A Brief History On August 26, 1346, at the Battle of Crecy, the English longbow reigned supreme, and ever since the longbow has been closely associated with England. Here we list 10 such weapons that are famous for representing the country that either invented or perfected the weapon. Some countries are quickly identified with more than one iconic weapon. Digging Deeper 1. Longbow, England. At Crecy and at Agincourt (1415) the English Longbow reigned supreme and made its mark as the quintessential English weapon. An effective range of 250 yards and the ability to pierce armor at close range allowed the…
Author: Major Dan
Major Dan
Major Daniel Zar is a retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Cold War and has traveled to many countries around the world. Prior to his military service, he graduated from Cleveland State University, having majored in sociology. Following his military service, he worked as a police officer eventually earning the rank of captain prior to his retirement.
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A Brief History On August 25, 1904, our greatest ice cream sundae was born, the invention of pharmacist apprentice David Strickler in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Only 23 years old at the time, Strickler was experimenting with the soda and ice cream counter at the pharmacy he worked at (Tassel Pharmacy), and came up with the greatest of all ice cream treats, the mighty Banana Split. On this day each year we celebrate National Banana Split Day, a solemn occasion for this hungry author! Digging Deeper Normally made of 3 scoops of ice cream, 1 vanilla, 1 chocolate, and 1 strawberry, covered…
A Brief History On August 23, 1904, Harry Weed of Canastota, New York patented the automobile tire chain. In those days before snow tires and before Four Wheel and All Wheel Drive, tire chains undoubtedly saved many a would be stranded motorist. Here we list 10 Nifty Automotive Inventions, some of those great things that might not be of great necessity, but that make our motoring lives easier and even more fun. Digging Deeper 1. Tire Chains, 1904. As stated above, this invention is not only helpful, but in some circumstances an absolute necessity, especially in the mountains. Tire chains are…
A Brief History On August 22, 1485, King Richard III of England died from wounds received in the Battle of Bosworth Field, the last English King to die in battle. Long ago, kings and other nobility would lead their men in battle, but for the past few hundred years the trend has been for the rich and powerful to send other people into battle. Perhaps if our leaders were forced to actually lead they would consider war a bit more carefully! Digging Deeper Richard III was the last of the Plantagenet dynasty kings, a clan originally from France that included…
A Brief History On August 21, 1968, the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for bravery and courage in battle that can be earned by an American fighting person, was awarded posthumously to James Anderson, Jr., the first African American US Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. Digging Deeper Anderson was born Los Angeles in 1947 when the US military was still segregated. (The US military became desegregated per Executive Order 9981 on July 26, 1948 under President Truman.) A high school graduate, James went on to study at junior college for a year and a half before…