The Fortitude Blog

Continuing the Story

Family history is a living story—without a beginning or end.
There are always new discoveries to be made about the lives of ancestors, with records emerging that either confirm or challenge long-held beliefs. As we uncover the past, we also create the future—each new generation adding its own chapter to the narrative. The Fortitude Blog, written by award-winning author Dale Spaulding, is dedicated to exploring this ever-evolving tapestry of family stories as they intersect with history. The Texas State Genealogical Society (TxSGS) awarded the Fortitude Blog 1st Place in its 2025 Writing Award category for Individual Blogs.

Latest Posts


Hero on D-Day—Murder Victim at Home

The D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944 helped turn the tide of World War II and forever shaped the lives of the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy that day. In this month’s Fortitude post, I commemorate the 82nd anniversary of D-Day by honoring one veteran who fought there…

The Story of the Texas Navy

I relocated from Virginia to Texas about three years ago and have truly enjoyed diving into the rich history of my new home state. Recently, I came across a fascinating chapter of Texas history that I’m excited to share with you in this month’s Fortitude post—the story of the Texas…

Two Presidents, Two Wars, Two April’s—Separated by 80 Years

You’ve probably heard the saying “history repeats itself”—the idea that human behavior and major events tend to follow familiar patterns over time. This phenomenon is known as historical recurrence. History often repeats itself in recognizable ways. When we study the past, we notice that many events share similarities, whether it’s major…

Valor Remembered: History of the Medal of Honor and a Soldier Who Earned It

The Medal of Honor is the highest military award for valor in the United States, presented by the President to service members who distinguish themselves in combat through “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty”.1 In this month’s Fortitude post, I delve into the…

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