A great read about First Ladies and cherry blossoms: 

More about the adventure extraordinaire, 

 at the National Mall showing the iconic trees which 

“serve as living symbols of diplomacy between the U.S. and Japan …"

First Cherry Trees Planted In D.C.’s Potomac Park

How thousands of the iconic Japanese trees made their way to America’s capital.

Plus: The women who made it happen.

Well-known traveler, reporter, author, & photographer Eliza Scidmore was the first to introduce the idea of planting flowering cherry trees in D.C.

After returning from a trip to Japan in 1885, she began advocating for cherry trees to be planted along the tidal wetlands near the White House & Potomac River.

She was repeatedly turned down for 24 years – until First Lady Helen Taft heard her idea.

1909: First Lady Taft introduced her plan to develop and improve Potomac Park.

Scidmore heard of the plans and reached out, explaining the cherry trees 

“would be a great showing … a rosy tunnel of interlaced branches.”

First Lady Taft immediately agreed. Two notable Japanese men working in D.C. – a celebrated chemist and the consul general – heard of her proposal and helped arrange a donation from Tokyo.

March 27, 1912: First Lady Taft and Iwa Chinda, the wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted the first cherry trees along the Potomac River.

The ceremony served as a symbol of international friendship.

The two trees are still standing, located near the MLK Jr. Memorial.

Out of the approximately 4,000 cherry trees in D.C. parks today, fewer than 100 are original trees planted in 1912.

“... since they had to plant something in that great stretch of raw, reclaimed ground by the river bank … they might as well plant the most beautiful thing in the world—the Japanese cherry tree.”

Eliza Scidmore in a 1928 interview reflecting on why she advocated for cherry blossoms to be planted around the Tidal Basin in D.C. The land, mostly barren then, is now home to monuments such as the Jefferson Memorial and the MLK Jr. Memorial.

Japan's initial donation of 2,000 cherry trees had come two years earlier (1910). However, the trees arrived infected with insects and diseases and had to be burned to ensure native plants would not be harmed. In March 1912, around 3,000 more cherry trees were donated (free of infections) and were quickly planted around D.C. to usher in spring.

Cherry trees bloom for about 14 days out of the year.

On This Day

On This Day: First Cherry Trees Planted In D.C.'s Potomac Park 

CHECK HERE TO SEE THE STATUS OF YOUR STATE: 

Florida lawmakers lead fight over daylight saving time

Rubio Reintroduces Bill to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

Most of us will set our clocks an hour forward on Sunday at 2 a.m. 

: It has nothing to do with helping farmers.

3 Things To Know About Daylight Saving Time (DST)

Not intended to make longer days for farmers, but rather first enacted to help conserve energy used for light/heat (coal) during WWI.

The need for DST has always been a topic of debate. Today, about 70 countries observe DST – that’s less than 40% of countries around the world.

Daylight saving time lasts approx. eight months. Standard time lasts four months.

The federal government mandated daylight saving time (DST) in 1918 during 

 Congress standardized DST start and end dates requiring observing states to be in sync, but allowed states to opt out.

 Congress reset the start of DST to the second Sunday in March and set the end of DST for the first Sunday in November; these changes went into effect in 2007. 

States are not required to observe DST, but congressional approval is required to keep year-round daylight saving time.

As of Oct. 2022, 19 states have passed laws to keep year-round (permanent) daylight saving time over the past several years. These laws await Congress’ approval.

Two states – Arizona (except Navajo territories) and Hawaii – as well as five major U.S. territories, don’t observe DST & keep year-round standard time.

“This ritual of changing time twice a year is stupid. Locking the clock has overwhelming bipartisan and popular support. This Congress, I hope that we can finally get this done.”

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) said in early March. He has introduced and reintroduced legislation since 2018 to eliminate the time shift and make daylight saving time permanent. In 2022, the bill – "The Sunshine Protection Act" – passed unanimously in the Senate though never made it to a vote in the House. 

