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Andrew Jackson Higgins and the Boats that Won World War II, a 3-Minute Review
Jerry E. Strahan’s biography, Andrew Jackson Higgins and the Boats that Won World War II, enlightens readers by detailing the contributions of one of the most overlooked figures of World War II. Higgins, a Louisiana-based boatbuilder and Nebraska native, revolutionized amphibious warfare by designing the LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel)—the boats that made the D-Day…
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Eisenhower in War and Peace, a 3-Minute Review
Jean Edward Smith’s Eisenhower in War and Peace is a definitive biography of one of the most influential people of the 20th century: Dwight D. Eisenhower. Smith’s comprehensive entry explores Ike’s humble beginnings in Abilene, Kansas through his presidency, and everything in between. It offers a balanced view of Eisenhower as both a strategic leader…
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The Shot Heard Round the World: Reliving Lexington and Concord
“For God’s sake, fire!” – Major John Buttrick of Concord, Massachusetts Bay Colony April 19, 1775 After departing Boston late in the evening of the previous day, the British are on the march to Concord with the objective of seizing colonist weapons and munitions. This is an attempt by General Thomas Gage to quell mounting…
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The Campaigns of Courage Tour and Meeting Interesting People
Just like a great movie, a great museum is always better the second time. The National World War II Museum in New Orleans is no exception. Since we’ve already discussed the basics in National World War II Museum: A Must Visit in New Orleans, let’s do something a bit different here. First, I want to…
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Commemorating the Battle of New Orleans: A Totally Normal Trip
Rampart at Chalmette Battlefield
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When I Go Back to New Orleans…Revisted
Hey all. I am home after a trip back to New Orleans. The actual travel was a bit rough (I didn’t board any of my original flights), but all-in-all everything went as well as one could hope. For those reading this blog for the first time, my family and I just went to New Orleans…
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Heading Back to New Orleans with Mixed Feelings
Hey all. My plan for today was to announce I am heading back to New Orleans for the Battle of New Orleans commemoration next week. Though I still plan to go, that exciting announcement now comes with mixed feelings considering the attack that occurred in the city early this morning. The hotel I booked is…
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The Freedom Trail: A Great Way to Exercise Your Body and Mind
Hello, dear readers. I hope this post finds you doing well during this last day of 2024. I was driving to the gym yesterday when I saw two guys running down the street. In the rain…in December…in Nebraska. That’s dedication. I’ll take my climate-controlled gym, thank you very much. I need to do things that…
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An Ode to the USS Constitution
The USS Constitution, affectionately known as Old Ironsides, first appeared on my radar when researching the Battle of New Orleans. When I discovered the Constitution is still in service and harbored in Boston, I became determined to visit on our summer vacation there. She became the highlight of the trip. The below ode to this…
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Andrew Jackson Higgins: The Forgotten Hero of World War II
Throughout history, many inventors go underappreciated. Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin. Philo Farnsworth invented television. Louis Braille developed…Braille. How many of you could name any one of these inventors? And no. Just saying Braille doesn’t count. Though their names go unremembered, their legacies live on in their achievements. In this post, we’ll talk about another one…
History with Legs: Experience History Through Travel
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