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  • History of Memorial Day



    Memorial day is a day to remember the men and women who have died in the nation’s service. This day is a federal holiday in the United States and is observed on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day was formerly known as Decoration Day as after the Civil war many people decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers. But the observance expanded after World War I to include the people who died in battles.

    History Of Memorial Day

    The history of Memorial Day dates back to the 19th century. Decoration Day was first officially observed on May 30, 1868. General John Logan in his General Order No 11 first proclaimed Decoration Day officially. After the Civil war, many communities set aside a day to memorize the deceased of the Civil War. Richmond, Charleston, Boalsburg, South Carolina; Pennsylvania, Virginia, Carbondale, Illinois; Mississippi, Columbus, and some other cities observed the earliest Memorial Day. These observations gradually united around Decoration Day. Decoration Day became Memorial Day in 1882 to include honoring soldiers who had died in other wars. Memorial Day was declared a national holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May in 1971.

    The history of Memorial Day shows the first observation of the holiday officially in Waterloo, New York on the day on May 5, 1866.

    Legislation Of Memorial Day

    The Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill on June 28th, 1968. This bill moved four traditional holiday dates to specified Mondays to create convenient three-day weekends. The four holidays are Washington’s Birthday, which later became President’s Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day. This moved the traditional date of Memorial Day, May 30 to the last Monday in May. In federal level the law took effect from 1971. Gradually all the 50 states adopted the same within few years.

    How Memorial Day Is Observed?

    Traditionally Memorial Day is observed by visiting cemeteries and memorials. At 3:00 PM (Washington time) a national moment of remembrance is observed. The US flag is flown at half-staff from dawn to noon (according to local time). The volunteers place US Flags on each gravesite of the National Cemetery.

    Memorial Day is a weekend and marks the beginning of summer unofficially. So its time for picnics, sports and family gatherings. Some families honor members of families who have died on Memorial Day.

    The history of Memorial Day has always been a special day of commemorating the memories of the brave deceased soldiers of war.

  • Pearl Harbor Day


    On Pearl Harbor Day, Americans remember those who laid down their lives on the day Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan. America will always be proud of the brave souls of the nation, who upheld the tradition of gallantry, honor and integrity on that day an throughout the course of World War II. The surprise attack that day on Pearl Harbor took more than 2,400 American lives. Each year we comm orate those who lost their lives on December 7, 1941, the Pearl Harbor Day.

    The Tragic Day

    At the crack of dawn on Sunday, December 7, 1941, naval aviation forces of the Empire of Japan launched an assault on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii bringing destruction and tragedy to the United States Pacific Fleet and other military targets.

    The attack paralyzed the Pacific Fleet. The Airfields, port facilities, and warships in the Pacific were severely damaged and most being rendered incapacitated. Out of the nine Pacific Fleet battleships at Pearl harbor that day, Utah and Arizona were totally destroyed, the Oklahoma was salvaged but still deemed unusable. Along with the loss of two destroyers, one minelayer and 188 aircraft.

    A converted sixteen-inch armor penetrating naval shell dropped from a high level horizontal bomber and landed on the battleship Arizona. The bomb exploded in one of Arizona’s aircraft catapult gunpowder magazines. It resulted in ignition of a fire in the main gun magazines where a stockpile of gunpowder was fatefully kept. The explosion caused the battleship Arizona to sink to the harbor’s bottom in a few brief minutes and taking with it the lives of 1100 crew members.

    Reason For The Sudden Attack

    The failure of U.S. political, diplomatic, and military establishments to recognize the capabilities of the Japanese military combined with the weaknesses in the United States’ own defense planning, proved fatal. Leading to Japan’s success at Pearl Harbor in decimating a major U.S Military port while sustaining only minor losses themselves.

    The Japanese considered their attack a “pre-emptive strike” to prevent American interference in their attempted advance into the Dutch East Indies and Malaysia. However, instead of forcing Americans into submission, the attack on Pearl Harbor catapulted America into the war that would eventually bring ultimate devastation to the Land of the Rising Sun.

    National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day approved

    The American Congress, by Public Law 103-308, approved through a law, commemorating December 7 as the “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day” each year.

