They’re there at the front line, holding positions in the most dangerous territory in any military theater. They march hundreds of miles with packs that easily way more than they do, carrying needed supplies and equipment into locations that are often under heavy enemy fire. For many of them, the constant sound of mortar fire is their lullaby, and a silent night is one to dread where the enemy can come at any time, and their plans remain largely a mystery to these noble men and women. Army Day celebrates these most fundamental of the armed forces, and reminds us of the sacrifices they make to protect home and country.
World War II was in full swing when Franklin D. Roosevelt sat the American Presidency. He held an unenviable position at the time, leading the American nation into a war that followed on the heels of what had been called “The War to End All Wars”. Little did they know the war to follow would be the most devastating and destructive war in history, and more lives would be lost during it than could they possibly could have imagined in their worst horror-driven nightmares. Vital to the efforts of every member of the Allies was their military, and most importantly those men and women who crossed foreign ground on foot to defend, recover, and take enemy positions that would alter the flow of the war.
Army Day was established to commemorate all members of all armed forces and the civilians that support them. It was clear he truly understood the function of our military men and women when he cited them as “A Mighty Arm of the Tree of Liberty”, knowing that they were all that stood between the safety, security, and peace of those who fought against tyranny and the cruel and dominating forces of the Axis of Evil that sought to destroy it all. Army Day serves as a reminder that everything that we hold dear is thanks to the efforts of these men and women, and the blood they spill in the name of our freedoms.
Word of the Day
| |||
Definition: | (adjective) Marked by low spirits; showing no enthusiasm. | ||
Synonyms: | dispirited | ||
Usage: | A subtle change had transformed her from the listless woman he had known into a being who, for the moment, seemed palpitant with the forces of life. |
Idiom of the Day
(one's) nerves are shot— One is mentally or emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, or overwrought. |
History
Founding of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints (1830)
Shortly after Joseph Smith published the Book of Mormon in 1830, he officially founded The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints—also known as the Mormon Church—in Fayette, New York. The church flourished but was forced to relocate frequently. It was violently expelled from Missouri, and a mob killed Smith in Illinois in 1844. His successor, Brigham Young, led followers to Utah three years later.
Gerald Joseph "Gerry" Mulligan (1927)
Mulligan was an important baritone saxophonist and one of the best-known exponents of cool jazz, a delicate, understated offshoot of bebop. He began his career in the mid-1940s as an arranger for Gene Krupa and Claude Thornhill and played on the historic Miles Davis nonet recordings in 1949. He gained considerable success with the quartet he formed with Chet Baker in 1952, and he led ensembles of various sizes thereafter. |
British Babies Cry the Most, Danish Babies the Least. Why?
It's official. Denmark – as well as being the world's best country to live in for women with the second-happiest people and one of the best healthcare systems in Europe – has the most contented babies.READ MORE:
British babies cry the most, Danish babies the least. Why?
1789 - The first U.S. Congress began regular sessions at the Federal Hall in New York City.
1875 - Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for the multiple telegraph, which sent two signals at the same time.
1896 - The first modern Olympic Games began in Athens, Greece.
1909 - Americans Robert Peary and Matthew Henson claimed to be the first men to reach the North Pole.
1916 - Charlie Chaplin became the highest-paid film star in the world when he signed a contract with Mutual Film Corporation for $675,000 a year. He was 26 years old.
1927 - William P. MacCracken, Jr. earned license number ‘1’ when the Department of Commerce issued the first aviator’s license.
Reading this fact just now reminded me of riding on trolleys, which I never recollected til this very moment!
1957 - Trolley cars in New York City completed their final runs.
1985 - William J. Schroeder became the first artificial heart recipient to be discharged from the hospital.
1987 - Sugar Ray Leonard took the middleweight title from Marvin Hagler.
1997 - Mario Lemieux (Pittsburgh Penguins) announced that he would retire from the National Hockey League (NHL) following the playoffs of the current season.
READERS INFO
1.
3.
Dallas Art Fair
Apr 6-9, 2017
Fashion Industry Gallery
1807 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX
Thursday, April 6, 7pm – 10pm
Friday, April 7, 11am – 7pm
Saturday, April 8, 11am – 7pm
Sunday, April 9, 12pm – 6pm
Friday, April 7, 11am – 7pm
Saturday, April 8, 11am – 7pm
Sunday, April 9, 12pm – 6pm
The Dallas Art Fair features collections from distinguished national and international galleries and art dealers. Modern and contemporary works across a wide range of subjects and media are showcased over the weekend in Dallas’ downtown Arts District. This event draws an eclectic mix of art collectors and aficionados, promoting Dallas as a destination for the international art community.
further information: Dallas Art Fair |
4.
FeatherFest & Nature PhotoFest
Apr 6-9, 2017 | Galveston, TX
As one of the largest birding festivals in Texas, Galveston’s FeatherFest & Nature PhotoFest provides over 100 field trips, workshops and social events. Held during early spring migration, the festival is located in one of the nation’s top locations for birding. Take advantage of expert-led excursions and learn from some of the best in birding. Nature lovers will revel in the exploration of all types of terrain while being exposed to a wide variety of beautiful and rare birds.
further information: Home - Galveston Feather Fest
5.
Scottsdale ArtWalk
Apr 6, 2017
Along Main Street from Scottsdale Road West to Goldwater Boulevard and on Marshall Way from Indian School Road to Fifth Avenue
N Marshall Way & E Main St
Scottsdale, AZ
The Scottsdale ArtWalk is a great opportunity to check out the gorgeous work that Scottsdale Downtown galleries have to offer. The event takes place on Thursday evenings throughout most of the year. Wander at your speed of choice, peek inside the art galleries and walk around them if you choose. In addition to the galleries, it’s a great opportunity to check out everything Scottsdale Downtown has to offer.
further information: ArtWalk « Downtown Scottsdale
A family, or mob, of meerkats (Suricata suricatta) in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa. Meerkats, members of the mongoose family, are primarily insectivores, though they may eat other small animals or plants. They are social animals that live in groups of twenty or more. Meerkat family dynamics were featured in the series Meerkat Manor, first aired in 2005.
