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listen:

Who kept the faith and fought the fight; The glory theirs, the duty ours.

WALLACE BRUCE

Monday, May 30th, 2022.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake, from the skies.
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
Go to sleep, peaceful sleep, may the soldier
or sailor, God keep. On the land or the deep, Safe in sleep.
Love, good night, must thou go,
when the day, and the night need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all To their rest.
Fades the light;
And afar Goeth day,
And the stars Shineth bright,
Fare thee well;
Day has gone, night is on.
Thanks and praise, for our days,
‘Neath the sun, Neath the stars, ‘Neath the sky,
As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

A Federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May. A remembrance of our veterans. Commemorates the men and women who died while in military service. 

Never was so much owed by so many to so few

Winston Churchill on 20 August 1940

Memorial Day History

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.

Local Observances Claim To Be First Local springtime tributes to the Civil War dead already had been held in various places. One of the first occurred in Columbus, Miss., April 25, 1866, when a group of women visited a cemetery to decorate the graves of Confederate soldiers who had fallen in battle at Shiloh. Nearby were the graves of Union soldiers, neglected because they were the enemy. Disturbed at the sight of the bare graves, the women placed some of their flowers on those graves, as well.

Today, cities in the North and the South claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1866. Both Macon and Columbus, Ga., claim the title, as well as Richmond, Va. The village of Boalsburg, Pa., claims it began there two years earlier. A stone in a Carbondale, Ill., cemetery carries the statement that the first Decoration Day ceremony took place there on April 29, 1866. Carbondale was the wartime home of Gen. Logan. Approximately 25 places have been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, many of them in the South where most of the war dead were buried.

Official Birthplace Declared In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff. Supporters of Waterloo’s claim say earlier observances in other places were either informal, not community-wide or one-time events.

By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities.

A flag-covered casket is taken to the burial site at the Arlington National Cemetery in March 2014. The cemetery has been filling up, despite expansions.

It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays.

Some States Have Confederate Observances Many Southern states also have their own days for honoring the Confederate dead. Mississippi celebrates Confederate Memorial Day on the last Monday of April, Alabama on the fourth Monday of April, and Georgia on April 26. North and South Carolina observe it on May 10, Louisiana on June 3 and Tennessee calls that date Confederate Decoration Day. Texas celebrates Confederate Heroes Day January 19 and Virginia calls the last Monday in May Confederate Memorial Day.

Gen. Logan’s order for his posts to decorate graves in 1868 “with the choicest flowers of springtime” urged: “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. … Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”

The crowd attending the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery was approximately the same size as those that attend today’s observance, about 5,000 people. Then, as now, small American flags were placed on each grave — a tradition followed at many national cemeteries today. In recent years, the custom has grown in many families to decorate the graves of all departed loved ones.

The origins of special services to honor those who die in war can be found in antiquity. The Athenian leader Pericles offered a tribute to the fallen heroes of the Peloponnesian War over 24 centuries ago that could be applied today to the 1.1 million Americans who have died in the nation’s wars: “Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.”

To ensure the sacrifices of America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”

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The month of May is set aside as Military Appreciation Month. It’s another chance to say thank you to all of our service members, past and present. America and her liberties exist because you fought, and continue to fight for them. Thank you for your service.

2022 Military Appreciation Month Discounts

Blue Star Museums

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves, and their families. The 2022 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day (May 21) and ends on Labor Day (September 5).

Brakes To Go

Brakes To Go is offering a 10% discount off brake services for the entire month of May for those who are currently serving in the military, or have previously served. Book an appointment and show a valid verification of your military service: military ID card, VA benefits card, or a veterans ID card.

Busch Gardens

Through the Waves of Honor program, former military personnel and up to three guests may enjoy one complimentary admission to Busch Gardens in Virginia or Florida. Veterans can also purchase up to six additional tickets at 50% off. These tickets are available online through May 15 and must be redeemed at the park by July 10, 2022.

Cincinnati Zoo

All members of the military will receive free admission on Memorial Day. The offer also allows military personnel to purchase up to six half-price admission tickets for members of their immediate family.

Colonial Williamsburg

Active-duty military, Reservists, National Guard personnel, retired military and veterans receive complimentary admission once annually for themselves and up to three direct dependents on either Memorial Day weekend or Veterans Day weekend.

Indianapolis Zoo

Current and former members of the military are admitted free on Memorial Day.

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park

Magic Springs is saluting members of the military with free admission May 28 through June 12. Bring your military ID to any ticket window. Family members receive $36.99 admission when accompanied by a military member.

Rack Room Shoes

Rack Room Shoes offers a 20% discount off your entire purchase in stores on Memorial Day to anyone with a military ID.

