Countdown: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 to Happy 4th of July!
One day away from the Fourth of July celebration! Yep! It is tomorrow! As you continue to prepare for the festivities of Independence Day, keep in mind many of our service men and women are stationed on foreign shores where celebration may not be the topic of the hour. They are the defenders of our nation ensuring that the freedom obtained centuries ago remains in tact.
FEATURED VIDEO at Awakenings – Remember me! and MUSIC “For Freedom” by Avalon.
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
Having a loved one deployed for lengthy periods of time is tough, but it’s especially hard during any holiday. While you might be reveling in backyard BBQs, listening to patriotic music and of course, enjoying the grand finale, fireworks, the day may not be so entertaining for everyone. For those defending our independence, the red, white and blue they carry on this day may only be in their hearts.
Countdown: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 to Happy 4th of July!
Day after tomorrow we will be celebrating the 4th of July. Whew! Seems like just yesterday and we were celebrating Christmas…well, maybe not that far back but time does seem to fly by all too quickly!
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
Go to Awakenings. As you watch the video and listen to the words of Red Skelton, keep in mind this was produced in the year 1969!
Countdown: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 to Happy 4th of July!
Here we are four days away from the 4th of July. Topic for today: Music. Got to have music at a Fourth of July celebration! Of course, a plethora of songs can be found most befitting to this holiday.
But, one stands out over all the rest. . .
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
Awakenings features two renditions that will knock your socks off: 7 yr-old Rhema Marvanne and Star Spangled Banner- Music video from AmericaTheBeautiful.com!
Countdown: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 to Happy 4th of July!
For the next five days Awakenings will be featuring special tributes to America in recognition and honor of her independence: July 4, 1776. Let us not forget those who have fought or are fighting for our nation; they are the epitome of the human spirit called freedom!
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
OOPS! I forgot to post this one yesterday so you will two today on catnip! The beginning of the countdown features the original FIRST broadcast radio performance of “God Bless America,” an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin in 1918, revised by him and first performed by Kate Smith in 1938.
Are you already prepping for the Fourth of July celebration? Have you made out a list, done your shopping, invited family and guests over for a BBQ? There is a good chance you answered Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! and yet there is the possibility the most important item was overlooked: the American Flag!
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
YOU CAN BET, for each passing day that the flag is not waving, especially on a national holiday, someone somewhere is smiling because of its absence. The enemy does not sleep. It is up to us to be Forever Watchful. . .
“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!”
Sound familiar? More than likely your answer is, “Yes!” Memories are quickly triggered: the beginning days of summer as a child, teenager, even adult. Do you know the who, what, when, where behind this little nitty? In case your answer is “No,” read the trivia @Awakenings and store it in your memory bank.
As we approach the Fourth of July in celebration of America’s independence, take a look inside Awakenings: Embrace the past, Empower the present, Enrich the future.
Jeannette Anderson, writer/blogger, posted a marvelous video today on Google+. Upon watching the video there was no doubt it should be aired on Awakenings. Tomorrow is Memorial Day but first, it is important to understand Memorial Day vs. Veterans’ Day.
“Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military – 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 are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty…”
Airplanes, trains, buses, cars, yachts and RVs will be reelin’, rockin’ and rollin’ toward sunny beaches, campgrounds and other getaway destinations this coming weekend. But, WHY? The fact is the very mention of Memorial Day brings to mind Memorial Day weekend: the celebratory weekend marking the beginning of the busy summer season. For some, it is better representative of the ending of yet another school year. For many, it is a long weekend with an extra day off from daily work routines.
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
Memorial Day Sale! Sale! Sale! It isn’t a bad thing to take advantage of the sales, especially taking into consideration our nation’s economy. However, should you take that advantage at any time during this weekend or on Monday be sure to notice whether an American flag is flying or if a sign is displayed in the window in honor and respect of our fallen soldiers. If one is not visible, I challenge you to ask WHY not?
See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond
Awakenings welcomes Terry Shepherd into the spotlight. My communication with Terry is through her blog featuring, in her own words, “inspirational stories that touch your heart and soul.” I totally agree with her having visited her blogsite many, many times.
Terry’s featured poetry is the perfect prelude to Memorial Day!
With Memorial Day to be celebrated this weekend, the timing for this introduction to Terry Shepherd has been perfect. As you move closer to the weekend and become involved in celebration planning, remain mindful of what this holiday truly represents. It is not just picnics and soda pops, cake and ice cream, beach ball and surf boards! It is a day of remembrance: the last Monday in May on which those who died in active military service are remembered.
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