    All Americans are encouraged to observe this monumental occasion with memorial activities and ceremonies. Also, Federal agencies, interested organizations, groups and individuals are to fly the flag of the United States at half-mast, in honor of those who died while doing their duty at Pearl Harbor.

    The battleship Arizona has been specially preserved as a mark of remembrance for the crew and serves as a center of many events on Pearl Harbor day in Hawaii. The structure spans the ship’s hull, with Ford Island in the background. The memorial is accessible by boats from the naval base at Pearl Harbor.

    Observing Pearl Harbor Day

    The events of this day are memorialized by the illumination of a prewar aircraft beacon on the top of Mount Diablo, in the San Francisco Bay area. This light was refurbished in 1962 and is turned on only for the evening of December 7th each year. A few remaining military survivors of the attack gather with their family and friends to honor their fallen shipmates and comrades by playing “Taps” and lighting the beacon. The public is welcome at these events.

    On Pearl Harbor Day, a whole nation salutes the courage of a generation of Americans who died on a day of infamy and showed bravery amidst one of the most sorrowful days ever to be written in the pages of American History.

  • Father’s Day



    Father’s Day observes the celebration of your “dad”. This day is a great opportunity to let your father know how much you love and care for him. This day is appropriately the podium for reminding us the sacrifices our father has made for us, as we often tend to forget that.

    Father’s Day is a day for honoring not only your father but also all the father figures in your life, like uncles, grand fathers, step fathers and even big brothers. The “father figure” can be loved, respected and also can be looked up for protection and guidance.

    Origin of Father’s Day

    This day has its social and religious origins. The Roman Catholic Church observes the day as Saint Joseph’s Day (Joseph is the husband of Mary and the foster-father of Jesus Christ).

    There is one woman behind the emergence of the day to honor the great man in your life. Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd founded Fathers Day in the United States of America. She was a resident of Spokane in Washington. Being one among six siblings, she was cared by a single father.

    Mrs. Dodd’s father, William Jackson Smart was a civil war veteran who single handedly raised his children after the death of their mother. Anna Jarvis’ promotion of Mother’s Day further influenced her to establish a Father’s Day.

    The first Fathers day celebration took place on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington (Mrs. Dodd’s father was born in June). Woodrow Wilson’s family personally honored him on Father’s Day in 1916. However, eight years later, Calvin Coolidge termed it as a national holiday. In 1926, the National Father’s Day committee was formed in New York City. In 1972, the holiday was officially recognized under the presidency of Richard Nixon.

    The day is celebrated on different dates all over the world, but the spirit of the day remains the same.

    Celebration of Dad’s day

    Father’s Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the world. People let their fathers know on this day how much gratitude, love and respect they have for them. Any father figure who makes you feel secure, loved and protected can be honored on this day.

    Children make cards and gifts for their dads. This is a wonderful reunion time for many families. People provide their fathers with their favorite breakfast in bed, cards, gifts and fresh flower bouquets. This day is a good day for a get-together. It is also a good idea to help dad out with household chores.

    Today, Fathers Day like Mother’s Day has been commercialized to a great extent. Rigorous advertising campaigns take place for marketing gifts, greeting cards, tool kits, gourmet gift baskets and neckties.

    It is to be kept in mind that the sentimental factor of the auspicious day should not be lost due to extensive commercialization. Father’s Day has become a universal way of showering love and respect on one’s father.

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  • St Martins Day


    Falling on November 11, German children celebrate St Martin’s Day as the start of Carnival season. They walk around the streets, after dark, carrying lanterns, and singing special songs. A bit like trick or treating, they are rewarded for their singing and the beauty of their lanterns, with sweets and other goodies.

    Who Was St. Martin?

    St Martin of Tours started out as a Roman soldier. He was baptized when he was grown up and became a monk. He was a very good and kind man, and eventually became the Bishop of Tours. As well as being kind, he was quiet and simple. He didn’t want to become Bishop, but he didn’t have much choice. There are many legends about his life. The most famous is when he cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm, to save the beggar from dying of the cold. Another legend is about his trying to hide so as not to become Bishop. The story is that he hid in a stall in a barn, hoping to escape the people who were hunting for him. They had come to take him to be appointed Bishop. A flock of geese made a lot of noise and gave away his hiding place. The goose is the animal symbol of St Martin and a favorite food on Saint Martin’s Day.