Changing our clocks was controversial from the beginning with complaints about BIG government. According to a 2022 poll by 

, less than a fourth of U.S. residents like switching the clocks twice each year, while nearly half would prefer permanent DST. Meanwhile, about a third of people prefer permanent Standard Time. What would you prefer? See if your state has pending legislation on our source page.

Now You Know

Daylight Saving Time: 2023

March from Selma to Montgomery, “Bloody Sunday,” 1965: First-hand account from National Archive

Joe Biden visits Selma on ‘Bloody Sunday’ anniversary, calls for protecting voting rights

A pivotal turning point in America’s civil rights movement.

In 1870, Congress passed the 15th Amendment to guarantee that the right to vote 

“shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”

However, many states passed laws or employed practices that still limited access for some voters – i.e., poll taxes, literacy exams, fraud, and intimidation.

Approx. 600 nonviolent activists planned to march 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery, AL in protest for African-American voting rights.

They made it only 6 blocks, crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge – where law enforcement ordered the march to stop and disperse.

Armed officers, many in gas masks, beat and tear-gassed protesters.

Photographers captured the violent scene, which was broadcast around the world.

“Mr. Williams said, ‘Can I have a word?’ He said, ‘There will be no word.’ And about a minute or more Major Cloud ordered the Troopers to advance … they moved forward with their clubs up over their—near their shoulder, the top part of the body; they came rushing in, knocking us down and pushing us.”

Congressman John Lewis - a young civil rights leader at the time - led the march with Hosea Williams, a fellow activist.

In the days that followed, 80 cities around the nation held demonstrations in support of the protestors.

Faith and civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., flew to Selma.

3 weeks later, under the protection of thousands of soldiers (and federal agents), 3000+ set out to march from Selma to Montgomery. Ultimately, 25,000 marchers arrived.

“What happened in Selma is part of a far larger movement which reaches into every section and State of America … And we shall overcome.”

Pres. Lyndon Johnson in the days following the march. Months later, he signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law, which many see as a direct legislative action in response to "Bloody Sunday." The law prohibits literacy tests and requires federal oversight over any other local laws that could lead to limits on voting rights.

“There are more bridges to cross, but we will make it … ​I just believe deeply within it’s just a matter of time, that fate and history will come together. And we will get there.”

The late U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) in 2019, discussing "Bloody Sunday." Rep. Lewis, who died in July 2020 at the age of 80, was brutally beaten that day. He spent his career in public service advocating for racial equality and partook in the annual commemoration of "Bloody Sunday" for 55 years. 

"Bloody Sunday" was commemorated once again on Sunday. Pres. Biden joined leaders from the civil rights movement as they walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. 

On This Day: Bloody Sunday 

One of the men who hoisted the flag was a Native American, 

, from the Pima Indian Reservation in Arizona. Separately, Navajo Code Talkers played a role in Iwo Jima. 

Marines raise an American flag
on Iwo Jima.

The backstory of the photo that captured the iconic moment in WWII (and why it was actually the second flag to be raised that day).

 in WWII on the island of Iwo Jima: Feb. 19 – March 26, 1945.

The photo was taken on Mount Suribachi; the volcano’s summit overlooks the entire island.

The Japanese used the summit to fire on U.S. forces, making it an important mission for the Marines to capture this specific position.

U.S. gained control of the summit & raised the flag to signal the victory.

“The United States Marines by their individual and collective courage have conquered a base which is as necessary to us in our continuing forward movement toward final victory as it was vital to the enemy in staving off ultimate defeat … Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

“Everybody cheered and it was really something because the flag from the [USS] Missoula was the very first to be raised on Japanese territory … We were very proud.”

U.S. Navy vet Tom Price who sailed on the USS Missoula, one of many ships involved in the battle. A flag from the ship became the *first* raised on Iwo Jima. The Marine photographer who captured that image fell 50 feet dodging a grenade – he (and his film) survived.

“… speaking for myself—and yet I am sure there are many others aboard who feel the same—the part we played in the invasion of Iwo Jima was pretty small compared to the willing and simple heroism with which the Marines did their bloody job.”

Naval communications officer Alan Wood in a letter reflecting on providing the now-iconic flag after the request reached the ship he served on for a larger Stars and Stripes.

