January 5
In 1905, the National Association of the Audubon Society incorporates

"Hope" is the thing with
feathers --
That perches in the soul --
And sings the tune without the words --
And never stops -- at all --
-- Emily Dickinson

February 10
In 1989, Ron Brown is elected chairman of the Democratic Party, the first African American elected chairman of a major political party

Hope is essential to any political struggle for radical change when the overall social climate promotes disillusionment and despair.
-- bell hooks

March 3
In 1849, the US Department of the Interior is established

In God's wildness lies the hope of the world -- the great fresh unblighted, unredeemed wilderness. The galling harness of civilization drops off, and wounds heal ere we are aware.
-- John Muir

April 8
In 563 BC, Buddha is born

There is a saying in Tibetan, "Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength." No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that's our real disaster.
-- The Dalai Lama

June 1
In 1938, Superman, the world's first superhero, debuts in Action Comics

Once you choose hope, anything is possible.
-- Christopher Reeve

July 18
In 1918, South African politician Nelson Mandela is born

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.
-- Nelson Mandela

October 11
In 1884, First Lady of the United States, diplomat, and activist Eleanor Roosevelt is born

Surely, in the light of history, it is more intelligent to hope rather than to fear, to try rather than not to try. For one thing we know beyond all doubt: Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, "It can't be done."
-- Eleanor Roosevelt

December 25
In 1914, the legendary "Christmas Truce" takes place on a World War I battlefield between British and German troops. Instead of fighting, soldiers exchange gifts and play football

To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something.

-- Howard Zinn