PORTLAND, OR.
knit - EASTER
Teeny Tiny Toys
knit - EASTER
Itty Bitty Dress
knit
knit
knit
thanks, Judith
crochet
thanks, Clara
crochet
crochet
crochet
thanks, Helen
Celebration Cupcake
By Jennifer Dickerson
Materials:
- 5.0 mm "H" crochet hook
- Worsted weight yarn of your choice (I used Red Heart Super Saver in White, Spring Green, Shocking Pink, and Lavender)
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
- Filling (fiber-fill, yarn scraps, etc)
Sizing:
- 3 inches tall
Abbreviations and Tutorial Links:
Instructions for Bottom of Cupcake:
Ch 4, join in ch furthest from hook to create ring.
Round 1: ch 3, the work 11 dc into the center of the ring, join with a sl st to close round.
Round 2: ch 3, then work a double crochet into the back loops of each stitch, join with a sl st to close round.
Round 3: ch 3, then work a fpdc into each st, join with a sl st to close round.
Fasten off and set aside.
Instructions for Top of Cupcake:
Ch 4, join in ch furthest from hook to create ring.
Round 1: Ch 3, work 7 dc into the center of the ring, join with a sl st to close round.
Round 2: Ch 3, work a dc into the first st, then work 2 dc in each stitch. Join with a sl st to close round.
Round 3: Ch 3, work 2 dc into the next st. *Work a sl st into the next, skip the next st, then work 3 dc into the next st. Repeat from * to the end of the round.
Add French knot "sprinkles" to top of cupcake. For help on the French knot, check out the video tutorial. You can also use beads or buttons instead.
Instructions for Rosette:
Ch 6
Row 1: Work 3 sc in the 3rd ch from the hook. Work 3 sc in each ch across. Fasten off.
Instructions for Leaf:
Ch 3
Row 1: In the 3rd ch from the hook work a (dc, sl st). Fasten off.
Cupcake Assembly:
Stitch rosette and leaf to the top of the cupcake. Seam bottom and top of cupcake together with a whip stitch, leaving a small hole for stuffing. Stuff the cupcake, then seam shut.
RECIPE
thanks, ShelleyCROCKPOT RECIPE
CRAFTS - BUTTON ART
Cannes Port Jigsaw Puzzle
adder anger annoy argue catch change connect | dawn death disease drift earlier election filth final finger | forgive funny glory greet heart hymnal level lower | mirror onion onward praise precede ready rear rival | sear serum speaker table there truth wheat wine |
Orange Cup Birdfeeders
You can create a beautiful and very aromatic birdfeeder by simply slicing an orange in half and removing the inside. Then just fill with birdseed and hang. You can poke holes in the orange and tie twine for hanging. These are really cute feeders and so easy to make. Plus, you can make two feeders from each orange and they smell wonderful.
thanks, Jane
ARLINGTON CEMETERY
Jeopardy Question:
On Jeopardy, the final question was
"How many steps does the guard take during his
walk across the tomb of the Unknowns?"
"How many steps does the guard take during his
walk across the tomb of the Unknowns?"
All three contestants missed it!
This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance.
Fascinating.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1.
How many steps does the guard take during his
walk across the tomb of the Unknowns
and why?
How many steps does the guard take during his
walk across the tomb of the Unknowns
and why?
21 steps: It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute
which is the highest honor given any
military or foreign dignitary.
2.
How long does he hesitate after his about face
to begin his return walk and why?
to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1.
3.
Why are his gloves wet?
Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his
grip on the rifle.
grip on the rifle.
4.
Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all
the time and, if not, why not?
the time and, if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb.
After his march across the path, he executes an about face
and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5.
How often are the guards changed?
How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes,
twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a
year.
twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a
year.
6.
What are the physical traits of the guard
limited to?
What are the physical traits of the guard
limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb,
he must be
between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and
his waist size cannot exceed 30.
his waist size cannot exceed 30.
They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb,
live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot
drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of
their lives. They cannot swear in public for the
rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the
uniform or the tomb in any way.
live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot
drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of
their lives. They cannot swear in public for the
rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the
uniform or the tomb in any way.
After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that
is worn on their lapel signifying they
served as guard of the tomb. There are only
400 presently worn. The guard must obey
these rules for the rest of their
lives or give up the wreath pin.
is worn on their lapel signifying they
served as guard of the tomb. There are only
400 presently worn. The guard must obey
these rules for the rest of their
lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles
to keep the heat and cold from their feet.
There are metal heel plates that extend to the top
of the shoe in order to make the loud click as
they come to a halt.
to keep the heat and cold from their feet.
There are metal heel plates that extend to the top
of the shoe in order to make the loud click as
they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform.
Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.
The first six months of duty a
guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV.
All off duty time is spent studying the 175
notable people laid to rest in
Arlington National Cemetery.
A guard must memorize who they are and where
they are interred. Among the notables are:
guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV.
All off duty time is spent studying the 175
notable people laid to rest in
Arlington National Cemetery.
A guard must memorize who they are and where
they are interred. Among the notables are:
President Taft,
Joe Lewis {the boxer}
Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most
decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.
Joe Lewis {the boxer}
Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most
decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC,
our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm.
On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!"
Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm,
they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.
If only the requirements for Congress and President were as high as they are for duty at Arlington!
ReplyDelete