Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died n our nation’s service. It was officially proclaimed “Memorial Day” on May 5,1869 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country.
Many feel that when Congress made the day into a three-day weekend in with the National Holiday Act of 1971, it made it all the easier for people to be distracted from the spirit and meaning of the day.
To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed on Dec. 2000 which asks that a 3 p.m. local time for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are dong for a moment of silence or listening to “Taps.”
The Moment of Remembrance is a step in the right direction to returning the meaning back to the day. What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Ordinary People
Two sayings attributed to Mohammad Ali: “It’s hard to be humble when you are as great as I am,” and “It ain’t bragging if you can back it up.”
The first quote I’ve seen numerous times on the desk of business people. Also, my Aunt Ethel was fond of making this quote her own. The second quote I’ve seen in many commercials on TV.
I recently heard a book reviewer who after his allotted time was up kept the floor by asking the audience for questions. In a meeting I conducted, the opening singer asked the audience if they wanted to hear more songs after her time was up .
Do some people think about themselves, talk about themselves using “I” as often as possible. Expect to be appreciated. Trust nobody but themselves. Insist on consideration and respect. Demand agreement with their own views on everything.
The question was asked Marilyn vos Savant: “Why do some people think they’re better than others?” Her answer was “ I believe some people are better than other people-so, in those cases, they’re right. But the rest of the time , it’s just plain wishful thinking. A person is never so empty as when he is full of self.
Have you ever been in the presence of greatness? Perhaps you shook the hand of a world leader. Maybe you got close to a famous athlete. Or you may have had a book signed by a bestselling author.
To be near such icons of popularity and prestige can almost take your breath away. In reality, though, it shouldn’t. They may have done something great, but at the heart of it all they are just like you and me. They are all ordinary people lifted to incredible heights by an extraordinary God.
I have no voice for singing
I cannot make a speech,
I have no gift for music,
I know I cannot teach.
I am no good at leading,
I cannot organize,
And anything I write
Would never win a prize.
It seems my only talent
Is neither big nor rare
Just to listen & encourage
And to fill a vacant chair.
But all the gifted people
Could not so brightly shine
Were it not for those
Who use a talent such as mine.
R. R. Belter
The first quote I’ve seen numerous times on the desk of business people. Also, my Aunt Ethel was fond of making this quote her own. The second quote I’ve seen in many commercials on TV.
I recently heard a book reviewer who after his allotted time was up kept the floor by asking the audience for questions. In a meeting I conducted, the opening singer asked the audience if they wanted to hear more songs after her time was up .
Do some people think about themselves, talk about themselves using “I” as often as possible. Expect to be appreciated. Trust nobody but themselves. Insist on consideration and respect. Demand agreement with their own views on everything.
The question was asked Marilyn vos Savant: “Why do some people think they’re better than others?” Her answer was “ I believe some people are better than other people-so, in those cases, they’re right. But the rest of the time , it’s just plain wishful thinking. A person is never so empty as when he is full of self.
Have you ever been in the presence of greatness? Perhaps you shook the hand of a world leader. Maybe you got close to a famous athlete. Or you may have had a book signed by a bestselling author.
To be near such icons of popularity and prestige can almost take your breath away. In reality, though, it shouldn’t. They may have done something great, but at the heart of it all they are just like you and me. They are all ordinary people lifted to incredible heights by an extraordinary God.
I have no voice for singing
I cannot make a speech,
I have no gift for music,
I know I cannot teach.
I am no good at leading,
I cannot organize,
And anything I write
Would never win a prize.
It seems my only talent
Is neither big nor rare
Just to listen & encourage
And to fill a vacant chair.
But all the gifted people
Could not so brightly shine
Were it not for those
Who use a talent such as mine.
R. R. Belter
Thursday, May 8, 2008
For Mothers Everywhere
Mother wise, you're bliss itself
You win, you touch all bases
If you were packaged on a shelf
I’d buy a dozen cases.
Your rating is quadruple A,
In Momsville, you’re a giant
Affectionate, wise, I’ve got to say
You are my favorite.
Written by David Mitchell as a young boy
You win, you touch all bases
If you were packaged on a shelf
I’d buy a dozen cases.
Your rating is quadruple A,
In Momsville, you’re a giant
Affectionate, wise, I’ve got to say
You are my favorite.
Written by David Mitchell as a young boy
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