Conversation – 26

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NATIONAL NEW JERSEY DAY

On July 27, National New Jersey Day recognizes the third state to join the Union. Find out what’s unique and captivating about the Garden State!

Brief New Jersey History
The history of New Jersey begins When Giovanni Da Verrazzano first explored the shores of the Atlantic coastal lands that included what we now consider to be New Jersey. Da Verrazzano discovered diverse communities of people who were later called the Delaware Indians.

In 1660, the Dutch founded New Jersey’s first European settlement, but in 1664 the British took control. At this time, the land was divided into half and named New Jersey after the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel. Leading up the American Revolution, the colony as a whole was equally divided in its loyalties to the crown. Colonists who remained undecided were just as likely to support the rebel cause as they were to support the king. The same applied to colonists in New Jersey.

New Jersey was centrally located among the thirteen colonies, prompting more battles than any other state during the Revolutionary War. After the Revolutionary war New Jersey was the third state to enter the union. Interestingly, it was also the first state to sign the Bill of Rights.

NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY

National Day of the Cowboy falls on the fourth Saturday in July to recognize the stoic, hardworking symbol of the American West. We are taking the reign today to provide you with a bit of quick history about the cowboy.

The word “cowboy” comes from the Spanish word “vaquero,” meaning someone who managed herds of cattle on horseback. The era of the cowboy began after the Civil War in the heart of Texas. Cattle were herded long before this time, but in Texas, they grew wild and unchecked.

As the country expanded, the demand for beef in the northern territories and states increased. With nearly 5 million head of cattle, cowboys moved the herds on long drives to where the profits were. As settlers claimed their land in the Southwest, the cowboy tradition was quickly picked up by aspiring ranchers in the U.S.

NATIONAL KOREAN WAR VETERANS ARMISTICE DAY
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day commemorates the end of the Korean War on July 27, 1953, and those who served during this often forgotten war.

On June 25, 1950, the first war of the Cold War-era erupted when North Korean forces crossed the border into South Korea. The war would last three years, involving troops from around the globe, and costing millions of lives.

Pre-War History

Unlike World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, and The War on Terror, the Korean War’s complexity, setting, and timing cause history to gloss over the war. For centuries, Japan and China laid claim on Korea. In more modern history, Japan annexed Korea, and following World War II, the Allied forces liberated Korea, dividing it into separate occupied zones. The dividing line was named the 38th parallel, creating a Communist North Korea and a South Korean republic.

How It Was Different

The United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Germany, Japan, Russia, and over 40 other countries contributed troops, supplies, and other support during the three-year war. The war claimed approximately 3 million casualties, and civilians suffered the greatest loss of the war. The forgotten war is one of the deadliest of the Cold War-era.

Since the war started as a state conflict, the media and civilians showed less initial interest in the Korean War. There was no great mobilization at home, no massive build-up of war machinery, no shortages of gas, food, or products – no direct impact on the daily lives of Americans at home. President Harry S. Truman never issued a declaration of war. And when the veterans came home, most were silent. Many served in World War II, and some would go on to serve in the Vietnam War. After World War II, victories – multiple victories were declared. However, the Korean War ended in a stalemate.

Regardless of the war’s status as the Forgotten War, those who served should be remembered. They endured the brutalities of war, a harsh climate and battled against Communism. During the war, 33,665 U.S. service members gave their lives in that pursuit. They are not forgotten.

NATIONAL CRÈME BRÛLÈE DAY

National Crème Brûlée Day on July 27 presents an opportunity to enjoy a mouth-watering custard for dessert. Since there are several flavors, there is no possible way you should miss out on this food holiday.

Crème brûlée is also known as burnt cream, crema Catalana, and Trinity crème. Like every classic dessert, crème brûlée has a history as rich as its flavor. However, it’s unclear if France, Spain, or England get the credit for the “first” creator. Each country documented a burned-sugar dessert dating back to the 15th century. However, the first printed version of crème brûlée is from French cookbook Le Cuisinier Royal et Bourgeois published in 1691 by Francois Massialot.

It’s unclear when crème brûlée made its way to the U.S., but there are records of President Thomas Jefferson serving it in the White House to guests. Jefferson was a fan of French food, including ice cream, so it’s possible he brought the recipe back to the states after traveling to France before his presidency.

Versions of crème brûlée are found in a variety of cookbooks in the early 1900s. In the 1970s, It wasn’t until the 1980s that crème brûlée became excessively popular as a high-end option after a New York City restaurant La Cirque added it to the menu, making the dessert a high-end option.