Memorial Day, Has the Meaning and History Gotten Lost?
Memorial Day isn’t just the first three-day weekend of the camping season. Historically, Memorial Day is the U.S. federal holiday dedicated to the remembrance of those brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
We celebrate Memorial Day yearly on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day and created after the American Civil War to remember the Confederate and Union soldiers who died in that war.
On May 5, 1868, three years after the Civil War ended, the head of the Grand Army of the Republic established Decoration Day to honor the war dead and decorate their graves with flowers. May 30th was the date chosen by Major General John A Logan, possibly because by then blooming flowers should be available all over the country. Across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., Arlington National Cemetery was the site of the first large observance in 1868.
I find it interesting that according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs the crowd attending the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery was about the same size as those that attend today, about 5,000.
After World War I, Memorial Day expanded to honor the men and women who died in all American wars. Memorial Day, often still called Decoration Day, became a national holiday by an act of Congress in 1971 and moved to the last Monday in May.
On Memorial Day, small flags are placed on each grave in Arlington National Cemetery, a tradition that many national cemeteries around the county observe today. In fact, the flag custom has grown to include many families that decorate the graves of loved ones as well.
To make sure that we never forget America’s fallen heroes, U.S. Congress passed in December of 2000, and the president signed into law, “The National Moment of Remembrance Act”. On Memorial Day, at 3:00 p.m., all American’s are encouraged to pause for a minute of silence, wherever they are to honor and remember those fallen heroes that made the greatest sacrifice for our freedom.
No matter how bleak things look, I still believe we live in the greatest nation in the world. If you don’t feel the same, maybe you should reconsider your locale. I can say that because I live in the greatest nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Happy Memorial Day!
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Posted in My Say What Blog by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
#L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge- How I’d fare in a Zombie Apocalypse.
Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 5-20-20, How I’d fare in a Zombie Apocalypse. Please have a seat, grab an iced tea or lemonade out of the cooler. Be sure and grab a chocolate chip or peanut butter cookie. Lets get started with How I’d fare in a Zombie Apocalypse.
Wow, I’ve got nothing. Racked my brain for a day and one-half, then….
Well, there’d have to be several things fall into place for me to survive but if they did, my survival rate could be pretty good. FIrst of all I have guns and know how to shoot them. So on our way to safety, I’d blast the zombies’ heads off, killing them.
I live in a densely populated area, very little safety there. But I would boobie trap the heck out of the house as an early warning system. I’m smart and cunning, so may be able to outsmart the the not so smart zombies. But…my best resource is…
Assuming that there are no cases of zombie infection in the Cheyenne Mountain Complex home to the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Only a short road trip away from my home. And that myself and family got access to it. We could wait out the Zombie Apocalypse. No way could Zombies penetrate the complex built under 2,000 feet of granite on five acres, and
Fifteen three-story buildings are protected inside the mountain from movement from an earthquake or the bunker is built to deflect a 30 megaton nuclear explosion as close at 1.2 miles. A system of giant springs that the buildings sit on and flexible pipe connectors to limit the operational effect of movement. A total of more than 1,000 springs are designed to prevent any of the 15 buildings from shifting more than 1 inch. Within the mountain tunnels are sets of 25-ton blast doors. No chance of zombies making it though those suckers.
Inside this bunker are living quarters, medical facility, store, cafeteria and fitness centers. The complex has its own power plant, heating and cooling system and water supply., It’s ensured that there is a 99.999% degree of reliability of its electricity, water, air conditioning, power and other support systems. A miniture city inside the mountain.
The threats, in descending order of likelihood, that the complex are prepared for are “medical emergencies, natural disasters, civil disorder, a conventional attack, an electromagnetic pulse attack, a cyber or information attack, chemical or biological or radiological attack, an improvised nuclear attack, a limited nuclear attack, [and] a general nuclear attack. I’m adding Zombie Apocalypse. Depending of course how long it takes the Zombies to die off due to lack of food.
FYI, yes, I’ve been inside the Cheyenne Mountain Complex and found it awe inspiring.
So there you have it, How I’d fare in a Zombie Apocalypse. I’d love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts on how’d you fare in a Zombie Apocalypse in the comments below.
Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom with edits on my upcoming release HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC and on a new WIP (very exciting and coming along very well) so let’s see what other authors list as their reasons. L&SR
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
Now lets take a moment to talk about Summer and camping. Set in the Colorado Rockies, AN ANGEL’S UNINTENTIONAL ENTANGLEMENT, Fourth book in A Demon’s Witch Series, is on SALE for 99 cents, for a limited time. Download your copy today and join the magical, fantasy adventure!
