Celebrating the Construction of the Nation's Capitol

216 years ago, George Washington laid the first cornerstone of the historical US Capitol building. This was a monumental moment in history if for no other reason than the fact that it represents the very essence of the democracy that this nation stands upon.

The United States Capitol has been pegged "a symbol of the American people and their government." This historic building dually serves as the meeting grounds of the United States Congress and Senate. It is also a tourist attraction that has accommodated the curiosity of millions in its 216 years of existence.

In 1793, a celebration following the Masonic tradition was held in honor of the first president laying the first cornerstone of this great architectural work.
According to hjf4.com, "Such a cornerstone has been part of the construction or dedication of many federal buildings and seats of state government since these
early beginnings."

This marks history with a very bright pen because of what this institute has meant to the United States over the last two centuries. It provides a place for the fate of this country to be determined in the name of democracy. It houses the foundation of a country of freedom and equal opportunity. This day holds the keystone history of yesterday, the work of today, and the promise of tomorrow.

A Dreary Anniversary

This date, one year ago, marked one of the largest bankruptcies in this nation's history. It is the anniversary of the falling of the financial giant, Lehman’s. This huge economic catastrophe sent the nation’s economy into a whirlwind of upset, spiraling into a recession that, according to Ben Bernanke (Federal Reserve Chairman), was comparable to the beginnings of the Great Depression.

Since that day, the government has had to reach out in an extensive rescue attempt to salvage the nation’s financial stability. With some opposing the government’s involvement in the credit market, it has been a rocky road to this date.

Some improvements have been made in the market, and some financial analysts predict that a year from now, even more improvements will be visible. However, they say, the journey to a full recovery will not necessarily be a smooth one.

The president addresses the financial giant, and others like it, with a warning that government rescue will begin to lessen. He wants to make sure that, from this point on, more preventive measures and procedures will be followed so as not to fall into the same traps again in the future.

Terror Never Forgotten

America stops on this day, September 11, 2009, to remember a day of tremendous loss. Eight years ago to date, close to 3,000 people lost their lives to one of the worst acts of terrorism this nation has ever seen.

At precisely 8:46 AM, President and First Lady Obama stood on the South Lawn of the White House to pay respects to those who lost their lives at that exact time when two jetliners smashed into the first World Trade Center tower.

Again, a moment of silence was taken at 9:03 AM to remember those whose lives were claimed as the second tower was struck by another aircraft. Vice President Joe Biden crowned this moment with a recitation of a poem by Mary Oliver.

At 10:29 AM, yet another moment of silence was taken to commemorate the tragic fall of the second tower of the World Trade Center.

In observance of this tragic day that the nation felt in the pits of their stomachs on September 11, 2001, President Obama has deemed this day a "National Day of Service" and has called out to the United States as a nation to recognize the importance of public service.

To the nation, Obama inspired participation by saying, "On a day when others sought to sap our confidence, let us renew our common purpose, let us remember how we came together as one nation, as one people, as Americans united..."

The Anniversary of the Little Rock Nine

Minnijean Brown. Gloria Ray. Jefferson Thomas. Terrence Roberts. Carlotta LaNier. Melba Beals. Thelma Wair. Ernest Green. Elizabeth Eckford.

Meet the "Little Rock Nine". These nine individuals showed up to Central High School on September 4, 1957, exactly fifty-two years ago, and were met at the front gates by Arkansas National Guardsmen.

Appointed by Arkansas governor Orval Faubus, these guardsmen were instructed to keep these nine African-American students off of the premises.

On May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that segregation was not constitutional. Desegregation of schools was the order.

At the beginning of Central High School's 1957-58 school year, nine African-American students were denied access to the former all-White high school premises.

These nine students persevered through the protests and ridicule until their rights were granted and access was approved. It is because of courageous acts and triumphs such as these that African-Americans have made great strides in education today.

Let us remember this day in honor of fifty-two years of perseverance and dedication to equal rights in education and life.

Carlotta LaNier, one of the nine students discriminated against on this day fifty-two years ago says, "We have come a mighty long way. But because we have a black president doesn't mean everything is honky dory. That doesn't stop racism. It says you can aspire to become president. But have we solved racism? Oh, no. Look what happened to professor Skip Gates. Equality still is not as it should be."