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Tag: Independence Day

Independence Day

Thu, July 5, 2018 Published by

An amazing event took place 242 years ago, when thirteen colonies asserted their independence from England which ultimately led the way to the creation of the United States of America. This special day continues to be celebrated every July 4th and is known as Independence Day. Many of us learned about our independence day in history classes, but there are some little known facts you might not have learned previously. Constance Gibbs, wrote the fun article “5 things you didn’t know about the Fourth of July” which ran July 4, 2017 in the New York Daily News to share some of those facts.

“Fun fact: Many Americans don’t know some basic facts about their country. Polls have revealed that only 45% of Americans knew what the initials in GOP stood for, 25% of Americans couldn’t identify the country from which we gained independence from, and a majority of Americans couldn’t name more than one protection guaranteed in the first Amendment of the Constitution.

With the explosive success of the ‘Hamilton’ musical, those who have seen it have internalized info about the American Revolution. But if it’s been a while since AP U.S. History, here are five fun facts about Independence Day worth brushing up on.

  1. INDEPENDENCE DAY IS REALLY LONGER THAN A DAY

July 4 is the day we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but not all 56 eventual signers signed that day. There is actually quite the dispute about who signed the document and when. Some say it was the 4th of July, 1776—when John Hancock affixed his big, loopy signature. This copy was then sent to the printers, where 200 copies were made. A few others signed the original a few days later, perhaps on July 8th, the day it was read aloud in public for the first time. But most members of the Second Continental Congress did not sign until August 2 — so maybe we should just celebrate Independence Month.

  1. A FREAKY COINCIDENCE MARKED THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who drafted the Declaration of Independence, died exactly 50 years after it was signed — on July 4th, 1826. As legend has it, Adams’ last words were, ‘Jefferson still survives.’ But he’d already died five hours earlier.

  1. WHY RED, WHITE AND BLUE?

Most people are aware what the stars and stripes represent on the American flag (the 50 states and original 13 colonies, respectively), but why red, white and blue? The common story is that the colors represent purity and innocence (white), hardiness and valor (red), and vigilance, perseverance and justice (blue). But that was actually the reasoning the creator of the Great Seal of the United States gave for including the flag in the stamp that wasn’t used until 1782. The colors of the flag, however, may simply have been chosen because it was designed after the British Union Jack. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

  1. WHAT DO FIREWORKS HAVE TO DO WITH INDEPENDENCE?

Fireworks on the Fourth of July is a tradition dating back to 1777, the first anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, that he wanted Independence Day to be ‘celebrated with pomp, parade, shows, and Illuminations’, hence the splashy show we put on. The day in the letter to which Adams is referring, however, was not July 4, but rather July 2 — the day the Declaration was voted upon by delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies.

  1. TWO OTHER COUNTRIES CELEBRATE FREEDOM ON JULY 4

Fireworks have been a tradition in America on July 4th since the first anniversary of the signing of the Declaration thanks to former President John Adams.

There are two other countries that celebrate July 4th as a day of independence or freedom. In the Philippines, this day is Republic Day—not the Southeast Asian country’s independence from Spain — but their independence from the U.S.! The Philippines were a U.S. territory until 1946.

And over in Rwanda, July 4 is Liberation Day, when the country ended the awful Rwandan Genocide in 1994 after 100 days of conflict.”

As we celebrate our independence again this year, I will be reflecting on how lucky we are that our forefathers fought for  our freedom to make our great nation. Enjoy!*

Worth Fighting For

Wed, July 5, 2017 Published by

Growing up, Independence Day was one of my favorite holidays. I remember running around with my cousins in our back yard, sparklers in our hands, with our parents watching us as they conversed about whatever. Towards the end of the night we’d gaze at the dark sky as the fireworks lit up the quiet night. At the time, that’s what the holiday was for me, a time to have fun with my family. However, I didn’t understand what sacrifices had to be made for us to have those times of solace.

As the years have passed, we, as a country, have largely forgotten what the true meaning of every holiday stands for. In the case of Independence Day, we often see fireworks, barbeques, and carnivals flooding the environment. However, at its core, these services have very little to do with the holiday. Independence Day is about our individuality as a nation. This holiday is a reminder to its citizens of the freedom we sought during its founding. Thus, in celebrating this holiday we specifically remember those who fought, and continue to fight, for that peace.

The community of residents here at Beatitudes are among the many who faced such challenges and helped pave the way for my generation to be so privileged. It’s because of your passion and sacrifice that I’ve never had to worry about being drafted for war, I can go to any school I choose, I’m not segregated in any location I enter and I can sleep at night knowing I’m safe. These are such luxuries that we often take for granted. Somewhere, in another country, there’s an individual who’s in constant fear of being taken away from his family. Constant fighting is erupting outside his home and he doesn’t know how much longer they will be safe. We have it lucky here in America and we owe a great deal of that to our military forces.

I have several friends and family in the military, some have seen combat. When asked why they joined, they all give a similar answer which related to protecting something they cherished. This can be related to last week’s main article written by the late Don Fausel. He spoke of the term “ikigai” and its meaning being your sense of purpose in life. For these individuals, and I’m certain for many others, they share the same feeling. As a country, we’ve depended on our soldiers for so long to keep us safe. Likewise, they wake up every morning ready to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves, all while fighting for their own lives.

For almost a month, the 3rd floor of the Plaza South Lounge was decorated with memorabilia from almost 20 residents here on campus from their time in service. Purple Hearts, Medals of Honor and Silver Stars garnished the room as you contemplated, “what’s worth fighting for” in your own life? Once again, a huge thank you to all the veterans and current serving military forces. You do not receive enough praise and we owe a great deal to you. You fight for our freedom and keep us safe. My prayers are with you. God Bless.

Time To Celebrate You – Night and Weekend Beatitudians

Tue, July 5, 2016 Published by

Buckwald's Flag DisplayAs I walked around Campus on July 1st, I noticed the beautiful flag display at Buckwald’s to celebrate Independence Day.  That got me thinking, “Who puts these flags up?  Who takes them down after holidays?  Who keeps them in pristine condition?”  That led me to wonder further about who are all the night and weekend people around here that do so many tasks that I take for granted like, “Who comforts or entertains the residents that can’t sleep?  Who picks up the trash on the weekends?  Who washes the wheelchairs for the residents while they rest?  Who cooks, sets up, cleans up, and tears down the zillion meals, parties and events over the weekends?  Who cleans the carpets so that they smell amazing the next day?  Who sweeps all the slippery Arizona Yellow Bell blooms from the front sidewalk of HR and takes time clean our offices so we’re always putting our best foot forward?”  And the somewhat shameful answer is…I’m not really sure.

I’ve been here 11 years and I know most of you from general orientation, annual in-service trainings, and of course, our epic Christmas parties.  But how often do I swing in and see you or our residents on the weekends?  How often do I make a lap around Campus in the evenings before I go home to see how you’re all doing?  What’s the scoop on your family?  Or school?  Or your ridiculously cute golden retriever?  Again, I have to answer, somewhat shamefaced, that it’s not very often.  You are ALL amazing and should be thanked and celebrated much more often.

Enter…a new senior staff initiative.  Under the fearless leadership of our President and CEO Michelle Just and supported by all of our senior staff team, we (Allen Bloch, Barbara Wood, Cammy Clevenger, Cheryl Knupp, David Ragan, Ivan Hilton, Michelle Just, Peggy Roberts, Rod Bailey, Scott Mardian, Tena Alonzo, Valerie Cantrell, and me) will do more than talk about the wonderful staff and residents here, we will be on Campus more often on nights and weekends to check in with so many of you that we don’t see regularly – our Night and Weekend Beatitudians, Campus Angels, Behind-the-scenes Campus Ninjas that create an amazing experience for residents and guests long after the office lights have been turned off across Campus.  We also want to focus on touching base with more residents and family members that may be out and about on a weekend more often than during the week.

So don’t be alarmed when you see us on the weekends.  We will be rotating and coming in for a few hours each weekend.  Our plan is to visit with as many residents, family members, and staff as we can pack in and see how things are going and if you need anything.  We’ll check in with the Administration Receptionist when we arrive and they’ll have the schedule of who’s on deck that weekend.  We’ll enjoy a meal in one of our fabulous dining venues.  We’ll put in work orders for things if needed so they don’t have to wait until Monday.  We’ll note who’s jumping in and helping others, going above and beyond, showing our special brand of Radical Hospitality and Campus Core Values in action.  The goal is not to “audit” the Campus (although, since I personally know all the policies inside-out, I will notice dress code, parking, and smoking faux pas, so do keep following all those fun guidelines), the goal is to get to know our staff, residents, and family members better.  I have heard countless times in my tenure here from friends and family members, “I sleep so much better at night knowing my mom/dad/grandparent is at Beatitudes Campus.  Your staff do such a great job there, Tara.”  And as I puff up a little more from hearing those compliments, I say to them, “Yes they do.  Yes…they…do.”

We all feel better knowing the great work that goes on here 24/7.  Keep it up, Team Beatitudes!  We’re with you!