    Why November 11?

    Like so many other Christian celebrations, St Martin’s Day coincides with pagan rituals from the pre-Christian era. This falls at the same time as the early winter festivities of light and fertility celebrated by the pagans. The Christian Church, very early in its history, saw that there was a problem with holidays. Many people, even though they had become Christian and given up their pagan ways, didn’t want to give up their holidays. The Church, being smart, put Christian Holidays around the same time. The people kept their holiday, they just celebrated something different.




    The Festivities

    In Germany, St Martin’s Day is used to mark the beginning of the Carnival season. It is mainly celebrated by children. The children buy or make lanterns, and form a procession through the streets singing special lantern songs. Quite often at the end of the procession, they have a bonfire.


    After the parade and bonfire, the children form smaller groups and go from door to door singing their songs. Much like trick or treating in the States, the children are given candy, money and other goodies for their efforts. Quite often the lanterns are used to store the goodies until the children reach home.

    The Songs

    There are many songs that the children sing; here is one, with its translation:

    Ich geh’ mit meiner Laterne
    Und meine Laterne mit mir.
    Dort oben leuchten die Sterne,
    Hier unten, da leuchten wir.
    ( Mein Licht ist aus,
    Wir gehn nach Haus,
    Rabimmel, rabammel, rabum.)    		 I’m coming with my lantern
    And my lantern with me
    There, over the light are the stars,
    Here, under the light are we
    (My light is out,
    We’re going home,
    rabimmel, rabammel, rabum)

    Why not try your hand at making a lantern, with these simple to follow instructions?


    Remember:paper burns very easily. Under NO circumstances should you place a lit candle into your lantern.

  • Guy Fawkes Day: Bonfire Night


    On November 4, 1605, Guy Fawkes was caught red-handed in the basement of the British Parliament. He was trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament with gunpowder. Ever since then, on November 5, the British have celebrated his capture and execution by burning an effigy (model) of him on bonfires around the nation. Learn more about why he wanted to blow up Parliament, how he was caught and the celebrations.

    Although the plot involved blowing up the Houses of Parliament, it was mainly intended to Kill King James I. James had actually started out as King James VI of Scotland. When Queen Elizabeth I died, he was her nearest living relative, and so he became King of England.

    Why?

    At the time, England was divided on religious grounds. Elizabeth was a protestant, and Head of the Church of England. She persecuted the Catholics and had many priests and important Catholics executed. Needless to say, the Catholics weren’t very happy about this. When she died they danced in the streets and celebrated her death. James had given the Catholics a private promise that he would stop the persecutions, if he became King.

    As the Catholics were soon to learn, people will say anything to get power. James may have really intended helping the Catholics, but Parliament was against them, and he continued on where Elizabeth had left off.

    The whole problem had begun with Henry VIII, Elizabeth’s father. England had been Catholic and the Church had had a lot power. Henry had fallen out with the Pope because he couldn’t get divorced. He had then formed the Church of England, declaring himself its Head, and given himself a divorce. The Catholics were determined to restore their Church to power and get rid of the Church of England. Unfortunately members of the Church of England felt exactly the same way. A group of English Catholics was fighting with the Spanish Army. They hoped that if they managed to get rid of James, the Spanish could come in and conquer England. Then they could restore the Catholic Church to its powerful position.


    Who and How?

    Some of these Catholics got together, recruited Guy Fawkes to do the dirty work, and hatched their plot.
    First, they rented a house with a basement that lay under the House of Lords (part of the Houses of Parliament). Then, they moved barrels of gunpowder into the basement, hiding it under piles of wood. They needed to blow up the building when King James, his family and all of the non-Catholic members of Parliament were in it. This had to be the day Parliament opened for a new session. That year, due to fear of plague, the opening of the Houses of Parliament was delayed for over 8 months. The delay meant the plot failed.

