Tag Month of the Military Child

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.

Explore More…

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

PURPLE HEART DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Purple Heart Day, on August 7th, commemorates the creation of the oldest American military decoration for military merit. The Purple Heart honors the men and women who are of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. During the American Revolutionary War, the Badge for Military Merit decorated six known soldiers.

General George Washington created the Badge of Merit in 1782. Washington intended the honor to be presented to soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action.” Its design included a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk bound with a thin edge of silver. Across the face, the word Merit was embroidered in silver. While the badge symbolized the courage and devotion of an American Patriot, no one knows who designed the award.

Until Washington’s 200th birthday, the Purple Heart persisted as a Revolutionary War footnote. Through the efforts of General Douglas MacArthur, the U.S. War Department created the Order of the Purple Heart. Today the medal bears a bust of George Washington and his coat of arms.

While an accurate and complete list of names no longer exists, National Geographic recently estimated that nearly 1.9 million service members have earned Purple Hearts since its creation. It is the oldest U.S. military honor still bestowed upon service members today. Until 1944, the Purple Heart recognized service members’ commendable actions as well. Then in 1944, the requirements limited the award to only those wounded or killed in combat.

Purple Heart Firsts
  • William Brown and Elijah Churchill received the Badge of Military Merit during the Revolutionary War when the award first replaced the Fidelity Medallion.
  • Army General Douglas MacArthur received the first modern-day Purple Heart.
  • Army Lt. Annie G. Fox received the Purple Heart during World War II for her actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

PURPLE HEART DAY HISTORY

Since 1932, Americans have celebrated Purple Heart Day on both Washington’s birthday and Valentine’s Day. Some states and cities observed the day in their own way at different times throughout the year. Each declaration encouraged citizens to support wounded veterans with the purchase of a purple viola.

No matter when the observance occurred, it recognized the men and women killed and wounded in combat and their heroic actions. As the day evolved, it more commonly was observed on the day of the Purple Heart’s creation, August 7, 1782.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #PurpleHeartDay

Honor everyone who has received a Purple Heart. Learn more about the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  

While celebrating the heroes who earned the Purple Heart, learn more about them.

Read For Military Merit: Recipients of the Purple Heart by Fred L. Borch or Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick.

Watch a documentary like Purple Heart Warriors: Tears of a Warrior by Tony Seahorn.

Visit a military museum like the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor or The National WWII Museum. 

Use #PurpleHeartDay to post on social media.

Purple Heart Medal - Full Size Brand: U.S. Army
Purple Heart Medal – Full Size
Brand: U.S. Army

Don’t forget to subscribe to Jen’s Perspective Magazine for more special times..

NATIONAL HIRE A VETERAN DAY

Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Every day, hundreds of our military personnel leave the service in search of civilian employment. On July 25th, National Hire A Veteran Day reminds employers to consider veterans to fill their open positions. As highly trained, qualified individuals, they’re ideal for numerous trades.

Legislation protects separating service members as they enter the civilian workforce. However, the best way a potential employer can honor a veteran is to hire one!

While other service members continue to serve in points unknown, the day provides their returning brothers and sisters with an opportunity. Many skills gained in the military world transfer to the civilian world. Both small and large businesses benefit from the talent of our veterans, too. Regardless of the position, find qualified candidates in a range of fields. For example:

  • Information Technology
  • Engineering
  • Cyber Security
  • Sales
  • Marketing
  • Management
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Skilled Trades

NATIONAL HIRE A VETERAN DAY HISTORY

Marine Corps veteran Dan Caporale, founder of Hire Our Heroes, also founded National Hire a Veteran Day. The day serves as a call to action to hire more veterans! By spreading awareness and creating the #1 Veteran Job Board platform, Hire Our Heroes has become the connective tissue linking corporate America to our veterans. It also supports the job searches of veteran spouses looking for employment.

Veterans deserve the ultimate respect. They have and continue to sacrifice in the fight to preserve the freedoms we enjoy. Try honoring these dates as well.

For information on how to make an impact and join in the national movement, please visit www.hireourheroes.com. Or reach out to Dan Caporale directly on LinkedIn or via email dan@hireourheroes.com

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #HireAVeteranDay

“Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill” and do it with a Veteran!

Starting in July and throughout Veterans Day you can post your current job openings to Hire Our Heroes Veteran Job Board. When you visit the website, use promo code Hire a Vet to earn a 50% discount on unlimited job postings.

For year-round partnerships, employers and veterans can find more assistance and free training resources at www.hireourheroes.com, too. The website also offers a search for the latest job opportunities. Please take a moment to honor our men and women of the Armed Forces. Offering them your time and consideration in the civilian workforce is one of the best ways to do that. Share the story, too! Use #HireAVeteranDay to share on social media.

