12: On this day in 1922, the American Episcopal Church omitted the word "obey" from the traditional marriage vows. This marked another victory for women's rights, a movement with such proponents as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Matilda Gage, who brought forth the "Declaration of the Rights of Woman" in Philadelphia on July 4, 1876. This was a famous speech that pushed for a woman's right to vote and her right for a fair trial, among others. The far-reaching effects of women's rights is felt even today, as women have advanced tremendously in American society, securing prestigious jobs, holding public office, owning land, and earning some degree of respect as equals with men. Submitted by Robert Wayne Bean, English Major, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
13: On this day in 1814, Francis Scott Key pens "The Star Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States of America. Amazed that the American flag was still flying over Fort McHenry after a brutal two day attack, Key penned this poem while in a state of extreme ecstacy. Its adoption is credited to Judge Nicholson and Ferdinand Durang, the first person to sing the poem that was set to the tune of "Adams and Liberty", a popular tune during the American Revolution. Submitted by Robert Wayne Bean, English Major, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
14: On this day in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt became President of the United States of America after the assassination of William McKinley. Roosevelt was famous for making quick decisions on policies and documents that were passed to him, although some decisions may not have been the most desirable. Under his administration, Washington, D.C., came to world prominence and within the confines of the White House itself, there was a new respect and honor initiated. Although one of the Rough Riders, friends of Roosevelt ranked him as one of the most generous and friendly of the U.S. Presidents. Submitted by Robert Wayne Bean, English Major, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
15: On this day in 1789, James Fenimore Cooper was born in Burlington,
New Jersey. He was the first American novelist to achieve an outstanding
level of success among the population at large. Although his stories
maintained tremendous popularity on into the early twentieth century, his
audience today is practically nonexistent, even in the school system, of
which his novels once received great attention. Once the premier
American author, his works include The Spy, The Pioneers, and The
Last of the Mohicans. Submitted by Robert Wayne Bean, English Major,
University of North Carolina at Pembroke