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GOLD STAR MOTHER’S AND FAMILY DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 32 Comments

Each year on the last Sunday in September, Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day honors the mothers, fathers and families of fallen military service members. Also known as National Gold Star Mother’s Day, the day serves as a reminder of the losses suffered by military families. 

The price of freedom can be measured by those who have given their full measure of devotion, and the families left behind.  It is a debt that can never be fully repaid.

Since World War I, the observance has provided a way to recognize and honor those who have lost a son or daughter who served our country in the United States Armed Forces. 

A gold star symbolizes a family member who died in the line of duty while serving the United States Armed Forces.

Gold Star mothers and families know the immeasurable cost of fighting for the ideals we believe in, and they know the pride that comes with exemplary service to America.
~ President Barack Obama ~ September 23, 2011 ~ Presidential Proclamation 

GOLD STAR MOTHER’S AND FAMILY DAY HISTORY

On June 23, 1936, a joint congressional resolution designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day and proclaimed annually by each president.  In 2011, President Barack Obama amended the day to “Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.”

Organizations around the country honor Gold Star families through ceremonies, luncheons, and teas. They give back to their communities by remembering fallen service members. Service organizations provide opportunities to remember the fallen and their families. Their ceremonies take place at military memorial sights and veteran’s cemeteries. On the local, state and national levels, representatives speak of the importance of remembering our fallen sons and daughters while continuing to care for their families.   

The history of National Gold Star Mother’s Day and their families begins with a young country thrown in the midst of a great war. Army Captian Robert L. Queissner, whose two sons were serving on the front line during World War I, created what is now called the Service Flag. The flag was displayed with a blue star to represent a child serving in the military during times of war or hostilities. When a service member died, families stitched a gold star over the blue star.

American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.

The American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. was incorporated in 1929 and obtained a federal charter from the United States Congress.  It began in the Washington DC area and soon expanded to include affiliated groups throughout the United States. 

Membership in any one organization is not required for gold star mothers to access benefits. Please visit military.com for more information.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #GoldStarMothersDay

An ocean often divided families from their deceased sons, as was the case of the founder of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. organization, Grace Darling Seibold. While waiting for confirmation of her son’s death, she visited the VA hospital almost daily and made herself useful in the process. Afterward, she continued to visit the hospital and formed the organization that unites gold star mothers still today.

We always honor our Military and First respnders.

Attend a ceremony or organize an event in your community. Remember the fallen in your family, share their stories and offer support to members of the gold star family. Use #GoldStarMothersDay to post on social media.

Gold Star Mother's Day Garden Flag 12.5×18'' Army Military Marine Corps Family Memorial Day Veterans Day 4th of July Decoration for Outdoor Lawn Yard Decor
Gold Star Mother’s Day Garden Flag 12.5×18” Army Military Marine Corps Family Memorial Day Veterans Day 4th of July Decoration for Outdoor Lawn Yard Decor
Gold Star Families: By Iman Nasser
Gold Star Families: By Iman Nasser

INNERGIZE DAY

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Innergize Day on the day after the Autumnal Equinox offers an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. This is a day for you!

Since fall has officially arrived, it’s time to shift gears. The fast pace of summer activities passes by now. Languid autumn days provide tranquil sunsets and peaceful moments. These are the times to focus on your personal well-being. Do things you enjoy that make you feel good about yourself. Let stress and worry fade away for the day.

Spa Gifts for Women - Relaxing Self Care Gifts for Women - Bath and Body Gift Baskets for Women - Birthday Care Package for Women - Get Well Soon Gifts for Women - Thinking of you Gifts for Women
Spa Gifts for Women – Relaxing Self Care Gifts for Women – Bath and Body Gift Baskets for Women – Birthday Care Package for Women – Get Well Soon Gifts for Women – Thinking of you Gifts for Women
SpaLife Men's Sandalwood Luxury Spa Skincare Set - Complete Care Kit for Rugged Revitalization, Exfoliating Scrub - Bath and Body Collection for Cleansing, Moisturizing, and Rejuvenation
SpaLife Men’s Sandalwood Luxury Spa Skincare Set – Complete Care Kit for Rugged Revitalization, Exfoliating Scrub – Bath and Body Collection for Cleansing, Moisturizing, and Rejuvenation

The day is an excellent time to look inward. Whether you rejuvenate your spiritual connections or develop mindfulness, refocusing your energy can have huge benefits. After trying to cram every activity into a few short months, we sometimes lose focus. Fall allows us to take a deep breath and be more mindful of our bodies, spirits, and the world around us. 

INNERGIZE DAY HISTORY

Michelle Porchia of Inner Dimensions created Innergize Day.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #InnergizeDay

The ideas for this synergy-related day are limitless. Try these ideas to celebrate!

  • Take a long bath.
  • Read a good book.
  • Go for a walk.
  • Focus on a hobby.
  • Listen to your favorite music.
  • Tune out the digital.
  • Write a letter.
  • Dance around the house.
  • Take a nap.
  • Cuddle with a pet or family member.
  • Watch the sunset or sunrise.
  • Get a massage.
  • Meditate.

No matter how you celebrate, be sure to use #InnergizeDay to post on social media.

Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat
Mindsight 'Breathing Buddha' Guided Visual Meditation Tool for Mindfulness | Slow Your Breathing & Calm Your Mind for Stress & Anxiety Relief | Perfect for Adults & Kids
Mindsight ‘Breathing Buddha’ Guided Visual Meditation Tool for Mindfulness | Slow Your Breathing & Calm Your Mind for Stress & Anxiety Relief | Perfect for Adults & Kids
Tibetan Singing Bowls Set~ Meditation Sound Bowl hand Hammered in Nepal For Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness, Healing & Chakra balancing~ (3 inch)
Tibetan Singing Bowls Set~ Meditation Sound Bowl hand Hammered in Nepal For Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness, Healing & Chakra balancing~ (3 inch)
Guided Meditation Selections
Close your eyes, relax and let Guided Meditation Selections Soothe

NATIONAL TEAL TALK DAY

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Let’s talk. September 23rd is Teal Talk Day and each year, over 249,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer worldwide. So, gather your friends, wear teal for a day out together and talk.

Join a group of co-workers for lunch. Men are welcome, also. They have mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters at risk for ovarian cancer. They should have the Teal Talk, too! Since no standard screening exists for ovarian cancer, awareness gives us our best defense. The talk takes very little time. Have a Teal Talk over lunch. In that time, approximately 28 women will receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Invite your closest friends, neighbors, and sisters for drinks in the back yard. Wear your favorite teal and give the Teal Talk. Let them know early detection improves survival rates by 90%. Make sure they know the symptoms.

  • Persistent bloating
  • Lack of energy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling fuller sooner.

During your Teal Talk, find more signs at Ovarcome.org.

Go for a walk with your mom and her friends. Even a short walk will be long enough for a Teal Talk. Ask them about family history and encourage them to share it with their daughters and granddaughters. Urge them to see their gynecologist to review family history for inherited risk factors. Families with a strong history of ovarian or breast cancer have a 15-40% lifetime risk when compared to the general population, according to the National Cancer Institute.

TEAL TALK DAY HISTORY

Ovarcome founded Teal Talk Day to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and to encourage everyone to talk about it. With no screening currently available, Ovarcome wants you to be on top of symptoms – be empowered. You can help save a life!

Ovarcome was founded on February 23, 2012. In 2017, Ovarcome celebrated five years of service to the ovarian cancer community by starting this national and global movement. Ovarian cancer is a Silent Disease – but Ovarcome encourages you to be VOCAL about it! In the absence of a screening test, knowledge and awareness empower women and families to overcome the disease. Teal Talk Day brings that knowledge and awareness to you.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #TealTalkDay

Celebrate Teal Talk Day in honor of all women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, too. Ovarcome encourages you to talk about ovarian cancer, especially on September 23rd, but also every day. Every day is a good day to talk about ovarian cancer. Follow Ovarcome on FB, Twitter, and Instagram for information, education, updates, and Teal celebrations! Together, we can Ovarcome!

  • Discuss the symptoms. Don’t hesitate to see a doctor if you have any of the symptoms.
  • Encourage the women in your life to maintain their routine exams.
  • Learn more about ovarian cancer.
  • Support organizations researching treatments, a cure, and advanced screening methods.
  • Support those who receive the diagnosis.
  • Share your story to help inform others.

Find out more information at Ovarcome.org and have the Teal Talk with the people in your lives. Use #TealTalkDay to share on social media.

Hummingbird Holding Teal Ribbon Ovarian Cancer Awareness T-Shirt
Hummingbird Holding Teal Ribbon Ovarian Cancer Awareness T-Shirt
Cancer Awareness Bracelet, For Showing Support or Fundraising Campaign, 18 colors to choose from, Adult Sized with Extension. Comes Packaged
Cancer Awareness Bracelet, For Showing Support or Fundraising Campaign, 18 colors to choose from, Adult Sized with Extension. Comes Packaged.

NATIONAL STATES AND CAPITALS DAY

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September 22 focuses on raising awareness and sharing education about all 50 states and their capitals on National States and Capitals Day.

As children, we learn about the 50 states and their capitals in the U.S. But as we get older, we tend to forget those important cities and their role in crafting policy and influencing the economy. And, while everybody knows their own state capital, many do not even remember the capital of the state next door. Today, let’s take the time to remind ourselves how important every state and capital is to our nation.

Learning about States and Capitals

Remember those paper maps we were given to learn about states and capitals? Our worksheet had blank states with star indicating where the capital was supposed to be. The agony of naming each state and capital was definitely stressful! We spent time memorizing names, where the state was and naming each capital. Not to mention spelling everything correctly. Some of us were lucky to have a teacher that would play a game to help us remember.

Typically, we learn about states and capitals between the grades 3-6, starting with the state we live in. From there, we learn our country has 50 states and 50 capitals within each state. All 50 capitals have a unique history, which means there are 50 reasons why a specific city or town was chosen to be a state capital. In addition, we eventually learn how governments operate and the vital roll each state plays in our national government.

Looking for an adventure?  Take a road trip for your next vacation.  Chances are you’ll find a lot more than 50 reasons to enjoy the scenery.  Whether visiting family and friends or another specific spot, do some road tripping to some scenic vistas and appreciate the history, flavor and cultures along the way.

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Are state capitals found in the largest cities of each states? No. The first state capitals were built according the where the majority of the population lived in a state, or near a main access hub. For example,  in North Dakota the state capital is Bismarck, but was once the capital of the Dakota Territory. The Northern Pacific Railroad was built to transfer goods from eastern U.S. to the west, making Bismarck the prime location for state government. Bismarck became the official state capital only after the territory was split into 2 states–North and South Dakota.

Huh?

  • The letter Q is the only letter NOT found in any of the state names
  • Sweet Home, Alabama is a real place.
  • It’s illegal to bury people in San Francisco, California.
  • New Jersey has a volcano.
  • South Carolina has a place called Monkey Island, that has over 4,000 rhesus monkeys.
  • The state bird for Wisconsin is a plastic flamingo.
  • There are more chickens in Delaware than there are people.
  • The Empire State Building in New York has it’s own zip code.

State Capitals in Small Cities

  • Juneau, Alaska, population est. 32,300.
  • Dover, Delaware, population est. 39,400.
  • Frankfort, Kentucky, population est. 28,600.
  • Augusta, Maine, population est. 18,900.
  • Annapolis, Maryland, population est. 40,800.
  • Jefferson City, Missouri, population est. 43,230.
  • Helena, Montana, population est. 32,100.
  • Concord, New Hampshire, population est. 4,000.
  • Pierre, South Dakota, population est. 14,100.
  • Montpelier, Vermont, population est. 8,100.

BEHIND NATIONAL STATES AND CAPITALS DAY

Dick & Jane Educational Snacks receives credit for the idea to celebrate National States and Capitals Day on September 22. Not only does it raise awareness about the importance of knowing all 50 states and capitals, it reminds people to have fun while learning.

LEARN YOUR STATES AND CAPITALS

  • Divide learning about states into regions to learn each region before moving on to the next.
  • Check out a book from the library each week on a specific state to learn facts. Return the book and pick another state until all states have been covered.
  • Learn fun facts about states. What famous people are from there? What kind of tourist attractions might be fun to visit?
  • Fix a puzzle with all 50 states and capitals.
  • Draw a map of the United States with the states and fill in the capitals, too.
  • Use Dick & Jane Educational Snacks to help your kids learn about states and capitals.
  • Tag your videos learning states and capitals on social media #NationalStatesandCapitalsDay.
State Quarter Collection Book Folder Map#NationalStatesandCapitalsDay
State Quarter Collection Book Folder Map
Dick & Jane Educational Snacks | STATES & CAPITALS - 120 bags featuring all 50 states from Alabama to Wyoming #NationalStatesandCapitalsDay
Dick & Jane Educational Snacks | STATES & CAPITALS – 120 bags featuring all 50 states from Alabama to Wyoming
EDUCATIONAL SNACKS – Variety Pack | Nut-Free, All-Natural Educational Snacks for Kids | 6 Different Subjects – 5 Bags Each | 30-Pack for Classrooms, Gifting & Learning on the Go#NationalStatesandCapitalsDay
EDUCATIONAL SNACKS – Variety Pack | Nut-Free, All-Natural Educational Snacks for Kids | 6 Different Subjects – 5 Bags Each | 30-Pack for Classrooms, Gifting & Learning on the Go
Imagimake Mapology USA Map with Capitals | Learning States and Capitals | US Geography Toys for Ages 8-13 | Jigsaw Puzzles for Kids Ages 8-10 | Educational Back to School Gifts for Kids Age 5-7 & 9-12#NationalStatesandCapitalsDay
Imagimake Mapology USA Map with Capitals | Learning States and Capitals | US Geography Toys for Ages 8-13 | Jigsaw Puzzles for Kids Ages 8-10 | Educational Back to School Gifts for Kids Age 5-7 & 9-12

NATIONAL WHITE CHOCOLATE DAY

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Satisfy your sweet tooth on National White Chocolate Day on September 22nd. Enjoy it with pretzels or drizzled on pastries. It’s a versatile confection with many ways to celebrate!

Ghirardelli Sweet Ground White Chocolate Flavor Powder, 3.12 lbs.
Ghirardelli Sweet Ground White Chocolate Flavor Powder, 3.12 lbs.
Ghirardelli White Chocolate Flavored Sauce Squeeze Bottle, 16 oz
Ghirardelli White Chocolate Flavored Sauce Squeeze Bottle, 16 oz
Callebaut W2 28% White Chocolate Callets 5.5 lbs
Callebaut W2 28% White Chocolate Callets 5.5 lbs
Merckens Coating Melting Wafers White melting chocolate, 2 pounds
Merckens Coating Melting Wafers White melting chocolate, 2 pounds

Since white chocolate does not contain cocoa solids, it is not chocolate in the strictest sense. During the process of manufacturing chocolate, the dark-colored solids of the cocoa bean separates from the fatty content. But unlike milk or dark chocolate, the solids are not reincorporated.  As a result, white chocolate also does not contain as much caffeine or antioxidants as its darker counterparts.

That’s right, white chocolate loses some of the health benefits when it is processed.  Nestlé launched the first white chocolate bar in Europe. Known by the names Milkybar and Galak, Nestlé first produced the candy bar in the 1930s. Besides candy bars and fudge, white chocolate also comes in liqueurs, chips, ganache, truffles, and liquid forms. .

More chicolate?

HOW TO OBSERVE #WhiteChocolateDay

White chocolate pairs well with salty and sweet flavors. Mix it in with some peanuts or pretzels. Bake up some white chocolate macadamia nut cookies or indulge in a delicious cocktail. Enjoy your favorite white chocolate. Share yours using #WhiteChocolateDay to post on social media..

Starbucks Frappuccino Coffee Drink, White Chocolate Mocha 13.7 fl oz Bottles (12 Pack)
Starbucks Frappuccino Coffee Drink, White Chocolate Mocha 13.7 fl oz Bottles (12 Pack)
Starbucks, Doubleshot Energy Drink, White Chocolate, 15 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
Starbucks, Doubleshot Energy Drink, White Chocolate, 15 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
Quest Nutrition White Chocolate Raspberry Protein Bars, High Protein, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, 12 Count
Quest Nutrition White Chocolate Raspberry Protein Bars, High Protein, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, 12 Count
Lenny & Larry's The Complete Cookie, White Chocolaty Macadamia, Soft Baked, 16g Plant Protein, Vegan, Non-GMO, 4 Ounce Cookie (Pack of 12)
Lenny & Larry’s The Complete Cookie, White Chocolaty Macadamia, Soft Baked, 16g Plant Protein, Vegan, Non-GMO, 4 Ounce Cookie (Pack of 12)