“…while man exists, it is his duty to improve not only his own condition, but to assist in ameliorating mankind.” – Abraham Lincoln who was born on today’s date February 12, 1809 at Sinking Spring Farm in Kentucky. Image: Lincoln after his nomination for President in 1860 by Alexander Hessler via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

President Theodore Roosevelt arriving at Sinking Spring Farm on the centennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln – February 12, 1909 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

A photograph of the Headquarters of the 85th Infantry Division at Camp Custer in Michigan that was taken on February 12, 1918 The 85th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army was activated at Camp Custer in Michigan during WWI. Years earlier George Armstrong Custer led the Michigan Cavalry Brigade during the Battle of Gettysburg. Camp Custer near Battle Creek Michigan is now known as the Fort Custer Training Center. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

Born February 12, 1884 Alice Roosevelt Longworth was the eldest child of Theodore Roosevelt. Shown here in 1902 with her long-haired Chihuahua Leo, the high spirited, opinionated Alice caused her father to say “I can either run the country or I can attend to Alice, but I cannot possibly do both.” Image from LOC via Wikimedia Commons, public domain in the US. –>

Laying the cornerstone for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. – February 12, 1915 via Library of Congress, no known restrictions –>

Photo of the flying aircraft carrier, USS Macon in 1933 over New York Harbor. Two years later on February 12, 1935 she was caught in a storm off the California coast and crashed. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

Omar Nelson Bradley, West Point classmate of Dwight D. Eisenhower, was born on February 12, 1893 in Clark, Missouri. After serving with Patton and Eisenhower during WWII, Bradley was appointed by President Harry S. Truman as the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

In 1891 Alexander S. Webb received the Medal of Honor for his “distinguished personal gallantry in leading his men forward at a critical period in the contest” during the Battle of Gettysburg. In the year following Gettysburg, during the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Webb was hit by a bullet that entered into his right eye and exited his ear, but he survived. A few years after the American Civil War he became President of City College of New York and held that position for thirty-three years until 1902. Alexander S. Webb passed away on February 12, 1911 in Riverdale, New York and was buried at West Point National Cemetery. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

On February 12, 1963, construction began on the Gateway Arch National Historic Landmark in St. Louis, Missouri. The Arch, located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, was designed by Eero Saarinen to symbolize “The Gateway to the West.” When this picture was taken in 1965 completion was still two years away. Image by Kevin William Kelly, CCA-SA 4.0 International via Wikimedia Commons. –>

Peter Cooper, the man who designed and built the first steam locomotive in America (the Tom Thumb) was born on February 12, 1791 in New York City. In the 1830s, Cooper also invented the first steel rocking chair in America. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

If you’ve ever whacked a wooden ball through a wicket circle this day on your calendar. On February 12, 1880 the US National Croquet League was organized in Philadelphia. It’s skill, it’s recreation, it’s A LOT cheaper than polo! Here’s young Nancy Wong of Michigan enjoying the game in 1959. Image via Wikimedia Commons, CCA-Share Alike 4.0 International –>

On February 12, 1924, George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” premiered at Aeolian Hall in New York City Image of Gershwin via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

Dracula by Universal Pictures starring Bela Lugosi premiered at The Roxy Theatre in New York City on February 12, 1931. For a few years prior to the film’s release, Lugosi had been playing the role of Dracula on stage. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

The N.A.A.C.P., the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, was founded on February 12, 1909. This 1907 portrait shows one of the organization’s founders, writer and professor Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois. Image via Wikimedia Commons via Creative Commons CCO 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication –>

Twenty-fourth Lincoln dinner of the Republican Club of the City of New York, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Feb. 12, 1910 Image via LOC, no known restrictions –>

God Bless America! –>