Government

On December 13, 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony established its own militia, the precursor to America’s National Guard. Militias were later established in every state, eventually becoming the National Guard in 1916.

Fiorello La Guardia, was born December 11, 1882, in Greenwich Village, New York. He was voted the best former mayor in America for his 12 years of leadership of New York City.

On December 6, 1917, Finland declared its independence.  This was a major victory following centuries of foreign rule.

On December 3, 1775, the Grand Union flag was reportedly flown for the first time. It was also the first time an American flag was raised over an American naval vessel.

On December 2, 1863, the Statue of Freedom was placed atop the US Capitol to a 35-gun salute. The ceremony was held in the midst of the Civil War – President Lincoln had insisted the Capitol be completed as a symbol of American unity.

On December 1, 1917, first War Savings Stamp available for immediate use, WS1, was issued. In less than two years, more than $1.1 billion in stamps was sold.

On November 27, 1945, Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe (CARE) was formed. Initially established to aid Europeans in the wake of WWII, it’s still in operation today, helping over 250 million people.

On November 13, 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was officially dedicated in Washington, DC. It stands as a tribute to the thousands of Americans who gave their lives in the conflict.

Though the District of Columbia has served as our nation’s capital since 1791, its residents didn’t get to vote in their first presidential election until November 3, 1964.