SeaWorld

Veterans receive one complimentary single-day ticket plus three complimentary tickets for guests to use at SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, and SeaWorld San Diego by July 10, 2022. Registration ends May 15, 2022. (The veteran must be present with their guests.)

Former military personnel may also enjoy 50% Off SeaWorld Orlando Single-Day Tickets (limit of six), All-Day Dining Deals (4 for $150) and a SeaWorld $20 T-Shirt (up to 33% off) to be purchased online during those dates.

Silverwood Theme Park

Military personnel and veterans with ID receive free admission to Silverwood Theme Park on May 28, 29 and 30, 2022. Their immediate family members (spouse and children) also receive a special discounted rate when purchasing tickets at Silverwood’s front gate.

Splashway Waterpark and Campground

Active military, veterans, and their immediate family members (spouse and children) can purchase discounted tickets or Season Passes at the gate with their valid ID on Memorial Day.

Sun Splash Family WaterparkOn Memorial Day, May 30, active and retired military members with ID receive one free admission ticket.


Loyalty Day

Date: Sunday, May 1st, 2022
About: Loyalty Day kicks off our Nation’s month-long celebration of military appreciation.  It is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States, and to reflect on the proud heritage of our American freedom.


Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW)

Date: Sunday, May 1th – Saturday, May 7th, 2022.

Celebrated annually during the first week of May since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) (external link) is time set aside to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees.

Throughout the country, mayors, governors, agency leaders, communities and public service organizations participate in PSRW by issuing proclamations; hosting award ceremonies and special tribut

e events; and delivering messages about the value of public service.

During this special week, you have an opportunity to share your pride in your public service. One way you can do that is by participating in NIH’s photo campaign for Public Service Recognition Week. Choose one of the following:

Victory in Europe Day

Date: Wednesday, May 8th, 2019
About: May 8th, 1945 is the day when Germans throughout Europe unconditionally surrendered to the Allies. This day marked the end of World War II in Europe.


Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Date: Friday, May 6th, 2022.

You don’t need a specific Military Spouse Appreciation Day to make sure you acknowledge the military spouse in your life. Service members know that their spouses are the ones who keep the home fires burning. And military spouses know that those around them also walking through military life are more than just friends and neighbors: They are family.

You are the service members, family, and friends of military spouses wh

o stay up-to-date and you know family is what keeps military life moving forward.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day is a day set aside for us to pause to recognize the military spouses around us who have the greatest impact on our lives and our military communities.

The Friday in May before Mother’s Day, this special day was first recognized by President

 Ronald Reagan in 1984. The sitting president typically issues a proclamation in recognition of the holiday, while celebrations are held on and near U.S. military bases around the world.


Armed Forces Day

Date: Saturday, May 15, 2022 Celebrated the third Saturday in May every year. A single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.  This day honors everyone serving in the U.S. Military branches; Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy. There is also Armed Forces Week which typically leads up to Armed Forces Day, although it is not an official observance, many activities are planned nonetheless during the week.


Memorial Day

Who kept the faith and fought the fight;

The glory theirs, the duty ours.

WALLACE BRUCE

Date: Monday, May 30th, 2022. A Federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May.
About: A remembrance of our veterans.  Commemorates the men and women who died while in military service.

National Moment of Remembrance

To ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance.

The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”

History of NMAM

In 1999 Senator John McCain introduced legislation to designate the month of May as National Military Appreciation Month. Both the Senate and House of Representatives adopted resolutions calling for Americans to recognize and honor U.S. Service Members during NMAM. These proclamations also urge the President to issue a proc
The month of May is set aside as Military Appreciation Month. It’s another chance to say thank you to all of our service members, past and present. America and her liberties exist because you fought, and continue to fight for them.

Thank you for your service.

The Rhode Island Blue Star Moms is a military support group specially dedicated to supporting our Veterans, troops and assisting the mothers and families who have children who volunteered to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

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HELP AFGHAN FAMILIES IN RHODE ISLAND

https://refugees.org/resources-for-afghan-allies/

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Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938.

Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

Happy Veterans Day Most Famous Quotes

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” Joseph Campbell

“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.” José Narosky

“Lord, bid war’s trumpet cease; fold the whole Earth in peace.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” Khalil Gibran

“America without her soldiers would be like God without his angels.” Claudia Pemberton

“Without heroes, we are all plain people, and don’t know how far we can go.” Bernard Malamud

“Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul.” Michel de Montaigne

“Those who live today remember those who do not. Those who know freedom remember today those who gave up life for freedom…We could not forget them. Even if they were not our own, we could not forget them. For all time, they are what we can only aspire to be: giving, unselfish, the epitome of human love — to lay down one’s life so that others might live.” Ronald Reagan

