Against the backdrop of Europe and Asia, the recorded history of America is rather short; short in duration, that is, although not in moments that have changed the course of events.

During 2013, especially as Nov. 22 draws near, we will be reminded frequently of the awful occurrence in Dallas 50 years ago. President Kennedy was struck down, and the assassination heralded the dawn of a new age of distrust in government that more or less culminated with the resignation of President Nixon 11 years later.

More things to remember from the national scene:

In 1863

One hundred fifty years ago, in Gettysburg, Penn., came the pivotal battle of the Civil War. Lee’s troops withdrew in defeat and, while the bitter conflict’s end was still almost two years away, the Confederate Army switched chiefly from attack to defense until the surrender at Appomattox.

In 1913—a year of significance

Fifty years later, in July 1913, several war veterans from our area traveled to Ge...