MEMORIAL DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Memorial Day, a United States Federal holiday, is observed each year on the last Monday in May. We honor and remember all the men and woman who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Memorial Day is also a day to remember all loved ones that have passed away.

Traditionally on Memorial Dayu, the flag of the United States of America is raised briskly to the top of the staff then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position where it remains until noon. At noon, it is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.

When the flag is at half-staff, the position is in remembrance of the more than one million men and women who gave their lives for their country.  Raising the flag at noon signifies the nation lives, that the country is resolved not to let their sacrifice be in vain but to rise up in their honor and continue to fight for liberty and justice for all.

American Sniper: The Chris Kyle Commemorative Edition 
American Sniper: The Chris Kyle Commemorative Edition 


Good Morning, Vietnam (25th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray] 25th Anniversary Edition, 5th Anniversary Edition Robin Williams (Actor), Forest Whitaker (Actor)
Good Morning, Vietnam (25th Anniversary Edition)

Robin Williams (Actor), Forest Whitaker (Actor)
North and South
North and South

HISTORY

Honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the military, Memorial Day has been kept in various forms in the United States since the end of the Civil War. General John Logan called for a nationwide day of remembrance on May 5, 1868. On May 30 Decoration Day was first observed.

General James Garfield spoke at Arlington National Cemetery. Generals Grant, Howard, Logan, Pane, Wool, and Hancock attended the ceremony, and volunteers decorated the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers.

Across the country, humble tributes occurred on that first Decoration Day. Just outside Fort Stevens near Washington, D.C., there was a small cemetery where 40 soldiers were buried, one of whom belonged to a widow from Northern Vermont. He was one of three sons she lost to the war. On Decoration Day, she went to the cemetery carrying 40 wreaths for 40 graves.

Someone placed a laurel wreath upon the head of a Lincoln statue at City Hall, Washington D.C.

In Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railroads transported passengers to the Spring Grove Cemetery.  Flags were displayed at half-mast along the routes.  Floral wreaths were placed on the soldiers’ graves and speeches made.  Many of the first Decoration Days recognized only the Union soldiers, though some included the Confederate soldiers as well.  Over time, the day grew to include all those soldiers lost during the conflict.

Decoration Day gradually became known as Memorial Day and now honors all U.S. military personnel who have died during a military conflict. Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30 until Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed the last Monday of May.

Our family typically honors this holiday with a barbecue.  We never forget those, some members of our family who have given their full measure of devotion, for the freedoms we enjoy.

Find recipes for great food here.  Check back often as we are always expanding the collection.  Whether it’s Fall off the Bone Baby Back Ribs, deviled eggs, Cheesecake Fruit Salad, Easy Broccoli Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad, or something else that you fancy.

If you do fire up the grill you might want to cook a little extra.  Not only does it make great leftovers or a full meal, throw on some burgers and a brisket for National Hamburger Day on May 28th and National Brisket Day also on May 28th. May is also National Barbecue Month, so light up that grill for some awesome meals.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Attend Memorial Day services in your community. In your own way, pay tribute in remembrance of service members who have died while serving. Use #MemorialDay to post on social media.

Hanes Women’s Slub Knit Full-Zip Hoodie, Textured Cotton Zip-Up T-Shirt Hoodie for Women#MemorialDay
Hanes Women’s Slub Knit Full-Zip Hoodie, Textured Cotton Zip-Up T-Shirt Hoodie for Women
48 LED Red White Blue Firefly Garden Lights Solar Outdoor Waterproof Swaying Garden Lights, for Memorial Day 4th of July Decorations Outdoor Patriotic Garden Lawn Yard Pathway Decor (4 Pack)#MemorialDay
48 LED Red White Blue Firefly Garden Lights Solar Outdoor Waterproof Swaying Garden Lights, for Memorial Day 4th of July Decorations Outdoor Patriotic Garden Lawn Yard Pathway Decor (4 Pack)
Capri Pants for Women 2024 Capri Leggings Lightweight Summer Casual High Waist Stretch Pants with Pockets#MemorialDay
Capri Pants for Women 2024 Capri Leggings Lightweight Summer Casual High Waist Stretch Pants with Pockets
Graphic Tees for Women Patriotic Shirts for Women Short Sleeve Tshirts Shirts Summer Casual Tee Tops#MemorialDay
Graphic Tees for Women Patriotic Shirts for Women Short Sleeve Tshirts Shirts Summer Casual Tee Tops
Graphic Tees for Women Patriotic Shirts for Women Short Sleeve Tshirts Shirts Summer Casual Tee Tops #MemorialDay
Graphic Tees for Women Patriotic Shirts for Women Short Sleeve Tshirts Shirts Summer Casual Tee Tops
Amazon Memorial Day Sale

