Memorial Day is Much More than a Holiday in Shady Pines Story Town
Beyond The Picnics
Don't forget the reason we celebrate Memorial Day! That's the message dear readers our neighbors in Shady Pines Story Town want you to remember this weekend.
For many of the folks who live in our close knit community, this date on the calendar means more than just the unoficial start to Summer.
Because we do have Summer on the mind now, there will be outdoor gatherings, parades and lots of people heading out on vacations of course. And, let's face it, there's nothing like a good barbeque.
But as we gather with friends and loved ones it's important to remember why this date is a national holiday.
Memorial Day is a time to remember the brave men and women who served in our United State military and gave their lives in the line of duty. 
They fought and died to make sure we have the freedoms we do.
Those rights and freedoms are sacred and cannot be taken for granted.
That's why this day is different from Veteran's Day. On that day, we pay tribute not just to the fallen, but to all who have served.
Each year soldiers place American flags on the graves of the fallen soldiers in honor of their service.
Close To Home
Maybe someone in your family or someone you know has given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Why our very own mayor, Beauregard P. Fibbs has a story to tell.
"My uncle served in the Marines. He was in another country when his unit came under attack. My aunt told me his men remembered that my uncle Charles was brave when the fighting started. He rescued five other men before he was shot and went down. I still remember him as one of the kindest people I have ever known."
Young Kids Know
Our very own seven-year-old Ray Robinson is aware of the meaning behind Memorial Day. His father is serving overseas. He's been away from Ray and his mom for eight months. Even though his dad writes him letters and tries to face time him when he can, it's not the same as him being home.
Ray worries that there may be a time when his dad doesn't come back.
He realizes how lucky he is right now to have a father. And he has a mom and a community that loves and cares about him.
Kindness matter. It matters a lot.
So what can you and your loved ones do to mark this important holiday weekend?
Sing a few patriotic songs
Why not teach your children America the Beautiful, the National Anthem or say the Pledge of Allegiance, and talk about the meaning behind each one.
Remind your kids to stand and place their hands over their hearts during these songs. This is a perfect way to show them the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by those in our military to protect our nation’s freedom.
Observe a Memorial Day Tradition
Our nation's flag is flown at half staff until noon to remember America's fallen soldiers. Just after noon it is raised to full staff as a symbol to show hope beyond death and to honor the heroes that are still with us. Did you know that?
Take a Moment for Silence
Here's something else I just found out. in 2000, Congress passed "The National Moment of Rememberance." It asks that "Americans voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of rememberance and respect."
The idea is for you to stop whatever you're doing and bow your head for a moment of silent remembering.
One Last Thing
Try this. You can listen to the playing of
"Taps. It's all done at 3PM local time as a symbol of 
national unity.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PLAYING OF TAPS
From all of us in Shady Pines Story Town we wish you and your loved ones a safe, enjoyable and meaningful Memorial Day weekend!
The images are awful. All over the big 'ole area that is Los Angeles, California h
omes, businesses, schools, banks, libraries, places of worship and more, are wiped out in a matter of minutes.
When the winds calm down the fight goes on in the skies. This real life horror movie is still going on a week after it started.
And what about the children who may not have a house anymore - or a school?
They are horrified like everyone else following the daily updates. What can they do?
Zulah and Scoop are out covering another story, but when they they get the call from mayor, they hurry over to City Hall.
As Scoop packs up his camera gear, Zulah has a thought. "I'm glad the mayor is focusing on children. 
The need is so great out there in L.A. We wouldn't know where to start."
Scoop tosses his bag into the white news van and throws Zulah the keys. 
I'll go ask Rita Malena to come to our meeting at the mayor's office. As the Director of the Community Center she can help us."
And dear readers, that's what Shady Pines Story Town is all about. Even when our world seems dark or discouraging, we allow kindness and caring to guide our way. It's how we try to bring a little light where and when it's needed most!
Hey look! We've got a new year upon us and that means new opportunities for the good folks of Shady Pines Story Town. What do you want to happen in 2023?
Ask questions to help you find out what's most important to to your kids. Some examples:
And here's something else you can try. Write thank you notes. Yep, one expert said they wrote to all the people that had helped them this year. It made that person feel good. And it helped the person sending the note to feel gratitude heading into a new year. 
Oh, boy, the big day will be here before we know it!
The countdown to Christmas is on here in Shady Pines Story Town. Have you seen the advent calendars? They're popping up everywhere.
Now that Thanksgiving is in our rear view mirror the holiday season is in full gear. 
It has been seen by Christians around the world as a way to get ready for the coming 
These days, most Advent Calendars have numbered paper doors or pockets that open to reveal an image, chocolate or other small object. Some of the folks here in Shady Pines will hide messages of kindness, caring and love behind those colorful doors.
For instance, a long time ago you might have seen a really old fashioned calendar that looks like your great, great, grandmother might have made it. 
These holiday calendars are fun. And just like the spiritual theme of the season, they offer anticipation, and the joy of discovery.
I think we can all agree the South is a land of epic weather. 
I'm Zulah Talmadge with The Shady Pines Gazette news and I'm going to be talking about how we cope with the extremes of summer.
Southern women don't sweat—we "glisten."
It's not the heat—it's the humidity.
It's so hot the swimming pool is boiling.