Marines took the summit early on Feb. 23, but 

the Pulitzer prize-winning photograph was taken with a second flag later in the day

The original flag was too small for everyone to see from

 so a second patrol climbed to the summit to raise the larger flag.

27 Medals of Honor awarded – more than any other battle in U.S. history.

The iconic flag was raised days into the battle for Iwo Jima, but the island wasn't secure for another month. Nearly 7,000 Americans died in the fighting, including 3 of the men who hoisted the flag. You can view the famous flag in the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia.

On This Day: Iwo Jima

For more about the history of George Washington's birthday:

Whether you celebrate President’s Day, Presidents’ Day, or Presidents Day … none are official federal holidays.

1879: George Washington’s birthday becomes a federal holiday.

In 1968, Congress mandated that most federal holidays be moved to Mondays to give federal workers a 3-day weekend & boost the economy (sales/travel).

Some tried to change the holiday officially to “Presidents' Day” but the legislation never passed, so it remains officially 

 Something to note when you see sales advertised for "Presidents' Day" — Pres. Washington was quite a shopper.

“Mrs. Washington’s slippers and clogs have come safe to hand, the latter, however, are not as she wished to have … and will, by the first convenient opportunity, return the clogs to Mr. Palmer and get a pair of galoshes.”

Pres. Washington on March 15, 1789, ordering his wife "designer shoes," which he regularly did — most often from London. One of Mrs. Washington's best pair of shoes? Her custom-made "haute couture" wedding heels, made of purple silk with silver braid & spangles (check out our sources for photos).

After serving as leader of the Continental Army, Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention – where the Constitution was created and signed, before it was ratified in 1788. 

Unanimously elected president twice (1789 & 1792).

His birthday (Feb. 22) was an unofficial holiday celebrated for many years; it became a federal holiday nearly 80 years after his death.

February 12, 1809. (BTW – some states recognize Presidents' Day, rather than Washington’s Birthday, to include other leaders).

Presidents Reagan & Harrison were also born in February.

President Washington & MLK Jr. are the ONLY two Americans whose birthdays are *official* 

Since the late 1890s, the Senate follows an annual tradition of reading Pres. Washington's "Farewell Address" – words he penned after he decided not to seek a third term as president, and to return to Mt. Vernon instead. A Senate member is chosen from alternating parties each year to read the speech, which is about 45 minutes long. Read it for yourself on our source page.

This year, Senior Senator James Lankford (R-OK) is scheduled to read the address on Monday, February 27. 

What To Know: Presidents' Day 2023

For more about King Tut (& what he likely looked like according to forensic reconstruction): 

A Look Inside Howard Carter’s Tutankhamun Diary: 

The Archaeologist Who Discovered King Tut’s Tomb Almost Certainly Stole Artifacts From It, a New Book Reveals

Howard Carter stole Tutankhamun’s treasure, new evidence suggests


King Tutankhamun's burial chamber was unsealed in Egypt.

"Perhaps, the most extraordinary day in the whole history of Egyptian excavation.”

, in their original write-up of the discovery in 1923.

A working-class artist from London with no formal education in archeology or history.

At age 17, he moved to Egypt & spent over 30 years living in a “modest mud-brick house," looking for ancient tombs.

His big break? When he met Lord Carnarvon, a British aristocrat who collected Egyptian artifacts. He sponsored Carter's excavations in the Valley of the Kings.

They searched the area for 7 years. Despite tight funds, Carter convinced Lord Carnarvon to finance one more excavation... 

Nov. 1922: Carter telegrammed Lord Carnarvon, saying, "

At last have made wonderful discovery in Valley; a magnificent tomb with seals intact

.” They had discovered the door to King Tut's tomb. 

After 3 weeks of removing rubble, they reached a second door. Carter wrote that "

details of the room within emerged slowly from the mist, strange animals, statues, and gold—everywhere the glint of gold

They spent 3 more months organizing objects from the tomb before entering the burial chamber.

King Tut was born around 1341 B.C.E. and took the Egyptian throne at about 9 years old. He reigned until he was 19. 