Allure of April

Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

The Allure of April: A Celebration of Renewal, Reflection, and Rebirth

Welcome to April, the golden child of the spring season. There is a distinct magic that happens this month—a shift in the atmosphere that feels both energetic and serene. The last whispers of winter have faded, and the world outside our windows is waking up in full force. The trees are budding, the bulbs we planted months ago are finally blooming into tulips and daffodils, and the daylight stretches longer into the evening, inviting us to spend more time outdoors. April doesn’t just mark the continuation of spring; it feels like the true starting line for the year ahead. It’s a time of gentle momentum, where we are encouraged to clear out the cobwebs—both literally in our homes and metaphorically in our minds—and make space for the color and light that this month promises to deliver.

Beyond the holidays, the true allure of April lies in the season itself. This is a month that engages all five senses. It’s the sound of birdsong returning in the early morning and the gentle patter of a “April shower” against the window. It’s the sight of cherry blossoms painting the streets pink and white, and the bright green “fuzz” of new leaves on bare branches. It’s the smell of wet earth and fresh grass after a spring rain—a scent so unique it actually has a name: petrichor. As the weather warms, we trade our heavy coats for light jackets and our comfort food cravings for fresh salads and citrus. April invites us to reconnect with nature, to take the long way home, and to simply pause and appreciate the beauty of growth happening all around us.

For many, Easter is the emotional and spiritual heart of April. Whether you observe the holiday for its religious significance or embrace its secular traditions, it is a day centered on themes that perfectly mirror the month: hope, renewal, and joy. There’s a special kind of charm in preparing for Easter Sunday. It might involve hosting a brunch featuring a glazed ham and hot cross buns, or watching the children dash across a dew-soaked lawn in search of hidden eggs and chocolate baskets. It is a day that encourages gathering, whether you are dressing up in your pastel best for a church service or sitting around a table with loved ones. Easter reminds us to look for the sweetness in life, to celebrate new beginnings, and to welcome the light back into the world.

Celebrating All April

April also plays host to two very different, yet equally significant, types of celebrations: personal milestones and planetary awareness. To all the April babies—the Aries and the Taurus—this is your time to shine. There is something wonderful about having a birthday during such a vibrant month; it feels like the whole world has put on a floral display just for you. As you celebrate your own trip around the sun, you’ll also be celebrating the birthday of our planet on April 22nd. Earth Day serves as an important collective reminder of our role as stewards of this beautiful world. It’s a wonderful opportunity to align your personal new year with actions that benefit the earth—whether that’s planting a tree, starting a compost bin, or simply participating in a local park cleanup. It’s a beautiful synergy: as we celebrate our own lives, we also honor the planet that sustains us.

Notable Birthdays


· William Shakespeare (April 23, 1564): England’s most famous playwright and poet.
· Charlotte Brontë (April 21, 1816): British novelist who wrote Jane Eyre.
· Harper Lee (April 28, 1926): American author of the classic To Kill a Mockingbird.
· Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928): American poet and civil rights activist.

Charlie Chaplin (April 16, 1889): English silent film star and director.
· Eddie Murphy (April 3, 1961): American comedian and star of Beverly Hills Cop.
· Robert Downey Jr. (April 4, 1965): American actor famous for playing Iron Man.

Jackie Chan (April 7, 1954): Hong Kong martial artist and actor known for his stunt work (while primarily an actor, his martial arts skills place him here).
· K. LeRoy Irvin (April 3, 1957): Former American NFL cornerback and Super Bowl champion.
· Joe Welch (April 3, 1963): Former American MLB pitcher.

Queen Elizabeth II (April 21, 1926): Longest-reigning British monarch.
· Booker T. Washington (April 5, 1856): American educator, author, and advisor to presidents.
· Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743): Third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence.

As we journey through these next few weeks, let’s allow the spirit of April to inspire us. Let’s embrace the showers because we know they bring the flowers. Let’s gather for Easter, celebrate the Earth, and raise a glass to the Aries and Taurus souls marking another year. April isn’t just a month on the calendar; it’s a feeling—an optimistic, breezy, and colorful feeling. So, open the windows, let the fresh air in, and step outside to enjoy the show. After all, the world is blooming, and we get to bloom right along with it.

Happy April, everyone! How are you welcoming the new season? Let me know in the comments below!

Allure of April _2026Download