Out and About – Week of May 20th

Armed Forces day has passed for this year and Memorial Day is next Monday, May 27. There are three days every year dedicated to members of the Armed Forces. It can be confusing as to what each of these days represents. Let me clear some of these doubts. For lack of a better term, we’ll call it “Military Holidays 101”.

Armed Forces Day: This is a day we recognize and thank the active duty men and women who are currently and courageously serving in all of our military branches.
Veterans Day: A day set aside to thank and honor all of those who served honorably in our Armed Forces in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service. To acknowledge that their contributions to our national security is and always will be appreciated, and to emphasize the fact that all those who served – no only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.
Memorial Day: On this day we remember, show respect and honor the brave men and women who died while in service to our country. They paid the ultimate sacrifice and are missed by spouses, children, parents, extended family friends, and their comrades everyday of the year. This day encourages other Americans to reflect on their sacrifice. There is usually a parade for Memorial Day and it’s supposed to be a silent one, which means that there shouldn’t be any sirens blaring. The parade is festive but quite solemn.
I’d like to share something I received from a friend via Facebook. If you’ve seen this before, please remember it. If you’ve never read it, save it and read it over every so often. I’d like to think of it as:

“Nine Important Minutes”

There are nine minutes during the day that have the greatest impact on a child:

The first three minutes right after they wake up.
The three minutes after they come home from school.
The last three minutes of the day before they go to bed.
Make those minutes special and help our children feel special, loved, and accepted. Each day children need meaningful eye-to-eye conversations with a parent. It’s especially important to slow down and look them in the eye. Listen and respond with love. Hug your child, straighten her hair, pat him on the back and tell them how proud you are of them every day. A simple touch makes them feel connected to a parent in ways that words never will. Remember, actions speak louder than words!

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman