True Freedom and the Power of Words

As we approach Independence Day this weekend, I’ve thought much about my blog’s upcoming post and historical report on our holiday. My notes include the date of our birth as a free nation, July 4, 1776. I planned to link my readers to a copy of the Declaration of Independence as a source of reflection and study. And, as usual, I searched Flicker.com for some great photos.

Then I began to think deeper. I couldn't help but be reminded of all that is happening in Iran. The suppression of voices echoes through my mind and I’m thankful mostly right now for my freedom to speak.

Words are power. They equip the speaker to encourage, defend, calm, motivate, and move their audience. One speaker with an encouraging word is more powerful than a thousand people in silence.

Martin Luther King, Jr. changed the coarse of history through his words spoken from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the freedom march on August 28, 1963. That moment in history when he delivered that famous speech titled, “I Have a Dream” was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement. A Congressman, John Lewis, said “Dr. King had the power, the ability and the capacity to transform those steps on the Lincoln Memorial into a modern day pulpit. By speaking the way he did, he educated, he inspired, he informed not just the people there, but people throughout America and unborn generations.”

King spoke words that gave vision. They inspired change. They evoked passion and faith. "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'"

This speech, spoken by one man, made an impression on our country and United States history. Together with the participants of the march that day, pressure was put on the presidential administration to advance civil rights. Lyndon B. Johnson was able to get the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 passed, followed by the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Words are power. Words can change the course of history for millions. Words can change the course of history for one. The number of people listening is not what makes the words powerful. What makes the words powerful is the outcome from which is spoken. What is one life worth? What is one word worth?

As an American I celebrate my freedom to speak through the democratic process we call voting. As an individual I celebrate the liberty I hold every day as I live my life to its fullest, without hesitation and without restraint. As a writer I celebrate my freedom to write the words I so choose while simultaneously celebrating your freedom to read them.

I wish you all a happy fourth! Enjoy your day. Enjoy your freedom.

Sincerely,

Jenni B.

(photos by e-strategyblog.com, Malik ml Williams, Drew Myers, and B Tal on www.flickr.com)

Remembering Our Fallen Heroes

Today Americans everywhere honor the fallen heroes

of American wars past and present.

As we take time to reflect on those who have sacrificed their lives for the service of our country, let us remember what Memorial Day is and why it is crucial to never forget what these heroes gave for our country.

Historically, Memorial Day dates back to the Civil War (1861-1865) when it was originally formed by liberated slaves calling it Decoration Day when they covered the tombs of fallen union soldiers with flowers. After World War I, the day was expanded to honor all American casualties of war or military action and renamed it Memorial Day.

I had the unforgettable honor of visiting our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. My cousin and her fiance, who were getting married that week, gave us an outstanding tour of many historical landmarks. One of the most impressive places we toured was the Arlington National Cemetery. There, thousands of known and unknown soldiers are buried and honored. As we observed the countless burial markers, the vast statement of sacrifice for our country overwhelmed me. A moment of silence fell as we contemplated the nameless soldiers honored at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Although fallen American soldiers are buried worldwide in marked and unmarked graves, Arlington National Cemetery brought to my mind the recognition of those who fought for liberty, freedom, and justice. Although their lives were lost, their nobility lives on through the survivors and civilians, and the liberty and justice they fought so courageously for.


I am encouraged to take a moment today and remember that Memorial Day is more than barbecues or a reason to visit with family and friends. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who gave everything for their country. For our country. For America, the land of the free.



Photos by BL1961, Rob Crowley, and Army.mil at http://www.flickr.com/

The History of our Mother's Day

In 1912 Anna Jarvis created our first Mother's Day and marked the second Sunday in May as a day for celebrating in the United States. Anna was adamant about where the apostrophe was placed, stressing that this holiday was created to honor your own mother (singular posessive), not mothers in general.



Soon, Mother's Day became one of the most commercially successful occations in the U.S. and this infuriated Anne. She was completely opposed to the giving of commercial greeting cards. She called them a sign of being too lazy to write a personal letter. She spent her inheritance, all her financial worth, and the rest of her life fighting the commercialization of this very special day of honoring your mother.

As a mommy, I know there is no comparison between a hand written note or picture and a card printed by the card industry with a name at the bottom. Never take for granted the blessing of having your mother in your life. Appreciate her. Make her feel special. Thank her. And above all, love her every day!

Happy Mother's Day!

Photos by: aussiegall, yorkshiregeek, and spisharam - Away

Happy Cinco de Mayo

Have you ever asked, "What is Cinco de Mayo, anyway?" If you have, this is for you...

On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army fought the French in the Battle of Puebla. Mexico owed a debt to the French and refused to pay. The French showed up in Mexico and tried to force payment. Even though the Mexican army was greatly outnumbered, they won the battle.

About a year later, France returned to Mexico and took over leadership. By 1866, the French were under pressure from the United States, and ultimately withdrew from Mexico.

A common misconception is that Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican celebration of independence. Mexico actually celebrates her independence on September 16th, which is the most important holiday celebrated in Mexico.

Cinco de Mayo is an optional holiday celebrated by many in Mexico, but not all. The United States celebrate it to honor not only our neighbor, Mexico, but all those Americans who take pride in their Mexican heritage.

However you view the holiday and whether you celebrate it or not, I wish you a happy May fifth and Cinco de Mayo, wherever you may be.

Sincerely,

Jenni B.

Photos by: jorge alg, spotted on flickr, and sirhowardlee