The story came about one summer when hubby and I were driving over Independence Pass. It’s one of our favorite drives in Colorado. A beautiful drive if you don’t mind the shear drop-offs. Abandoned cabins (dating back to 1880-1890) dot the landscape near the top of Independence Pass at over 12,000 feet in elevation. As I rounded the back of one of those cabins a complete scene unfolded among the spectacular views. I rushed to the truck and jotted down an outline and An Angel’s Unintentional Entanglement was born.
Caden had a story to tell, and insisted it be told before I finished up the series. The heroine in this story is Mystic Rayne. At the time I was writing this our beloved canine companion passed over the rainbow bridge. We were devastated. As the circle of life continued, a new puppy arrived and we named her Mystic Reign, after my character. Do you believe in fate? Well coincidently the release date for An Angel’s Unintentional Entanglement is August 6, 2018, which happens to be our dog, Mystic’s birthday.
A little about AN ANGEL’S UNINTENTIONAL ENTANGLEMENT:
Fallen warrior angel, Caden Silverwind, lives alone in Colorado’s rugged Rockies, healing from physical wounds as well as the mental anguish suffered during battles with dark demons. Then he finds a woman barely clinging to life after a horrendous beating. He is not prepared for the entanglement she brings to his life, nor the feelings she awakens in him.
Bureau of Indian Affairs Agent, Mystic Rayne’s personal dilemma and assignment nearly gets her killed. Divine intervention is a complication she never expected and her growing attraction to Caden is undeniable. Can she trust him with her secret?
Their quest to uncover her attacker takes them from the pristine mountains in Colorado to the wilds of Wyoming. Along the way, they find answers which may place them in more danger. Determined to solve the mystery, they must also navigate their feelings and fears to find love and unite heaven and earth.
Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate it. Next week, May 13, A Villain that I wish could be redeemed and why. A tough one. Do you have a villain that you wish could be redeemed and why?
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Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged #L&SR's #Wednesday's Blog Challenge 5-20-20, An Angel's Unintentional Entanglement, How I'd fare in a Zombie Apocalypse, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 21 comments.
#L&SR Wednesday Weekly Blog Challenge A Villain That I Wish could be Redeemed & Why
Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 5-13-20, A Villain that I WIsh Could be Redeemed & Why. Please have a seat, grab an iced tea or lemonade out of the cooler. Be sure and grab a chocolate chip cookie. Lets get started with A Villain that I WIsh Could be Redeemed & Why.
Wow, I’ve got nothing. Like most people I love to hate the bad guy. So I’m going way back in my memory banks to the Duddly Do Right cartoons I used to watch a villain Snidely Whiplash. I’m dating myself, but I’d always wished he’d not tie Nell to the railroad tracks. LOL
Let’s talk about SYNN, a character that has floated through several of my A Demon’s Witch Series, until she got her own story the fifth book in that series A MAGIC REDEMPTION IN 2018. Yep it was her redemption.
Synn, a demon, carries extraordinary magic and power, but there is more within her than she dreams. Kidnapped as a child, her captors murdered her family and forced her into training as a warrior assassin. When an assignment goes horribly wrong, she finds herself at the mercy of the friends and family of her intended target. Offering valuable information in exchange for protection, she gains her freedom, but it is not without its challenges.
Wait, I’ve got one more. Nebula of the Guardians of the Galaxy fame. She became one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most popular anti-heroes, but when we met her in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, she was a full-blown villain (who was loyal to Thanos without question). At that point, I felt she was being manipulated by Thanos. In the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, I got my wish she redeemed herself. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. LOL
So there you have it,A Villain that I WIsh Could be Redeemed & Why. I’d love to hear from you. Please share your Villain that you WIsh Could be Redeemed & Why. List them in the comments below.
Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom with edits on my upcoming release HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC and on a new WIP (very exciting and coming along very well) so let’s see what other authors list as their reasons. L&SR
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
Now lets take a moment to talk about Summer and camping. Set in the Colorado Rockies, AN ANGEL’S UNINTENTIONAL ENTANGLEMENT, Fourth book in A Demon’s Witch Series, is on SALE for 99 cents, for a limited time. Download your copy today and join the magical, fantasy adventure!
