The sun will rise on the day known as September 14, 2022. Epictetus observed “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not but rejoices for those that he has.” Reading that quote from a few thousand years ago is a good way start my day, which, I’m sure will be an excellent one to live. It’s Eat a Hoagie Day, National Coloring Day, National Cream-Filled Donut Day, National Quiet Day (UK), and Support Latino Business Day. I think a hoagie sounds good for lunch. Now let’s have some history to put today in context. On this day in 1812 the Great Fire of Moscow began as Napoleon’s army approached, and the retreating Russians burned it down. The fire lasted for 5 days. In 1814 on this day Francis Scott Key wrote the poem “Defense of Fort M’Henry” which became “The Star-Spangled Banner”. On this day in 1848 Alexander Stewart opened the Marble Palace in NYC which was the 1st US department store. On this day in 1899 Henry Bliss became the 1st person in America to die in an automobile accident. This is the day in 1930 that the Portsmouth Spartans, later known as the Detroit Lions, played their first NFL game and won 13 to 6. This is the day in 1955 that Little Richard recorded “Tutti Frutti”. Today we visit the grave of Dante Alighieri who was an Italian poet, writer and philosopher who died in 1321 on this day. Dante said, “The secret of getting things done is to act!” “If your world isn’t right, the cause is in you.” “He who sees a need and waits to be asked for help is as unkind as if he had refused it.” “Consider that this day ne’er dawns again.” That’s enough for today. I think I’m ready to start it. Abide.
