"Tell me a fact, and I'll learn. Tell me a truth, and I'll believe. But tell me a story, and it will live in my heart forever." – Steve Sabol, NFL Films
A Love of History
If you are so inclined, there’s nothing like a visit to the place where history happened, to make the story come alive.
“Today in History” will be suspended for a time, following the passing of the man for whom I am namesake: Lieutenant Colonel (retired), Richard B. “Rick” Long, Sr.
I have a few new articles tee’d up to post automatically. If you’re interested, please sign up on the right, to receive email notifications when they come out.
Thank you for your interest.
Rick Long, Jr.
The Patriarch explains the story of John Burns, the civilian old timer who came out to help fight back the invasion of his town. He fought with the Union forces on the second day and then, having been “nicked” three times by three bullets, he quietly went back to his farm to await the end of the battle. Long Family “Blue/Gray Ramble”, Gettysburg,Walking with the Rebel side of the family. Long Family “Blue/Gray Ramble”, 32nd North Carolina, Culp’s HillLong Family “Blue/Gray Ramble, Petersburg CampaignLong Family “Blue/Gray Ramble, Spotsylvania
Featured image, top: Rick Long, Sr., remembering the 17th PA Cavalry Regiment at Gettysburg, with which our ancestor served as Blacksmith.
Photography by my son and Rick Sr.’s grandson Daniel Christopher Long, an apple who didn’t fall far from the tree.
I'm not a "Historian". I'm a father, a son and a grandfather. A widowed history geek and sometimes curmudgeon, who still likes to learn new things. I started "Today in History" back in 2013, thinking I’d learn a thing or two. I told myself I’d publish 365. The leap year changed that to 366. As I write this, I‘m well over a thousand.
I do this because I want to. I make every effort to get my facts straight, but I'm as good at being wrong, as anyone else.
I offer these "Today in History" stories in hopes that you'll enjoy reading them, as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them.
Thank you for your interest in the history we all share.
Rick Long, the “Cape Cod Curmudgeon”
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16 thoughts on “A Love of History”
It’s two years to the day since you left us and I wish I could tell you. You’ve got a Great Grandbaby on the way! Sleep sweet, Dad. We will teach that child, well.
It’s a funny thing. We all understand at some level, that none of us get out of this alive. Yet it is different, somehow, when death enters our innermost circle.
My father wanted to be buried in his Army uniform. When the cleaners learned what it was for, they told my mother there would be no charge.
They didn’t have to do that. It’s a small family business, but they felt it was the right thing to do.
There really is a lot that’s right with the world.
We are the lucky ones, with great family examples :)) Thank you Rick. Bathe in the joys he left with you — he’s really not very far away, after all . . . and he’ll find a way to break through to reassure and comfort you. My Dad has, with me.
Today in History 
It’s two years to the day since you left us and I wish I could tell you. You’ve got a Great Grandbaby on the way! Sleep sweet, Dad. We will teach that child, well.
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I am so very sorry 😦
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It’s a funny thing. We all understand at some level, that none of us get out of this alive. Yet it is different, somehow, when death enters our innermost circle.
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It definitely shines a bright spotlight on that fact. Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
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My father wanted to be buried in his Army uniform. When the cleaners learned what it was for, they told my mother there would be no charge.
They didn’t have to do that. It’s a small family business, but they felt it was the right thing to do.
There really is a lot that’s right with the world.
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Sincere condolences Rick, My thoughts are with you and your family.
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Thank you, Andy. I appreciate your kind words.
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So sorry for your loss, Rick. May God’s grace be with you and the entire family. Take care! Dawn
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You’re a good person, Dawn. I can tell. Thank you for your kind words.
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We are the lucky ones, with great family examples :)) Thank you Rick. Bathe in the joys he left with you — he’s really not very far away, after all . . . and he’ll find a way to break through to reassure and comfort you. My Dad has, with me.
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My deepest sympathies on the passing of your father. May you and your loved ones find comfort during these difficult times.
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Thank you very much for your kind words.
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I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Hoping for peace and healing for your family.
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Thank you so much, for your kind words. We’ve never met but you‘re a good person. I can tell.
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My, sincere condolences.
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Thank you for your kind words, Karl.
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