Unsung American Heroes
George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson: Much is known about them. But there were others, brave everypersons that the mainstream media is too cowardly to portray.
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Joseph Schifflet 1907–1988
Single-handedly revamped the teaching of American social studies to sixth graders with the introduction of a radically innovative and controversial chart—still used today—which clearly diagrammed the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government in such a way that Mr. Schifflet's classes went on to retain this information a full six weeks into summer vacation.
Megan Martin b. 1976 The first American bride to include more than 10 bridesmaids in her breathtaking wedding ceremony, ushering in a new era of wedding bliss by asking, and securing, 17 of her best friends to serve in the position. John T. Werner 1748–1809 While Paul Revere receives the lion's share of credit for his "midnight ride" warning townsfolk of the British Army's arrival in 1775, it was Werner who put himself in greater danger by going to the houses long after Revere's departure to rouse those he knew had trouble getting up at such an early hour. James Carraher b. 1962 In August 2001, FBI agent James Carraher wrote a classified memo to the White House entitled "Bin Laden Determined to Strike Inside the United States" and warning of imminent attacks using hijacked commercial airplanes. If sent, this memo could have saved the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans. |
Aaron Anthony 1770–1826
Slave owner Aaron Anthony broke racial barriers
by having sex with one of his slaves, Harriet Bailey, and in turn fathered Frederick Douglass, who became one of the most influential abolitionists, lecturers,
and authors in American history.
Sally Lindley 1898–1950 Forward-thinking fashion designer Sally Lindley created the first strapless, sequined evening gown, but was hindered by the Great Depression, when a strapless, sequined evening gown was the last thing Americans could give a flying fuck about. Theodore Benson 1919–2003 Moviegoer Theodore Benson, 33, made cinematic history in New York City following the premiere of Orson Welles' Citizen Kane when he coined the phrase "spoiler alert" before talking about the film's surprise ending. Unfortunately, as the term was brand-new, everyone strained to hear his "alert," and thus he also became the first person to ruin a film for a number of people. |
