May 26, 2015

No Scheduled Meeting on May 26, 2015

.....Remembering those who gave their lives for.....
.....this country on Memorial Day.....

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces.  The holiday, which is observed every year on the last Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war.  By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service.  It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.

Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.

Annual Decoration Days for particular cemeteries are held on a Sunday in late spring or early summer in some rural areas of the American South, notably in the mountain areas. In cases involving a family graveyard where remote ancestors as well as those who were deceased more recently are buried, this may take on the character of an extended family reunion to which some people travel hundreds of miles. People gather on the designated day and put flowers on graves and renew contacts with relatives and others. There often is a religious service and a picnic-like "dinner on the ground," the traditional term for a potluck meal in which people used to spread the dishes out on sheets or tablecloths on the grass. It is believed that this practice began before the American Civil War and thus may reflect the real origin of the "memorial day" idea.

Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day; Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.

Reflections of Arlington National Cemetery...

Arlington House

Grave Site with American Flags

A Cemetery Road lined with Grave markers

The Old Guard transports the flag-draped casket of the second Sergeant Major of the Army George W. Dunaway who was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Never Forget, Forever Honor

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

Club Happenings ... Save the Date - June 4, 2015

Going out with a Grand Slam!  For Pierre's farewell party, the Jacksonville Suns have offered Pierre the opportunity to throw the first pitch at the Thursday, June 4th game against Montgomery Biscuits.  Game time, 7:05pm, at Bragan Field Baseball Grounds.  Let's get as many Rotarians to maximize this opportunity and have some fun and fellowship while also bidding adieu to Pierre!

Tickets are $25.95 each and include a barbecue dinner with Ribs, chicken, potato salad, baked beans, soda and a hat!  We have reserved the Palm Pavilion and tickets will be held at the will-call window.  Sign up for tickets with Patti.  More on this great time at next week's meeting.  Let's get all our members to join us to bid our very active and engaged exchange student au revoir in style.

Rotary Minute- Week 46


Last week was a great week for Rotarians here in District 6970. Our District Conference and Assembly brought many of us together for good information, fellowship and fun. But the past few weeks have been horrific for our Rotarian brothers and sisters in Nepal. Two major earthquakes have wreaked havoc in that country.

To assist the victims of this disaster, please consider an individual or club contribution to our District’s Disaster Relief Fund. Make checks payable to Rotary District 6970; under remark indicate “Nepal Disaster”.  Mail your check to our District office: P.O. Box 47195, Jacksonville, FL 32247. We will deposit the funds over the next week and send 50% of the amount collected directly to ShelterBox; and the other 50% direct to Disaster Aid USA. In both cases all funds we send will be designated exclusively for aid to Nepal. 

Event Reminders:

June 18-21: Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) will take place again this year on the University of North Florida’s campus. Each club should sponsor at least one, and preferably two, aspiring high school leaders to attend this life changing event.

June 26-28: Zone 34 Regional Seminar at the Hyatt Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida. All District and Club leaders are encouraged to attend. Look for more details soon on our District website.

For more on these and all other events in District 6970, please go to www.rotary6970.org.

Yours in service to Rotary,  
      Percy  
District Governor 2014-2015
Rotary International District 6970

Remember, we always need blood!

 

Keep doing those wonderful things you do! Make it a great week!