Veterans Day: In Honor Of All Who Served

"This day, and every day, we pay tribute to America's sons and daughters who have answered our country's call. We recognize the sacrifice of those who have been part of the finest fighting force the world has ever known and the loved ones who stand beside them. We will never forget the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and all those who have not yet returned home. As a grateful Nation, let us show our appreciation by honoring all our veterans and working to ensure the promise of America is within the reach of all who have protected it." Excerpt from President Barack Obama’s Proclamation on Veterans Day 2014

Are you familiar with the history and ceremony around Veterans Day? Veterans Day is a special day that honors all our service men and women, living and dead, who fought in wars. Initially, it honored those who served in the World wars but now includes all Veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.  

How did it start? On November 11, 1947, Raymond Weeks of Birmingham, Alabama, organized a Veterans Day parade to honor all of America's Veterans for their loyal service. At the time, it was known as Armistice Day. Later, U.S. Representative Edward H. Rees of Kansas proposed legislation to change the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in honor of all who have served this country. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day. In 1968, the date was moved to the fourth Monday in October, but Congress soon recognized the historical importance of November 11th and changed it back in 1978.

What is the Ceremony like? The tradition of having the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery continues till this day. On the morning of the 11th, at 11AM, a group of guards from each of the military services, pay their respects to those who died at war in an impressive ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The President or his designated representative then places a wreath at the Tomb. A bugler sounds “Taps.” which is quite haunting and then the ceremony moves to the Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb. A "Parade of Flags" by Veterans service organizations is also part of the second half of ceremonies on that day. The Veterans Day National Committee which organizes the ceremony, also supports a number of Veterans Day Regional Sites: There are 67 sites in 39 states and the sites hold a variety of community Veterans Day celebrations to keep the memories of loved ones lost alive. Did your/your community participate in it this year?

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Reflections: Planting Seeds...

“Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.” Napoleon Hill

Reflections: Planting Seeds...Papaya fruit & seeds

Small Stones #10
Childhood memories of time spent in the tropics: hot summer days...
Harmattan and the abundance of exotic fruit.
On a typical day, girlfriends gather at our family compound to feast on fruit..
Enjoy Mangoes, Cashew fruit, Soursop, Papaya and more.
We called papaya - PawPaw - and the glistening seeds always drew our attention...
"Awww!" we'd exclaim, "How did these shiny black seeds produce such delicious peach colored fruit?
Now I wonder, what precious words of hope for success did the farmer whisper as the seeds were planted and the soil toiled...?
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Musings: Talk, Walk, Work For Peace...

"It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it." Eleanor Roosevelt 

Musings: Talk, Walk, Work For Peace...

Small Stones #9
The pathway is the same yet, every day it feels different...
The walkers are the same yet, every day they look different
The preachers are the same yet, every day they act different
The message is the same yet, every day it sounds different...
In the silence on the path, I know that, with Peace, there is no difference...

Since I started writing the stones yesterday, I'll add one more each day to catch up. Today, I have #2 and #9.  For more on what Small Stones are, see my First Small Stones post and More below.

Memorial Day: Ending Wars - Healing Lives …

Healing Humanity One Soul at a Time…

“As I approach the gates of heaven; St. Peter I will tell;
One more soldier reporting sir; I've served my time in hell.” ~ Mark Anthony Gresswell

By now, most of us know what Memorial Day is about… I wrote extensively on the subject on my Mirth and Motivation blog. I encourage you to check it out. I prefer to send prayers, blessings and healing to everyone on this Memorial Day because, even as we remember our troops abroad and those who never made it back alive, I find the exercise painfully sad.

As a Biafra war survivor, I don’t glorify war nor do I see anything “Happy” about it. On Memorial Day, we are reminded that war is, unequivocally, the lousiest option for settling disputes. In times of war, in war zones, there are only losers on both sides of the battlefield. While one side might claim victory, the loss of life and the deepening resentments that come from warring creates animosity and a spirit of revenge. War is a terrible thing and the scars are indelible.