Memorial Day

Yes. Today is a day that a lot of people post their thoughts and feelings about America and our military.  It is a day to thank the men, women, and families that have sacrificed for the safety of others basic freedoms for so many. To honor the holiday, and those for who we celebrate, here are some interesting facts about the holiday:

After seeing the decimation of both Union and Confederate soldiers Gen. John Logan proclaimed on May 5, 1868 in his General Order No. 11, there be a Decoration Day which was first observed on May 30, 1868. Flowers were placed on the graves Civil War soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Flags on Memorial Day are to be raised in the morning, brought to half-mast until noon, then returned to full mast until sunset.

President Herbert Hoover observed the first National celebration at Arlington on May 30, 1929.

The U.S. 3rd Infantry begins placing flags on the graves in Arlington the Thursday before Memorial Day, then maintains a 24-hour patrol to make sure all of the flags stay standing.

By 1882 the name had gradually changed to Memorial Day and in 1967 Memorial Day became the official name. In 1968 Memorial Day became one of four holidays moved to the nearest Monday for observance to create a "three-day weekend." The first observance of Memorial Day as the last Monday in May was in 1971.

Thank you to those who have and continue to serve. My family, my friends, and people I will never know. Thank you to their families.
God Bless the United States of America.

Looking for some fun Jewelry? Check out Beady Eye Beth!

I have known Beth for 13 years. Maybe 14.  She is one of the most incredibly fun loving and hysterically funny friends I have. Lady Swan, Or BeadyEyeBeth, as she is calling herself now, is a creative soul as well and has been doing beading since 1995. About 5 years ago she started to work with encrusted seed bead embroidery. She also makes resin designs, polymer clay designs and bottle cap pendants.  

Why am I telling you all of this? As a part of my commitment to Pay It Forward in life, I wanted to introduce you all to her and her work. Some of you already know her. I have several of her necklaces and I wear them regularly. If you are in the area of Sumnerville SC, she sells her things in a booth at Tea Farm Cottage. For those not able to visit there, she sells on line in Etsy and through her site Beady Eyed Beth Stop in and have a look and let her know I sent you by.
Below are some more links to her various online presences:

http://www.youtube.com/user/BeadyEyedBeth?feature=mhee 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beady-Eyed-Beth/148226738556450