Memorial Day

Memorial Day began after the Civil War to honor the dead soldiers. Originally it was named Decoration Day because to honor the dead soldiers, people decorated their graves with flags, red poppies, and other memorabilia. Today, more people look at Memorial Day as the beginning of summer and head to the beach or have backyard barbecues.

World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.

For me, Memorial Day is the day to specifically remember those who did not survive World War II. My father was a fighter pilot in World War II and participated in the Normandy invasion and the liberation of Belgium. He and my Uncle Bob were the only two original members of their unit to survive. Many of their comrades in arms passed right next to them in the air. Both my father and Uncle Bob could never answer the question of why they survived and others did not. My father died in 2001 and my Uncle Bob died in 2013.

This Monday, I will remember the sacrifices made by my father and Uncle Bob and the rest of their unit. I will not have a barbecue nor will I play at the beach. These men fought to keep Europe and the rest of the world free from Hitler and the death camps. The least we can do now is remember them.

JETS Lend a Helping Hand

Making jewelry is not just about making beautiful things for other people to wear. Making jewelry is also for a cause. Several of the JET team (Jewelry on Etsy) members have gathered together and listed certain jewelry items in support of the disaster experienced by the Philippino people last fall. If you search "jetteam Philippines" those pieces of jewelry will appear. The proceeds from these pieces of jewelry will be sent to Lutheran Disaster Relief, Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and WorldVision for Philippines Disaster Relief.

Here is a sampling of that jewelry:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/92647893/philippines-disaster-relief-burgundy?ref=sr_gallery_18&ga_search_query=jetteam+philippines&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all

http://www.etsy.com/listing/103201578/red-ruby-gemstone-hamsa-hand-silver-yoga?ref=sr_gallery_22&ga_search_query=jetteam+philippines&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all

http://www.etsy.com/listing/95697079/philippines-donation-aqua-blue-glass?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=jetteam+philippines&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all



JETs also assist people closer to home. The US ecomony is improving but many people are having difficulties. Those people are your friends.

Do you hear what they are saying? Your friends aren't going to come right out and say that they are hungry but after hearing they have eaten pasta 8 nights in a row that is a clue.Reach out and buy some groceries for your friend.

Is your friend cold - get her a space heater or pay her heating bill for a month. There are many ways to help your literal next door neighbor. Be thankful you are not in that position for there but by the grace of God go I. Lend a helping hand either anonymously or in person. The method doesn't matter, the aid is what matters.