Did You Know?
Facts, Figures &
Folklore about the Jewish
Holiday of Shavuot May 24 : 4 days to Shavuot begins
Did you know that the word Shavuot means “weeks” in Hebrew?
The name of the holiday refers to the fact that it falls exactly seven weeks, or 49 days, after the Jewish festival of Passover.
Shavuot is the Jewish holiday celebrating the harvest season in Israel. Shavuot also commemorates the anniversary of the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Stop by again as we’ll be presenting a new “Did You Know?” fact each day as we countdown to Shavuot (sundown 05/28).
Brother’s Day
Celebrating the brotherhood of men! For whether their bonds are biological or via fraternity, military, union, or friendship – a brother is a brother is a brother.
Did You Know?
Facts, Figures & Folklore
About Memorial Day May 23 : 2 days to Memorial Day
Did you know that Memorial Day began as a commemoration of soldiers killed during the Civil War?
Following several years of spontaneous gatherings to honor their fallen comrades, the unofficial military tradition was officially adopted in 1868 by Union Army General John Logan, who proclaimed May 30th as the national Memorial Day. That first year, Memorial Day was only commemorated at Arlington National Cemetery, where flowers were placed on soldiers’ graves.
We’ll be presenting a new “Did You Know?” fact each day as we countdown to Memorial Day (05/25)! So stop by again tomorrow.
The White House has released the 2009 Memorial Day Presidential Proclamation
Memorial Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 25, 2009, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time to unite in prayer. I also ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. I urge the press, radio, television, websites, and all other media to participate in these observances.
I also request the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States, and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
Barack Obama
President of the United States of America
Did You Know?
Facts, Figures & Folklore
About Memorial Day May 22 : 3 days to Memorial Day
Did you know that Memorial Day used to be known as Decoration Day, referring to the adornment of graves of those soldiers killed in action?
The term Memorial Day did not become the common vernacular until after World War II.
Memorial Day is America’s day to remember those who have died serving our nation, and to honor their families. We’ll be presenting a new “Did You Know?” fact each day as we countdown to Memorial Day (05/25)! So stop by again tomorrow.
It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Celebrate the anniversary of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood with this video clip of his theme song – “Won’t you be my neighbor?”!
So let’s make the most of this beautiful day,
Since we’re together, we might as well say,
Would you be mine? Could you be mine?
Won’t you be my neighbor?
Won’t you please, won’t you please,
Please won’t you be my neighbor?