    Too many people got to hear about the plot. Someone who knew about it had a relative who was a Member of Parliament. Not wanting his relative killed, he sent him a message telling him about the plot. The relative, Lord Monteagle, sent the letter to the King. The plotters knew that someone had told about the plot, but were determined to carry on anyway. Guy Fawkes, under the alias of John Johnson, was arrested in the basement, just a few hours before he was due to light the fuse.

    He was taken to the Tower of London, tortured until he signed a confession, and publicly executed on January 31, 1606. The other plotters were hunted down and shot or executed.

     

    Celebrations

    The tradition of lighting bonfires on November 5, started the same year as the plot itself. People, happy that the King had been saved, lit bonfires in the streets. Over the years the celebrations became more elaborate, and effigies of Guy Fawkes and even the Pope were added to the top of the fires. Fireworks came a little later. All towns and villages used to have a fire, then the tradition became for people to have private fires and firework displays.

    Children make their effigies (or dummies) and parade them in the streets before bonfire night. They ask for “a penny for the Guy” and use the money collected to buy fireworks. Because of increased safety regulations most towns and villages have begun having public bonfires again. These days private bonfires are few and there are not many “Guys” on display in the streets.

    Nursery Rhyme

    Most British children learn the nursery rhyme about the plot when they are very young. This is how it goes:

    Remember, remember the fifth of November,
    Gunpowder, treason and plot.
    We see no reason
    Why Gunpowder treason
    Should ever be forgot.

    Important Note

    Fireworks and bonfires are always a lot of fun, but they can also be very dangerous. Visit these sites for some important safety tips:

    Firework Safety for Kids
    Pets and Fireworks – Safety Considerations
    The US National Council on Fireworks Safety


  • Education Courses

    Today, college tuition is at its all time highest. A typical college level undergraduate course will cost at least $1000 or more. This price is unlikely to decrease. As the matter of fact, it is expected to continue increasing on a yearly basis over the course of the next few years.

    Have Questions about College? Chat with an Expert

    With the rising cost of college courses, teachers are finding it very difficult to finance the needed education courses they need for renewal of their teaching credentials. Most states require a teacher to have completed six to nine college credit hours in education courses in order to renew their teaching license. If the school district is not willing to pay for these courses, it could be very costly on a teacher’s salary. Therefore, a teacher must plan carefully in order to finance the education courses she needs for renewal of her teaching license.

    How in the World Can I Pay for These Classes on a Teacher’s Salary?

    Although the cost of college education courses is very high, it is not impossible to pay for them. Some teachers are lucky and their school districts will pay for all of their coursework. However, there are some unlucky teachers who have to pay for it out of pocket. With careful and skillful planning, this high cost can easily be conquered. If a teacher knows in advance that they have to take college courses for licensure renewal, they can start saving money ahead of time.

    By taking a designated amount from each payday and setting it aside, the teacher will eventually have the needed money for the courses. The teacher could also take on an extra job or use tax return refund money to finance the coursework each year. If saving money or working a second job are not feasible, then the teacher can attempt to take out a student loan to help finance the classes. There are several institutions that have programs to help teachers finance their continuing education.

    Seeking a grant or a scholarship from a governmental agency is another option. The teacher may also be able to consult with a financial aide advisor through the university to see what type of work study or payment plan options are available. No matter what the teacher’s situation may be, there is always a way to finance the needed coursework that is required for licensure renewal. With a little bit of time and research, any teacher can find a way to pay for those high priced college education courses.

  • Education Education Online

    There are different ways to receiving an education education online is one way that is becoming very popular. With education education online is a nice and convenient way to receive your schooling. Online classes are very convenient for the average busy person and for ones who can not leave there homes at certain times. You do not have tow worry about leaving the comforts of your home at a particular time. Education online takes much self discipline. Since you do not have to physically walk into a classroom, instructors for online classes still expect for your work to be turned in accurately and on time.

    Something also to keep in mind with education education online may be somewhat difficult for some people to grasp. Unlike schools that you physically attend to, education online is for focused individuals who are able to work at a nice and steady pace. It can be easy to fall behind on school work when you are going at your own pace, let alone doing it over the internet. It is necessary for students who take online courses to keep up with all of their study work and homework. Some professors have deadlines for when certain assignments are to be turned in. This is another reason why keeping up to date on your assignments are so important. Often times there are forum boards and group emails that go out with information on upcoming projects and assignments that are due.

