On December 26, "BOXING DAY" is celebrated in Australia, Austria, Canada, & New Zealand.
The origin of the celebration comes from the tradition of tradesmen collecting their boxes/gifts in return for good service throughout the year.
The day is also celebrated as "St. Stephen's Day". Saint Stephen was the first Christian to be martyred for his faith.
FIVE INCHES OF SNOW IN KNOXVILLE
We woke up this morning to a "Winter Wonderland" with five inches of snow on the ground.
There is more snow on the way for the day & folks up in the Northeast U.S. can expect a foot or more.
Here is a view out our window.
THE CANADA ACT (1791)
On December 26, 1791, The Constitution Act was passed by the British Parliament under PM William Pitt.
Also known as the "Canada Act", it divided QUEBEC along the Ottawa River into Upper & Lower Quebec.
CHURCHILL ADDRESSES US CONGRESS
On December 26, 1941, Winston Churchill became the first British Prime Minister to address the Congress of the United States.
He urged the support of FDR's "Arsenal for Democracy" program.
The U.S. had just entered WWII after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7.
HARRY S TRUMAN DIES
On December 26, 1972, President Harry S Truman died in Independence, Missouri.
Truman served from 1945 to 1953 as the 33rd US President.
He made the decision to use the atomic bomb on Japan to bring WWII to an end.
He also established the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe after the war.
During the 1960 primary campaign, Truman suggested JFK step down as a candidate for President because of his youth & inexperience. JFK, of course, did not follow Truman's advice.
JFK commented later on Truman's legendary use of bad language. At a dinner in New York the 1960 Democratic nominee & only the 2nd Catholic candidate for President said:
"I have noted with interest where (President Truman) has suggested those who vote for my opponent should go. While I understand and sympathize with his deep motivation, I think it is important for our side to refrain from raising the religious issue."
