Memorial Day 2008

I know that this was last Monday (May 26), but I still felt I needed to blog about this day and what it means to me. As a US History teacher, I have come to respect those that have gone out in to the world and placed their life on the line for our country and for the people of other nations. I had created a powerpoint presentation for my classes, but was not able to load it onto blogger. So I have included some pictures that represent the history of Memorial Day and representations of those who have served in all of the wars American soldiers have fought and died in.

Memorial Day started in 1868 as "Decoration Day". On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan (Civil War Veteran) declared in General Order No. 11 that:

“The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.”

Since then, it has been observed on the last Monday in the month of May. However, it no longer represents only those who fought and died in the Civil War, but all American soldiers who lost their lives in the heat of battle. We remember those on this day. We remember their sacrifice, their courage, and their dedication to our country.






























































































































































Revolutionary War (1775 – 1781)
American Deaths: 4,435 (approx.)

War of 1812 (1812 – 1815)
American Deaths: 2,260 (approx.)

Mexican War (1846-1848)
American Deaths: 1,733 (approx.)

Civil War (1861 – 1865)
American Deaths: 214,938 (approx.)

Spanish-American War (1898)
American Deaths: 385 (approx.)

World War I (1914 – 1918)
American Deaths: 53,402 (approx.)

World War II (1939 – 1945)
American Deaths: 291,557 (approx.)

Korean War (1950 – 1953)
American Deaths: 33,741 (approx.)

Vietnam War(1954 – 1975)
American Deaths: 47,424 (approx.)

Persian Gulf War(1990 – 1991)
American Deaths: 147 (approx.)

War on Terrorism/Iraq War(2003 – Present)
American Deaths: 4,450 (approx.)

*All numbers taken from The History Channel website. All numbers represent those that have died in battle.

I very much understand that the above list does not include all of the engagements that our military has been involved in that history does not recognize (my opinion is that it should).

Thank you to all of the above. Those that have lost their lives in battle for our nation, for other people of other nations, and the way that I see it...for me...you will never, never, never be forgotten!

Cheeseburger!

So, we trying to figure out what to do for dinner. Jess goes and asks Cami what she would like for dinner. Here is the conversation:

Jess: Cami-girl, do you want taquitos for dinner?

Cami: Ummm...no...I want a cheeseburger.

Jess: We don't have any cheeseburgers.

Cami: Oh...well, Daddy will go bye-bye and bring me home a cheeseburger?!

(Daddy is now laughing very hard on the couch as he's listening in on the conversation)

I love my girl!!! Then again, I should probably take this as a sign that we go out to eat a little too often...wouldn't ya say?

Did you Pray today?

As I'm sure you are aware, today May 1 was the National Day of Prayer. I thought I would share with you the foundation of this day and how it began. Taken from the official National Day of Prayer website:

"Because of the faith of many of our founding fathers, public prayer and national days of prayer have a long-standing and significant history in American tradition. The Supreme Court affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer in Marsh vs. Chambers (1983).

The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln's proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations."

This may be a day our nation sets aside to pray, however, I encourage you to pray every single day as an act of worship to our Lord and Savior who blessed us with this wonderful nation. A nation in which we are FREE to pray whenever we want and wherever we want. Never, never, never let anyone tell you that there is a separation of church and state by proclaiming the 1st amendment. The 1st amendment grants us the right to pray and worship without fear of persecution or even prosecution. Our nation was founded upon three fundamental reasons: Political freedom, Economic freedom, and Religious freedom. At no time does anyone have the right to tell you that you can not pray. Be bold, be brave, and exercise your right that our Constitution has given you, and above all, the right that our Heavenly Father has given you. 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18 proclaims, "Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." And as the title verse to my blog states, "...where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Do not allow people to deny that this nation was founded on religious, Christian principles.

GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AMERICA!!