Memorial Day Thoughts!
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!
If you happen to be looking for a great, feel-good, long weekend read check out 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?
Available at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble KOBO Itunes
Views: 13
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog, My Say What Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey, Memorial Day, Memorial Day Weekend, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with no comments yet.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park Camping! Where’d You Go?
We had a relaxing and fun Memorial Day Weekend. Spent it camping in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. We arrived on Friday afternoon, set up our fifth wheel, put out the camp chairs and went for a hike. Most trails in the park are an easy and fun hike. Upon returning to the campsite we started a blazing campfire roasted hot dogs and brauts then later marshmallows for S’mores. A little guitar music as we enjoy the city lights.
The next day Mother Nature rained all over us, but we were not deterred. Morning hike then chased inside where it was popcorn and movie night. Yep, that’s why we camp in a fifth wheel trailer. The rest of the weekend was sunny and warm, steaks over the campfire with baked potatoes. Then S’mores of course. Perfect camping weather! Now the wonderful news!
I’m so excited, finally all my letters, forms in suggestion boxes, and answers to surveys for the Colorado State Parks & Wildlife system were answered! Yippee! Colorado State Parks & Wildlife Department is doing a three month trial allowing dogs on certain trails in Cheyenne Mountain State Park and Mueller State Park. That little tidbit made our day as well as our dog’s! In Cheyenne Mountain State Park as of 
June 1st dogs are allowed on these trails Acorn Alley, Bobcat Way and Raccoon Ridge. The trails connect to park’s campground, where dogs are already allowed.
In Mueller State Park, as of June 1st dogs will be allowed on portions of Homestead Trail and Black Bear Trail leading out of the campground.
The trial period could be extended into the winter, if it’s deemed a success. Of course it will be a success! Even better, it could become a permanent policy. Music to our dog’s ears! We have been advocating for allowing dogs on Colorado State Park trails for years. Steamboat Lake already allows dogs on their trails and we love it!
The caveat is visitors with dogs MUST pick up after their dogs, bag stations have been installed, so there is no excuse. It’s completely in our hands to see it’s a success! We got this.
There is nothing more exciting than hiking a trail with your canine companion. So PLEASE, pick up after your pets. If you see someone who needs a little nudge to pick up after their dog, hand them a bag and say THANKS! Let’s make this a permanent policy.
***Next week – We take a look at the Great Horned Owl family that have taken up residence in the Lowes Home Improvement Center in University Village Shopping Center in Colorado Springs! Don’t miss it!
Views: 0
Posted in Camping, My Say What Blog and tagged Campfire, camping, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado, Dogs, Dogs allowed, guitar, Hiking with you dog, Memorial Day Weekend, Mueller State Park, Trails by Tena Stetler with 3 comments.
