In 1840, American educator Thomas H. Palmer published a book titled Teacher’s Manual, which included in its text a short poem. While few of us today would recognize Palmer’s name, we’re probably all familiar with this poem: “Tis a lesson you should heed,           Try, try again. If at first you […]

Mary Kathlyn Wagner was born in the small Texas town of Hot Wells in 1918. Married at age 17, she soon found herself mothering a brood of three children. During World War II, with her husband serving in the armed forces, she was obliged to supplement the family finances. Lacking […]

I remember it was a sultry day, even in the early morning hours which was when the call came. It was July 4th, 1993. The call was from my Mom. “Come home as quickly as you can,” she cried, “your father is insisting that we go to Cousin Bryan’s house for […]

Today marks the 70th anniversary of arguably one of the most important military operations ever conducted. During World War II, the Battle of Normandy, which lasted from June to August 1944, resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control. Codenamed Operation Overlord, the battle began on June […]