bronze statue called 'Swim Buddies' commemorates an extraordinary Vietnam War battlefield rescue. The sculpture memorializes the night of October 31, 1972, when SEAL Petty Officer Michael "Mike" Thornton braved enemy fire to carry his critically injured teammate, Lieutenant Thomas "Tommy" Norris, to safety—an act that would result in both men receiving the Medal of Honor, uniquely marking the only time one recipient saved another. Thornton towed Norris for two hours through darkness and surf before they were rescued, exemplifying the SEAL ethos of mutual responsibility known as the "swim buddy" system. Unveiled on November 9, 2013, and commissioned by H. Ross Perot, the statue stands as a powerful symbol of valor and brotherhood at the historic training grounds of America’s original WWII "frogmen."

Jan28

1986What space shuttle disaster resulted in the establishment of more than 40 Learning Centers focusing on science, technology, engineering and math?

The U.S. space shuttle Challenger tragically exploded just 73 seconds after liftoff from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on the morning of January 28, 1986. This disaster claimed the lives of all seven crew members and led to a nationwide examination of NASA’s safety practices, ultimately inspiring efforts to improve science education. In response, the astronauts' families established the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, which now operates more than 40 Learning Centers—including one at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto—dedicated to advancing STEM learning. The enduring legacy of the Challenger crew is also honored with a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, whose tablet was dedicated in 1987 in the presence of 400 attendees, including Vice President George Bush.

Apr15

1947What is Jackie Robinson Day?

Jackie Robinson Day is an annual event celebrated across Major League Baseball in stadiums nationwide, honoring the legendary Brooklyn Dodger who broke the color barrier at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York, on April 15, 1947. Recognized as a transformative figure in both baseball and civil rights history, Robinson’s debut marked the first time since the 1880s a Black player openly competed in the major leagues. Since 2009, every player, manager, coach, and umpire wears the iconic number 42 in tribute, while 2019’s centennial of Robinson’s birth saw special league-wide celebrations. This year’s observance marks the 103rd anniversary of Robinson's birth and the 78th anniversary of his historic debut.

Dec16

1944What is known as the "greatest battle ever fought by the United States Army"?

The Battle of the Bulge, fought in the icy forests of Belgium and Luxembourg from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, is remembered as the greatest battle ever fought by the United States Army. This fierce last-ditch German counteroffensive not only tested Allied resolve but also resulted in staggering losses—up to 100,000 German and 75,000 American casualties. A striking six-foot bronze statue in Lake Eola Park, Orlando, Florida, dedicated on the battle’s 55th anniversary in 1999, honors the gallant men and women who fought there. Uniquely, this monument, believed to be only the second of its kind in the world, stands atop a white star surrounded by flags from the U.S., Belgium, and Luxembourg, linking American memory with European history.

Mar28

1943What American World War II symbol was promoted as "The World's Most Unique Monument"?

The Monument of States in Kissimmee, Florida, was conceived and built by Dr. Charles Wesley Bressler-Pettis during World War II to symbolize American unity and boost local tourism. Completed in 1943 with the support of the Kissimmee-All-States Tourist Club and countless community members, it stands as a unique folk art structure constructed from over 1,500 stones from all 48 states at the time and 21 countries. Among its most intriguing contributions are a meteorite, a human skull, and a petrified apple. The monument not only draws visitors with its unusual collection but also immortalizes Dr. Bressler-Pettis himself, whose remains are entombed within its base.