“In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.” Dwight D. Eisenhower

“The Bible tells us: If you owe debts, pay debts; if honor, then honor; if respect, then respect. The debt our nation owes those who’ve worn the uniform is a debt we will never be able to fully repay.” Micheal R. Pence

“Never give in—never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” Winston Churchill

“You’d have to go a long way to find someone who was more proud and grateful for what our veterans have done for all of us.” Jim Davis

“Our Veterans accepted the responsibility to defend America and uphold our values when duty called.” Bill Shuster

“Caring for veterans shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It should an American one.” Jennifer Granholm

“When soldiers have been baptized in the fire of a battle-field, they have all one rank in my eyes.” Napoleon Bonaparte

“This will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” Elmer Davis

“The best thing you have to give is yourself.” Norman Vincent Peale

“Whenever and wherever the nation has called – in times of darkness and danger as well as in times of peace and prosperity – America’s veterans have been there. Veterans have proudly carried the torch of liberty for all to see.” General Colin L. Powell

“We will not tire, We will not falter, We will not fail.” George W. Bush

“‘Duty, Honor, Country’ — those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” General Douglas MacArthur

“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” Reverend Billy Graham

copied from Happy Veterans Day 2021 Most Famous Inspirational Quotes | Daily Punch

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There are only a handful of days within recent history that have changed the course of The USA and the world as a whole. One of those days is September 11th, 2001. That day in the USA’s history is one that no one will forget, nor should we. That is why The U.S. Government created Patriot Day. Patriot Day takes place every September 11th, and it is observed by Americans and their families. It is a day to remember those that have fallen, those that helped to fight, and those that were impacted by the events of that day in 2001. And with this year being 20 years since the September 11thattacks, it is a momentous year to honor the fellow Americans we lost. 

What is Patriot Day and when is it?

Patriot Day is the day chosen to remember those that lost their lives on September 11th, 2001, not just in New York City, but in The Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and in Pennsylvania. It is also a day to honor those that helped to save lives that day, or those that ended up losing their lives due to injuries or trauma after September 11th, 2001. So, the police officers, Fire Fighters, Hospital Workers, Emergency Services personnel, and other everyday people stepped up to help those in need. Every year in The United States of America, Patriot Day is observed on September 11th. In 2021 Patriot Day falls on a Saturday. It is a day to thank those that helped, and honor those that innocently lost their lives.

History of Patriot Day

Patriot Day was created on December 18th, 2001 by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress and President George W. Bush. They knew how vital it was to honor those that we lost, and thank those that stepped up to help. Before the passage of Patriot Day went through, there were a few other names that they considered for the observation day. The National Day of Remembrance or even the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance. But in the end, they decided on Patriot Day, and now we remember those lost in the September 11th attacks annually on that day.

How should we observe Patriot Day?

There are three main ways to observe Patriot Day. The first would be to lower your American flag to half-mast on September 11th each year. The second is to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 am, as that is when the first plane struck the World Trade Center Towers. And the third is to attend a memorial service honoring the victims of the terrorist attacks. And though those are the main ways to observe, we think you can honor the day in other ways, too. Like spending time with your family by taking them on a picnic or sharing a meal together, educating those that weren’t born yet on the events of that day back in 2001. You may not realize, but the fact that the attacks happened 20 years ago, means there are full-grown adults who were not alive to witness those horrific events. Taking the time to inform them and give them knowledge about that day is a great way to let the honor and patriotism of those we lost, live on forever. And a final thing to do on Patriot Day is to hold your family and loved ones close. Tell those you love that you love them. Let Patriot Day remind you how fragile human lives are and ensure that you are living your life as thoroughly and as well as possible. 

Is Patriot Day a Federal Holiday?

No, Patriot Day is not a Federal Holiday. Remembrances and memorials are often held every September 11th, but schools and businesses remain open.  But, even though you are still at work or the kiddos are at school, you can still observe when you get home or take part in honoring the day within the workplace. Take in a red, white, and blue bouquet. Or you can have a family-style potluck where you come together to remember those we lost and those we are thankful for. 

Difference between Patriot Day vs Patriot’s Day

Patriot Day is the day of remembrance we have been mentioning above. But Patriot’s Day is different. Patriot’s Day is a day that commemorates the battles of Concord and Lexington that were fought near Boston in 1775. Patriot’s Day is annually held on the third Monday of April. And though they sound similar in name, they are extremely different and are not to be confused for the other. 

Though Patriot Day has an upsetting, disheartening, and tragic past, that doesn’t mean we can’t look forward. For Patriot Day 2021, let us honor those we lost, thank those that helped, and live our lives with the strength, kindness, and compassion that the country felt 20 years ago.

copied from What Is Patriot Day? Why Do We Celebrate It? | FTD

Patriot Day 2021