People questioned his cause of death for years; digital imaging & DNA testing indicate he likely died from malaria or an infection.

Significant findings: His tomb is one of the few ancient tombs (perhaps the only) to be found nearly intact. Though the tomb itself is smaller compared to some others, the previously-untouched artifacts have provided important insight into ancient Egyptian life.

Thousands of valuable items were placed in King Tut's tomb to help him in the afterlife. 

Some of these artifacts include statues, beds, detailed leather armor, solid-gold sandals, chariots, a fan made of ostrich feathers, & board games.

Enduring fame: In the 1960's, King Tut exhibitions attracted larger crowds than the Beatles. His exhibits continue to break museum attendance records & receive millions of dollars in ticket sales.

King Tut's treasures are property of the Egyptian government, but stolen artifacts from the excavation have emerged over the years and been returned. It is also likely that Howard Carter (1874-1939), the archeologist who found the tomb, stole artifacts. While assumed during his career but never proven, the conversation has been reignited with the discovery of a 1934 letter. In it, a man who translated hieroglyphs at the site wrote, 

“The whm amulet you showed me has been undoubtedly stolen from the tomb of Tutankhamun"

Objects were also found at Carter's estate after his death.

100 Years of King Tut 

The Walt Whitman Archive; Commentary on "Oh Captain! My Captain!"

 to read the Poetry Foundation's brief bio on Walt Whitman

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills,
For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding,
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head!
It is some dream that on the deck,
You’ve fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,
The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,
From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;
Exult O shores, and ring O bells!
But I with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

Centre of equal daughters, equal sons,
All, all alike endear’d, grown, ungrown, young or old,
Strong, ample, fair, enduring, capable, rich,
Perennial with the Earth, with Freedom, Law and Love,
A grand, sane, towering, seated Mother,
Chair’d in the adamant of Time.

When I heard the learn’d astronomer,
When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,
When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them,
When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,
How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,
Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,
Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.

Here are a few of Whitman's other famous poems:

 (An elegy for President Abraham Lincoln)

American poet Walt Whitman made corrections to his poem "O Captain! My Captain!" and sent them to publishers after they made 

Whitman wrote the poem in response to the 1865 assassination of Pres. Abraham Lincoln.

Whitman revised his poem a few times. After an incorrect version of his poem was printed, Whitman wrote to the publishers: 

 which detailed punctuation & wording edits.

"O Captain!" gained popularity during Whitman's lifetime & he even expressed slight regret about writing it after being asked to recite it often. However, he also said the poem was necessary for both emotional & historical purposes.

Whitman, often called "America's poet," is most well-known for his collection of poetry titled "Leaves of Grass." He also wrote other poems about President Lincoln, including an elegy called "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd." Read this and other poems of Whitman's by visiting our source page.

 Poetry experienced a resurgence during the beginning of the pandemic, with websites like poets.org getting up to 30% more visitors.

On This Day: American Poet Walt Whitman Corrects "O Captain! My Captain!"

(Laura Ingalls Wilder, Historic Home & Museum) 

10 of Laura Ingalls Wilder's most inspiring quotes

“The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong."

On this day 156 years ago, American author Laura Ingalls Wilder was born. Wilder is known for her semi-autobiographical series, "Little House

 in which she shares stories about the hardships and joys of growing up on the American frontier during the late 1800s. Wilder began writing these books in 1930, 

"with the encouragement and editorial assistance of her daughter, journalist Rose Wilder Lane"

 (Library of Congress). At age 65, Wilder's first book in the "Little House" series was published and became an immediate success. Before writing the series, Wilder was a schoolteacher, journalist, and farmer. Visit our source page to learn more! 

On This Day In History: Laura Ingalls Wilder Was Born 

History, Evolution, and Practices of the President’s State of the Union Address 

Biden’s State of the Union address to highlight efforts on economy

Biden's Second State of the Union Address Is on Tuesday: Here's What to Expect

Gov. Sarah Sanders to deliver Republican response to State of the Union address

What You Need To Know About Today’s Annual Speech By The President

“He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient ...”



