Veteran's Day and Remembrance Day

Good Evening,

Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. An official wreath-laying ceremony is held each Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, while parades and other celebrations are held in states around the country.

Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans--living or dead--but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. Today, Americans take time and recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans. We will never forget the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and all those who have not yet returned home.

A recognized symbol of Veterans Day is the red poppy. In World War I, Soldiers who were returning home, reported seeing battlefields covered with red poppies blooming. In their hearts, the red poppies symbolized the bloodshed and sacrifice made by the fallen soldiers. After the war, groups began making red paper poppies as a way to raise money for the wounded veteran's and selling them on Armistice Day (Veterans Day). The red poppy remains a symbol of solidarity for Veterans.

Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day or Armistice Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. ("At the 11th hour" refers to the passing of the 11th hour, or 11:00 a.m.) World War I officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. The day was specifically dedicated by King George V on November 7, 1919, as a day of remembrance for members of the armed forces who were killed during World War I.

The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem "In Flanders Fields". These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their brilliant red color an appropriate symbol for the blood spilled in the war.

If you know a Veteran or someone currently serving in our country's uniform, take the time today to thank them for their service and sacrifices. 

On a personal note, thank you E for keeping us safe, serving our country and keeping us out of harm's way!! I love you!! Thank you, to all of my family members and friends that have or are currently serving.

Thank you, Veterans!!

Reisende Bag - Test Pattern

Hello Everyone,

I completed another beautiful pattern for Sara at Sew Sweetness. This bag is called the Reisende Bag and I love how it came out. This bag is available in 3 different sizes, from purse sized up to a large bag perfect for a long weekend. A beautiful buckle and purse hardware gives your bag that smart and sophisticated look. There is also optional piping that gives your bag that finished look.

The large size that I chose finished measurements are  19" long x 12" tall x 5" deep. You can store so much inside your bag and I love all the other added details that make this bag attractive. There are zippered pockets inside, a zipper closure and optional purse feet.

I already have my fabric picked out for my next bag (medium size), so stay tuned.

I fell in love with the bright and vibrant beach cabanas for summer. The fabric, zippers and thread are from Joann. The buckles and loops are from Strapworks.

As always, I love all the detail and thought that Sara puts into all of her bags. Her instructions are and pictures always easy to follow. If you ever have a question, she is always available to assist you.

If you would like to purchase this pdf pattern, hardware and notions, please stop by Sara's pattern shop. The pattern is available in her shop after June 3, 2016.

I am linking up with these parties, Remodelaholic, More the Merrier and TCB.

Have a wonderful day!!

Our fur baby Patch

Hello Everyone,

June 1, 1996 - June 21, 2010

It's been six years since we lost our fur baby cat Patch and it still feels like yesterday. We look at his pictures everyday and miss him terribly. We know he is in a better place, but, our hearts are still ache. He was such a sweet boy and on the day we lost him I shared this post.

Patch would always lay under the Christmas tree and look up at the lights.

Before his second eye surgery.

Today would have been Patch's 20th birthday. He loved when we would sing him "Happy Birthday". We so loved our one-eyed wonder cat.

He loved his cozy bed and his little babies.

Patch and his best friend Holly.

We love and miss you so very much!! You will always be with us in our hearts and memories.

"Rainbow Bridge" 

Memorial Day

Honoring Memorial Day

Memorial Day is an important day in America. It is a day to give thanks, to pay tribute and to remember those who gave their lives to protect our country. In reality, we should be thankful every single day of the year. Most people (and I used to be one of them when I was younger), considered Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, as the unofficial start to summer. 

There is so much more to this important national holiday. It’s our country’s remembrance and tribute to our fallen heroes, the men and women who died defending our country while serving in the American military. Because of these brave American Soldiers who love our country and are willing sacrifice their lives to defend it, we are able to live as a free nation. 

Good and bad, America is still the best country in the world, thank you to those who gave up their lives to defend its freedom. They sacrificed their lives for you to have your freedoms in this country. In my opinion I think it is disgraceful to burn, stand on or do any other defiling to our American flag. Please have respect for the flag that represents our country and that in the end is draping the coffins of those who has protected you and your country.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Today, honoring Soldiers on Memorial Day often takes the form of special ceremonies, speeches, and laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.

Thank you to all the Military men and women who have served and sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

 

Armed Forces Day

Hello Everyone,

Each year Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May as the culmination of Armed Forces Week. Armed Forces day was created in 1949 as a result of the consolidation of the military services under one governing organization, the Department of Defense. Armed Forces Day was intended to replace the separate Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Days, however many still observe these individual days.

President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish Armed Forces Day for citizens to come together to collectively thank service members for their dedicated service in support of the U.S.

Like Memorial Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day, the first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, receptions and air shows. In Washington D.C., 10,000 troops of all branches of the military, cadets, and veterans marched pass the President and his party.

Also celebrated in the U.S. in May is National Military Appreciation month. The U.S. Congress designated May as the month for citizens to take the time to learn about the history of the U.S. military and recognize, honor and learn about current American service members.

All of the military branches have played an important role in American history. The Army, Marine Corps and the Navy date back to 1775, just before the U.S. Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Along with Armed Forces Day, National Military Appreciation Month also includes Loyalty Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Memorial Day.

Besides parades, receptions and air shows, there are many ways to celebrate Americas soldiers during the many military holidays in May. Some ways to celebrate and honor service members on any of these special recognition days include visiting veterans in the hospital, flying an American flag, send a thank you letter to an active-duty deployed service member and make a donation to a charity benefiting active-duty service members.

While Armed Forces Day is often overshadowed by other military-related holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Independence Day, it should not be ignored or forgotten by the citizens of the U.S. Our military service men and women are dedicated to preserving our freedom all-year long and we should take every opportunity to honor them.

Thank you E for serving and protecting our country. I am so honored to be your wife and I love you with all of my heart.


To all the men and women who allow us to live our amazing American lives. We honor your service and sacrifice, on Armed Forces Day and every day.

Only missing for a little while and now I'm back

Hello Everyone,

 

I can't believe how long its been since I've posted here. My apologies for not being so proactive with blogging.

We were busy throughout the holidays. I was trying to get a sewing project done as a Christmas present and I had a lot of trouble with the pattern. I will post about that when I finish it and it will be soon. I have been "frogging" a lot with a pattern I have been working on in knitting. I won't give up!!

I always say that I want to start the New Year off right and get my WIP's (work in progress) done. Then I hit a sewing and knitting funk and I was not happy about it.

So, now I am out of my funk. I tested a new sewing pattern and I will post about it when the pattern is released. I am going to finish that sewing project that I had problems with and get it done. Then the big task of accomplishing all of my other WIP's.

On Friday, I will have a Septoplasty (deviated septum) procedure. I am nervous, but, I know this will give me better quality of life for breathing. Hopefully, it won't set me back to long. Wish me luck and please say a prayer.

I hope all of you are doing well and I can't wait to see what you have been up to.

Have a great day!!