    Another important fact about education education online can be a good way to establish discipline for yourself. A strong motivated individual who has great potential and the drive to complete online classes can do well. If you register for classes that are appropriate for online teaching, you will be able to gain so much knowledge and be ready to tell others about it.

  • Education Institute

    When you are looking into going back to school for higher education, finding a suitable education institute that fits your budget and lifestyle is necessary. Many different schools are available for people who want to go back to school. Many ones choose to strive for further education as a career switcher or to get further knowledge and education in specific areas. A goal oriented and focused individual can do well in an education institute.

    An education institute can come in various forms. For an education that does not take as long as the typical universities, community colleges or a technical institute may work best for you. Not only can you receive a certificate or a degree in a lesser time frame but also the cost of the education institute may come at a cheaper price. To find an education institute, you can check in your local area. Most big cities or cities located near a landmark have some type of education institute. There are many benefits when you attend a school close to where you live. One big benefit is that you qualify for in state tuition. In state tuition means that you are eligible to receive your schooling at a discounted rate. Students who come from out of state usually have to pay a higher rate than other students who are local. Another good reason to attend local school is that you are familiar with your surroundings. There is nothing like familiar surroundings, and knowing faster routes to and from school.

    In an education institute, be prepared to meet all sorts of people with various backgrounds. Education has no barriers. If everyone who attends a higher learning facility and has the want and desire to learn, they will make excellent students. There are many courses individuals can take to help them to success in their new and future careers.

  • Education Learning

    With education learning is essential. Have the proper tools and adequate teachers truly makes a big difference. Determining a students learning style is very important. Students usually take in and process information in different ways. This is usually by seeing and hearing, reflecting and acting, reasoning logically and intuitively, analyzing and visualizing, steadily and in fits and starts. The teaching style of educators also varies. Some teachers choose to lecture while others choose to allow their students to discover self-discovery. Other teaching methods teachers may use is by keying in on their students memory and others understanding methods.

    When education learning is not to a students level, the student may become bored and inattentive in class. This can happen when a student is learning something that is too above their level, or if they easily can grasp what is being taught and now has nothing else to do. When mismatches exist between learning styles and the teaching style of the professor, issues can occur. The student may not only become discouraged about the classes, but may also begin to do poorly on test and become frustrated.

    In education learning is the foundation of success. When you have a proper education the knowledge you receive from it is endless. You can take the skills and knowledge that you have acquired and apply them to other parts of your life or careers in the future. Education learning is very important for ones who want to pursue a career in a technical field. You can receive education learning from on the job training sometimes, enrolling in college or technical schools. These types of education are practical and can definitely help you. Not only are you receiving knowledge, but also personal skills in finishing what you start and staying focus on the task at hand.

  • Education Programs

    Are you interested in getting involved in education programs online but you just aren’t sure that you can afford it? If so, there is no need to despair. You see, there are a variety of options that can help you finance your education, so you can get the education that you want and need. However, if you want to get the best financial aid possible, you’ll need to start early. So, here are a few tips that will help you get the money you need to continue your education.

    Be Sure to Complete the FAFSA
    First of all, if you want to find financial aid for education programs after high school, you need to make sure that you take the time to fill out the Federal Application for Student Aid, otherwise known as the FAFSA. This will help you insure that you get any money you are eligible for from the government for your education. Often there are some great grants and loans available that can help, so make sure you fill this out in advance.

    Figure Out How Much You Can Contribute
    You’ll also want to make sure that you figure out how much you can contribute if you want financial aid for education programs. Many scholarships, grants, and loans are based on finances, so you’ll want to take a good look at yours before you try applying for other forms of financial aid. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to have a low income to qualify. You can get some type of aid on just about any type of income.

    Apply for Scholarships from the Institution You’re Attending
    Often you can find financial aid for education programs from the institution you are attending, whether you are attending online or on an actual campus. Most schools will have some type of financial assistance available, so be sure to contact your institution to see what type of financial aid they have to offer.