The Constitution simply states that the president must deliver an update on his assessment of the union and his own priorities, but it makes no mention of how or when or where "he" must do so.

Origins date back to the British tradition of the Crown delivering a speech to start each new legislative session.

1790: First delivered in person by Pres. Washington in New York.

Delivered via a written letter to Congress from 1801 – 1913.

Known as the "President’s Annual Message to Congress" until 1946, and as the State of the Union address/message ever since.

No required length; since 1964, the general speech ranges 35 - 80 minutes.

The president and first lady traditionally invite up to 24 guests. 

Each sitting member of Congress gets two tickets (one for them & one for a guest).

: Supreme Court justices, fmr. members of Congress, joint chiefs of staff, & the president’s Cabinet (*except* for one cabinet member purposefully excluded – a “

” who stays in a separate location during the address in case a disaster strikes).

 Pres. Biden's speech comes after the halfway point of his presidential term. It is his first SOTU address since Republicans gained control of the House of Representatives.  

 His speech is expected to touch on the state of the economy and highlight his admin's efforts over the past two years. Other possible topics include raising the debt limit, the recent Chinese spy balloon, and the war in Ukraine. 

 Last year, Pres. Biden's speech was given days after Russia invaded Ukraine. 

President Biden will deliver the State of the Union address tonight at 9 p.m. ET. The speech serves as a unique opportunity for the president to outline his policies and agenda for a larger-than-usual audience, and tonight is no exception. 

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders will deliver the Republican Party's response. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) will also be giving a rebuttal in Spanish.

SOTU Backgrounder 

A little history from the Library of Congress on the Library of Congress

During an 1814 attack on the U.S. Capitol, British troops burned the entire collection of books for the nation’s new Library of Congress.



Today in history marks the beginning of the incredible rebuild for what is now the world’s largest library.

The War of 1812: Great Britain vs. U.S. – it lasted nearly 3 years (longer than U.S. involvement in WWI).

Caused by disputes over trade, clashes between the Royal Navy & U.S. sea merchants, AND the whole pesky U.S. fight for independence years earlier.

1814 Burning of the Capitol & White House:

 In retaliation for the U.S. burning the capital of Upper Canada, British forces burned government structures in D.C.

1800: Pres. John Adams approved the Library of Congress.

 To serve Congress through providing necessary books to lawmakers (and the general public) by 

combining government, learning, and librarianship.”

 After the fire, the House voted to buy Thomas Jefferson’s personal library of 6,487 books for $23,950 – the largest private collection of books in the U.S. at the time.

“An interesting treasure is added to your city ... unquestionably the choicest collection of books in the US and I hope it will not be without some general effect on the literature of the country.”

President Thomas Jefferson after his collection of books was successfully moved into the Library of Congress in 1815.

Oldest U.S. federal cultural institution.

making it the largest library in the world.

 The library receives about 15,000 items (maps, books, music, posters, etc.) and adds 10,000+ items to its vast collections.

The library has offices in 6 other countries to acquire & preserve important research materials.

The smallest book in the Library of Congress is about the size of a period at the end of this sentence; the largest book is 5' by 7'. The Library's rare books collection also holds treasures such as one of the earliest mass-produced books – a 15th-century Gutenberg Bible.

On This Day: The U.S. Government Purchases Thomas Jefferson's Library 

The AP Interview: Pope Francis: Homosexuality not a crime

The AP Interview takeaways: Pope decries expanding gun use

An interactive map of countries with laws or restrictions in place for same-sex relationships

“We are all children of God, and God loves us as we are and for the strength that each of us fights for our dignity.”

 and that laws criminalizing homosexuality are 

This is the first time the Pope, the leader of the Catholic church, made these strong public statements about such laws. He still maintains homosexuality is a sin, adding 

"... let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime. It’s also a sin to lack charity with one another.”

 Nearly 70 countries around the world criminalize same-sex behavior (e.g. Ethiopia, Iran, Afghanistan). The pope said the Catholic Church should work to put an end to these types of laws, and welcome all people into the church.

Quick. Concise. Nonpartisan.

All Quick Reads