Memorial Day Archives - Standards Michigan

Alumni Memorial Hall 1908

Vogue: Beaux Arts Architecture | Donaldson and Meier Architects

Alumni Memorial Hall was built as a war memorial and multi-purpose alumni building — not originally as an art museum; though it became — and still is — a gathering point for alumni who donated their collections to the University. Its inspiration originated in 1864 shortly after the Civil War, to honor University of Michigan students, faculty, and alumni who died in that conflict and all conflicts thereafter.

Heritage Project: The Campus at War

Cultural Resource Properties

Museum Collections Security

Sacred Spaces

United State Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel

Academy Facilities

Not Again | Maumee City Schools

.

We observe Europe unraveling under a perfect storm of mass Third-World migration, catastrophic demographics, and chronic economic stagnation, echoing the continent’s historical cycles of decline before major ruptures.Since 2015, over 10 million predominantly low-skilled migrants (mostly young Muslim males from MENA and sub-Saharan Africa) have entered the EU, driven by Merkel’s open-door policy and ongoing Mediterranean routes. Native birth rates hover at 1.3–1.6 children per woman (replacement = 2.1), while the median age in Germany, Italy, and Spain now exceeds 45–48 and is heading toward 55 by 2050.

.

By 2040, Germany will have more people over 70 than under 20. Pension and healthcare systems built for a 1960s worker-to-retiree ratio of 6:1 now face 2:1 and are sliding toward 1:1, requiring either crushing tax hikes or benefit cuts neither voters nor politicians will accept.Economic growth has averaged <1% annually for a decade in the eurozone core. Deindustrialization (energy prices tripled after Russia sanctions and Nord Stream loss), regulatory strangulation, and the need to subsidize both a swelling non-working migrant underclass and a ballooning elderly native population have choked investment.

“Grief” Anna | Anna Ancher (1859 – 1935)

Welfare states that once absorbed modest immigration now hemorrhage funds while social cohesion collapses amid rising crime, no-go zones, and parallel societies.Europe is aging out, filling the gap with incompatible human capital, and running out of money to paper over the contradictions. History says this combination ends in tears, usually violent ones.

Flying Tigers

The Flying Tigers, officially the First American Volunteer Group (AVG), were American pilots led by Claire Lee Chennault, formed in 1941 to aid China against Japanese forces during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Equipped with Curtiss P-40 Warhawks, they were tasked with defending Chinese skies and supply lines. However, the Flying Tigers did not directly stop the Rape of Nanking, which occurred from December 1937 to January 1938, as they were not yet formed.

By the time they saw combat on December 20, 1941, after Pearl Harbor, Nanjing had already fallen. Their role was significant later, defending key areas like Kunming and the Burma Road, disrupting Japanese air operations, and boosting Chinese morale. With only 62 combat-ready pilots, they destroyed 296 Japanese aircraft, but their impact came post-Nanjing, aiding China’s broader resistance against Japanese aggression.

The United States Rescues China from Japanese Genocide

Rape of Nanking: Massacre of the Sino-Japanese War

SAVE OUR SOULS: United States Library of Congress: Wartime Messages from China to the American People (1943–1945)

Mao Zedong In Chinese Schools

“Congressional Civics Act of 2026”

This content is accessible to paid subscribers. To view it please enter your password below or send mike@standardsmichigan.com a request for subscription details.

Meals-Ready-to-Eat

“An Army marches on its stomach”
— Napoleon Bonaparte

Compact, flameless heater allows for pre-packaged hot dinners

“Whether it’s chili with beans, barbecued beef or meatballs in marinara sauce, members of the United States military are served up a rotating menu of entrees through meals, ready to eat rations. Packed in individual pouches, these self-contained meals can be eaten during combat operations, humanitarian missions or field trainings, providing nourishment on the go. Yet while MREs were first piloted for U.S. military members during the Vietnam War, it wasn’t until the 1990s that it’s been possible for these meals to be served hot…

…We can thank a University of Cincinatti Professor of Mechanical Engineering for that.” (And transforming the civilian emergency food industry, to boot)

Napoleonic Code

Food and Water in an Emergency

Federal Emergency Management Agency: Food Safety: A Recipe for National Preparedness

Dahlgren Hall & “Seasoned” Coffee Mug Stories

Red, White and Blue Smoothie

University System of Maryland | $12.225B

Strawberries

Blueberries

University of Maryland Extension

Standards Maryland

The choice of red, white, and blue in national flags often carries historical, cultural, and political significance. Here are some reasons why various nations have chosen these colors:

Historical Connections:
- United States: The colors were chosen for their flag in 1777 and have been interpreted to symbolize valor (red), purity (white), and justice (blue). The colors were influenced by the British Union Jack.
- France: The Tricolour flag adopted during the French Revolution represents liberty (blue), equality (white), and fraternity (red).
- United Kingdom: The Union Jack combines elements from the flags of England (red and white), Scotland (blue and white), and Ireland (red and white).
Cultural and Political Significance:
- Russia: The flag’s colors were adopted from the Dutch flag, symbolizing pan-Slavism (red for bravery, blue for faithfulness, and white for honesty).
- Netherlands: The Dutch flag’s colors (originally derived from the Prince’s Flag) have historical roots, symbolizing the struggle for independence and liberty.
- Czech Republic and Slovakia: Both countries use red, white, and blue to represent their Slavic heritage.
Influence and Inspiration:
- Chile, Costa Rica, and Panama: These countries were influenced by the colors and symbolism of other flags (e.g., the French and American flags) during their independence movements.
- Australia and New Zealand: Both countries incorporate the Union Jack in their flags, reflecting their colonial history with the United Kingdom.
Symbolism:
- Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia: The colors are traditional pan-Slavic colors, representing freedom and national unity.
- Iceland and Norway: The colors reflect their historical and cultural ties to other Scandinavian countries.

The exact reasons can vary, but often the colors reflect a mix of historical alliances, cultural heritage, and political ideals.

Dahlgren Hall & “Seasoned” Coffee Mug Stories

Named after Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, an influential figure in the development of naval ordnance. Its large, open space was ideal for indoor drills and military exercises. The hall was constructed between 1899 and 1903. Its design was overseen by Ernest Flagg, a prominent architect who designed several buildings at the Naval Academy. Today it houses the Drydock Restaurant, a gathering place for midshipmen, faculty, and visitors.

.@NavyFB wins the 126th Army-Navy Game presented by @USAA and is singing second! 👏#ArmyNavy pic.twitter.com/R0zDl6XNpf

— Army-Navy Game (@ArmyNavyGame) December 13, 2025

🚨 WOW! The National Athem before the Army-Navy game, with President Trump on the field, might just be the BEST rendition I’ve ever heard

How can anyone listen to this and NOT feel patriotic?! 🇺🇸🦅 pic.twitter.com/OrehpqI6RI

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 13, 2025

Named after Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren (1809-1870) an influential figure in the development of naval ordnance during the United States Civil War. It served as an armory and drill hall for midshipmen. Its open space was ideal for indoor drills and military exercises.

The hall was constructed between 1899 and 1903. Its design was overseen by Ernest Flagg, a prominent architect who designed several buildings at the Naval Academy. Today it houses the Drydock Restaurant, a gathering place for midshipmen, faculty, and visitors.