Rich Acritelli Publications
History has always been engaged through the study of history. It has been his passion to learn and research all aspects of history and leadership. As a teacher, adjunct professor, museum curator, columnist, creator of local 9/11/01 historic sites, veteran and advocate, writer, and speaker, every presentation reflects the decades of Richard's unique experience. There are no history stories too difficult to research, and each has been deeply rewarding to share with the public since 2008.
Published Articles
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Critically Acclaimed Research
"Historical Perspective: Pearl Harbor — Awakening the sleeping giant"
"The surprise attack stunned government and military officials alike. Many Americans were shocked by this news, deluded by the inaccurate perception that the Japanese were not capable of hitting Hawaii with any robust force. Instead, airmen, army forces and naval ships were reeling from continual aerial assaults by the Japanese Zero fighter aircraft that openly strafed American targets. From Japanese aircraft carriers, 40 torpedo planes, 103 level bombers, 131 dive bombers and 79 fighters opened up the war against American targets. Once the smoke cleared, 2,403 American service members were killed, more than 1,000 injured and 19 American ships were crippled or destroyed.
The Terrorist 9/11/01 Attack on the United States
"Whereas the United States was militarily attacked by the Japanese on December 7th, 1941, this country never had the severe civilian losses that were seen on 9/11/01. The unthinkable happened through the collapse of the World Trade Center; the footage is viewed today to show Americans running for their lives and walking across the Brooklyn Bridge covered in soot. Within the farm fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the cries of Todd Beamer said, “Are you guys ready? Let’s Roll.” Flight 93 fought back, but this jumbo jet crashed and killed everyone on board. On the ground, some of the family members received calls describing the terrorist actions, and they received their final “goodbye.” Our citizens endured one of the “longest days” ever in American history.
"Remembering Vietnam: a forgotten generation of veterans."
"The North Vietnamese and Viet Cong armies moved swiftly, penetrating South Vietnam’s cities and villages. Americans watched in disbelief as South Vietnamese cities fell, one after another. While Nixon had warned that the U.S. would oppose any breach of the peace, Ford refused to redeploy soldiers and resources to South Vietnam. With over 58,000 Americans killed in Vietnam, he believed his nation had had enough.
From the end of World War II to 1975, America was tied to this Southeast Asian state both militarily and diplomatically. Now, all was lost. Over 7,000 people were flown out of Saigon before it collapsed. Under enemy fire, helicopters quickly ferried out American personnel and refugees. The last helicopters containing the staff members of the U.S. Embassy watched as North Vietnamese convoys entered Saigon."
Participant of a historical program
"History: Remembering the Civil War"
But the end was near when Lincoln promoted Ulysses S. Grant to the rank of Lieutenant General and the overall commander of all union forces within March of 1864. Grant was the most successful fighting figure within the entire nation, and he was the first person since George Washington to be permanently given this rank. Up until Petersburg and Richmond fell in early April 1865, Grant waged an unrelenting war against the confederacy.
Grant never wanted to hold territory; his armies were expected to constantly pursue the confederate forces that operated against the Union. From 1864 to 1865, Grant’s strategy of “Total War” brought the confederacy to an end. Although he had taken heavy losses and was called a “Butcher,” Grant’s plans paid heavy dividends against an enemy that was completely unable to match the union strength in men, resources, and money that also caused them to be exhausted from the fighting.
By the spring of 1865, the confederates were reeling from the warfare in the wilderness and were forced to guard the heavy fortifications that were in front of Petersburg and Richmond. Gen. William T. Sherman took over Atlanta in the summer of 1864, by that Christmas, he took Savannah, and moved up the coastline.
Participant of a historical program
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