The story came about one summer when hubby and I were driving over Independence Pass. It’s one of our favorite drives in Colorado. A beautiful drive if you don’t mind the shear drop-offs. Abandoned cabins (dating back to 1880-1890) dot the landscape near the top of Independence Pass at over 12,000 feet in elevation. As I rounded the back of one of those cabins a complete scene unfolded among the spectacular views. I rushed to the truck and jotted down an outline and An Angel’s Unintentional Entanglement was born.
Caden had a story to tell, and insisted it be told before I finished up the series. The heroine in this story is Mystic Rayne. At the time I was writing this our beloved canine companion passed over the rainbow bridge. We were devastated. As the circle of life continued, a new puppy arrived and we named her Mystic Reign, after my character. Do you believe in fate? Well coincidently the release date for An Angel’s Unintentional Entanglement is August 6, 2018, which happens to be our dog, Mystic’s birthday.
A little about AN ANGEL’S UNINTENTIONAL ENTANGLEMENT:
Fallen warrior angel, Caden Silverwind, lives alone in Colorado’s rugged Rockies, healing from physical wounds as well as the mental anguish suffered during battles with dark demons. Then he finds a woman barely clinging to life after a horrendous beating. He is not prepared for the entanglement she brings to his life, nor the feelings she awakens in him.
Bureau of Indian Affairs Agent, Mystic Rayne’s personal dilemma and assignment nearly gets her killed. Divine intervention is a complication she never expected and her growing attraction to Caden is undeniable. Can she trust him with her secret?
Their quest to uncover her attacker takes them from the pristine mountains in Colorado to the wilds of Wyoming. Along the way, they find answers which may place them in more danger. Determined to solve the mystery, they must also navigate their feelings and fears to find love and unite heaven and earth.
Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate it. Next week, May 13, A Villain that I wish could be redeemed and why. A tough one. Do you have a villain that you wish could be redeemed and why?
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Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged #L&SR's #Wednesday's Blog Challenge, A Villain that I WIsh Could be Redeemed & Why, An Angel's Unintentional Entanglement, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 13 comments.
#L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge- Favorite Holiday of the Year and Why
Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 5-6-20. Favorite Holiday of the Year and Why. Wow, this one is easy. Please have a seat, grab an iced tea or lemonade out of the cooler. Be sure and grab a chocolate chip cookie. Lets get started with My favorite Holiday of the Year and Why.
Halloween, All Hallows Eve, Samhain (Gaelic ) is my favorite holiday. No expectations of gifts, outside of candy, of course. What other time can you dress up and be whoever and whatever you want to be and no one give you a 
second look. LOL I love decorating our house for Halloween. Lots of pumpkins, witches, scary creatures and sounds. Early in the evening, I have the fog machine on low, dressed up like a vampiress, I sit on the porch handing out candy. Later in the evening, we turn up the fog machine and jump out of the fog to scare the bejeebers out of the older trick or treaters. Keep in mind we’ve done this for years and the trick or treaters we get are kids of parents that trick or treated at our house years ago. Probably dating myself, but we have fun.
We’ve also had Halloween parties where we play How to Host A Murder Mystery Games, where everyone dresses up and assumes the identity of their character. Then with the clues the games provided we attempt to discover who is the killer. In the middle of the game we serve dinner then return to the game to solve the murder. A fun time is had by all!
Hmmmm… maybe my dislike of reality is the reason I write Paranormal Romance/Mystery an escape from the ordinary world on most days.
So there you have it, Favorite Holiday of the Year and Why. I’d love to hear from you. Please share your Favorite Holiday of the Year and why. List them in the comments below.
Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom on a new WIP (very exciting and coming along very well) so let’s see what other authors list as their reasons. L&SR
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
Speaking of Halloween, a little about A WITCH’S JOURNEY.
Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?
A quick peek between the pages of A WITCH’S JOURNEY.
A Witch’s Journey – “I’m going to go check on Ember and Tonk at the mammal habitat. Won’t be long.” Pepper closed the door and sprinted down the path, doubled back and hid behind the greenhouse with a view of the porch. She sucked in a breath when the tarp moved and the bungee cord slipped off the bumper with a zing. A shadow creep out from under the tarp,it slunk to the stairs. A huge reddish wolf advanced snarling and leaped over the railing knocking the figure down the stairs then disappeared.
A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING is the second book in the series. By the end of the summer book three, HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC and book four, CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MAGIC will be released.
Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate it. Next week, May 13, A Villain that I wish could be redeemed and why. A tough one. Do you have a villain that you wish could be redeemed and why?
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Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged #L&SR's #Wednesday's Blog Challenge 5-6-20., Favorite Holiday of the Year and Why., Halloween, How to Host a Murder Game, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 14 comments.
