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Celebrate Veterans Day with Gratitude

09 Thursday Nov 2017

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“Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom is theWaving Flag very foundation of Veterans Day.” –Charles B. Rangel

This Saturday, we’ll have the opportunity to our nation’s living heroes in the 80th official Veterans Day. Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day was created on November 11, 1919, on the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance and became a national holiday in 1938.

Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, who served on any branch of the US military during peacetime or war, living or dead, but especially giving thanks to all living veterans. The US Census Bureau estimates that there are currently over 21 million living veterans in the United States.

You’ve likely already seen lots of businesses celebrating the holiday with sales and specials, but may wonder the best way to celebrate the occasion. Here at Lions Pride, we feel the best way to recognize the holiday is with gratitude. Here are a few ideas on you could thank a veteran over the weekend:

  • Write a letter

Everyone loves mail! Well, maybe not direct mail, but we’d be willing to bet you greeted your last handwritten letter with a smile. This Veterans Day, thank a vet in the form of a letter. Operation Gratitude is on a mission to show our nation’s heroes how much we care about them. And nothing says more that more than a handwritten note that can be saved forever. Each year, the organization sends care packages and letters to veterans all over the county. Find out how you can start your first letter.

  • Visit a veterans nursing home

We think quite possibly the best way to thank someone is in person! Consider contacting your local veterans nursing home to see if there are any residents who may be longing for company. After all who doesn’t love a friendly visit?

  • Invite a veteran to join Lions

You can show your appreciation as a Lion by inviting a veteran to serve with your club and reconnect with their community. In July 2013, Lions Club International introduced the Involve a Veteran Program. From now until June 30, 2018, qualifying veterans will receive waived entrance and chartered fees when they join a Lions Club. Eligible veterans include all branches of the US military – Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel who are retired or honorably discharged. The National Guard and Reserve personnel who were called to active duty for other training are also eligible. Learn more about the program.

These are only three of countless ways to thank a veteran for their sacrifice. How do you plan to celebrate Veterans Day?

To all of the men and women in uniform, past, present and future, God bless you and the Lions Pride Staff & Board want to thank you for your service.

Happy Veterans Day!

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The Traditional 4th of July Celebration

02 Thursday Jul 2015

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FireworksWhat’s the first word that pops into your head when you think about the 4th of July? We know that you probably think about family get-togethers, barbecues and games, but before that – you think about fireworks, of course!

Our tradition actually goes back all the way to our very first Independence Day. On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, explaining that the signing of the Declaration should be a “great anniversary festival” and “solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

The following year, Congress ordained the tradition in Philadelphia. The show was made up of celebratory firing of muskets, artillery and other explosives as a carryover from the colonial days, as well as 13 fireworks to symbolize the 13 states. Similar celebrations quickly spread to Boston, New York and various other cities.

By the year 1783, merchants in Philadelphia bean selling fireworks to the general public, including small children. The streets became a dangerous place around Independence Day.

According to James Heintze, author of “Fourth of July Encyclopedia” and retired librarian emeritus of American University, children would throw lit fireworks on the tables of fireworks that merchants were trying to sell. Disastrous fires devastated American cities in the 19th Century due to excessive fireworks usage. Pioneers also brought back the western practice of using dynamite to light up the night sky.

The first attempts to regulate citizen fireworks focused primarily on the noise. In 1903, the American Medical Association began to track firework-related casualties, so it wasn’t until that time when government officials began to crack down on street fireworks.

By the 1930’s, stricter legislations began to check fireworks sales at both the state and local level, which is still how pyrotechnic sales are regulated today.

This story reminds us that although the 4th of July can be a fun time of the year, it can also be very dangerous. Follow these tips to keep everyone safe:

  • Opt for going to the public fireworks display rather than having a show at home.
  • If you decide to buy fireworks, make sure they are legal in your municipality.
  • Wear protective eyewear if shooting off fireworks.
  • Always point fireworks away from people.
  • Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them away.

The Lions Pride Office will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. We wish you all a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. Happy 4th of July!