A Presidents Birthday.

[Kiwi Phil]

I am not sure of my facts, but I do know today is the birth date of Darwin.<br />From my History lessons at school 40-45yrs back, I seem to recall that Lincolns birthdate is identical. Is that the case? Do you chaps celebrate it with a holiday or anything? It would have to be a pretty big deal wouldn't it?<br />Cheers<br />Phillip<br /><br />PS There are a few other interesting things I remember about American History too.........

 

[OBJ]

Re: A Presidents Birthday.

Well Phillip....we lump all the presidents into one big heap and celebrate them all on one day which is the 16th of this month. Bad or good, they get celebrated. Some buisness' call it a holiday and some do not.

 

[JoeW]

Re: A Presidents Birthday.

We used to celebrate Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays. Now it's just president's day.

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: A Presidents Birthday.

You mentioned Lincoln and Washington Joe. I thought it was Lincoln but not 100% sure. We were taught the two most important Presidents were these 2. Washington for bringing about independance and Lincoln for keeping the Country united, from which the countries strength developed.<br />We were also taught of the importance of the French in your War or Independance, infact our teacher told us, and I still remember it clearly, if it wasn't for the French, the Americans would be sending a Team to the Commonwealth Games. That made the class of 15yr olds stop and listen, and learn. We spent 1 Term (12 weeks) on North American History: it came under Modern History, and was pretty interesting, especially after having English History rammed down out necks for 3 years.<br />Phillip

 

[crab bait]

Re: A Presidents Birthday.

wow,!! you guys are good..!! an were taught right.. always find it amazin' how much the people-of-the-world know about us an we know squat back at ya.. <br /><br />gives 'know thy enemy' new meaning.. <br /><br />yes it's very true without the french we'd be havin' 'tea time at four'..they were very instrumentail in our victory for independence.. especially at YORKTOWN.. the final battle..<br /><br />amazin',, i went to trade school,for high school..so i only had american history twice ..5 & 8 grade.. <br /><br />each time we never got past the 'explorers'... magellian ,columbus,la salle ,,ect.. <br /><br />oh, i'm good at it.!! i'm a ponce de'leon knowin' $#@@^^**...!! that i am..

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: A Presidents Birthday.

Not only the French, but the Germans (Prussians) also helped out tremendously.

 

[Raghauler]

Re: A Presidents Birthday.

For the record, today, Feb. 12, is Lincoln’s birthday, born in 1809. Darwin was also born the same day in 1809. Today is also the birthday of Bill Russell (basketball great, in 1934), Lorne Greene (actor, in 1915), Ray Manzarek (keyboardist of “The Doors” rock band, 1935), Ehud Barak (Israeli Prime Minister, 1942), Arsenio Hall (entertainer, 1956), and Judy Blume (author, 1938). Why do I know this? Well, it’s my birthday too (average schmo, 1962).<br /><br />I used to get my birthday off every year because school closed for BOTH Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays. One of the many, many reasons I had an awesome childhood.<br /><br />Yes, Kiwi Phil, if not for the French, the American patriots would have lost and Cornwallis would have been victorious. Lafayette was instrumental in educating the American rebels in English tactical warfare of the time. The Germans helped, but they also hurt… the Hessians worked for the redcoats.<br /><br />Right up through the 19th century, the French seemed to like us, and we liked them. The Statue of Liberty was a wonderful gift bestowed upon the United States by France. It seems, though, that in recent years they don’t like us. We’ve become too friendly with the Brits for their own taste. It’s a shame, really, because Americans and the French are both proud, sometimes too much for their own good. Since I’m an American, you can guess which side of the pond I support. Ever since France would not allow the United States to fly in their airspace to retaliate against Libya for supporting terrorist acts, I threw in the towel regarding the French. With all those dead Americans buried in France who sacrificed their young lives to liberate Europe and the free world from fascist Nazi’s, You’d think they would like us, even a little. Yo well, can’t have it all, can we?