On this day in 1784, the State of Franklin declares its independence from North Carolina. Did you know that a state named Franklin could...

On this day in 1912, Arthur Rose Eldred is notified that he will be the Boy Scouts of America’s first Eagle Scout. Did you know that the...

On this day in 2008, a hero passes away. Ed “Too Tall” Freeman is best known for his service as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He would...

On this day in 1812, USS Constitution wins an intense naval battle against HMS Guerrière . Perhaps you know that Constitution is...

On this day in 1943, a hero engages in an action that would earn him the Medal of Honor. Major Ralph Cheli’s stunning bravery in the...

On this day in 1935, an aviation entrepreneur is tragically killed. Wiley Post had risen above poverty, prison, and even losing an eye to...

On this day in 1765, the Sons of Liberty destroy Massachusetts Lt. Governor Thomas Hutchinson’s home. The move came mere months after the Br

On this day in 1969, multiple parades are held in honor of the Apollo 11 astronauts. They’d just been released from quarantine. Many...

On this day in 1977, the Space Shuttle Enterprise makes its first free flight. Did you know that NASA built an orbiter than never went...

On this day in 1916, a hero is born. Leon Vance was the son of a pilot and the nephew of a World War I aviator. Perhaps it’s unsurprising...

On this day in 1945, Americans drop an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Nagasaki. It had been only three days since the bombing of...

Today is Purple Heart Day! On this day in 1782, General George Washington creates a military award that would be the predecessor for the...

On this day in 1945, Americans drop an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The bombing came not too long after Japan had...

On this day in 1964, a U.S. Navy pilot takes a hit during a bombing run. LTJG Everett Alvarez, Jr. bailed out of his plane, only to be...

On this day in 1979, a hero is born. Edward C. Byers would go on to become a corpsman, then a Navy SEAL—and, finally, a recipient of the Medal of Honor. He sees the Medal as a duty and a responsibility. “It’s not necessarily anything I welcome, but it’s part of my job now,” he told the Navy Times. “This isn’t something we ask for, this is something that is bestowed upon you. And with it comes some obligations.” Byers’s heroism had come in Afghanistan when he volunteered

On this day in 1922, a future Medal of Honor recipient is born. Perhaps few would have expected Johnnie David Hutchins to become a...

On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence is signed. If you’re surprised to hear that it wasn’t signed on July 4, then you’re...

On this day in 1854, the man who was the probable inspiration for Uncle Sam passes away during a cholera epidemic. Did you know that...

On this day in 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a law making “In God We Trust” the national motto. His action came just two...

On this day in 1932, Amelia Earhart receives a Distinguished Flying Cross. She’d just become the first female—and the second person...