Although Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1914, Father’s Day didn’t become an official holiday until 1966. The idea for Father’s Day is attributed to Sonora Dodd, of Spokane, Washington, who was raised by her father after her mother’s death during childbirth.
Americans are more active this Memorial Day, the day when those who have lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military are remembered. Last year, most gatherings were canceled due to the pandemic. This year, some events are allowing members of the public to attend in person.
It’s the Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial beginning of summer. Here are tips from consumer organizations and government agencies to help you have a safe Memorial Day and safe activities all summer long as you enjoy great weather and being outdoors.
Memorial Day honors Americans who have died in service to their country. Ceremonies are held, and people visit cemeteries and decorate graves with flowers. Memorial Day also is seen as the beginning summer, and barbecues abound. Also, some people shop at Memorial Day sales for bargains.
Looking for a Memorial Day bargain? Start looking now. The sales start well before the last Monday of May, which is May 31 this year. Last year, shopping was scaled back due to the pandemic. This year, check with local stores if you’re planning to shop in person.
Today, I was fortunate to get to talk to my daughters and my granddaughter via WhatsApp. I love modern technology. With daughters in Sacramento and Madrid, one could get lonesome, especially during a pandemic. It’s nice to be able to do some visiting now that people are getting vaccinated.
It’s my birthday.
It was fun to be able to celebrate my birthday at an outside birthday party with a few fully vaccinated friends. It was sad not to be able to travel to Madrid or Sacramento and be with my daughters for my birthday. However, I am happy to be alive and not dead from covid-19.
It was an exciting time. The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970. The Environmental Protection Agency began operation on December 2, 1970. The League of Women Voters of Washington was having discussions on how to define the term “environment” for its studies.
Best wishes to you on Easter Sunday. May your heart be filled with love and joy today. I’m thankful today for my family, my community, and my health. In these challenging pandemic times, it’s difficult to know what’s next.
