I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Events and Celebrations

Passion Week starts today with PALM SUNDAY.  This week marks the events leading up to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.  On Palm Sunday, Christ rides into Jerusalem on a donkey and the people hail him as their king and long-awaited savior.  They give glory to God for him and line the streets with their cloaks and palm branches.  In less than a week, their view of him will drastically change.  Churches hold special services today during which the palm fronds are burned and the leftover ashes are stored to be used during the next Ash Wednesday.

Give your brother or sister a big hug today as it is NATIONAL SIBLINGS DAY.  If you can’t hug ‘em, a phone call would work, and if they aren’t around, fond memories will keep them alive in your heart.  I have an amazing sister of whom I am very proud.

While we are in hugging mode give your pooch(s) a big squeeze on NATIONAL HUG YOUR DOG DAY.  They will appreciate it and it will make you feel good too.

 Do you know of an expressive person who likes to communicate creatively?  NATIONAL ENCOURAGE A YOUNG WRITER DAY is all about…encouragement.  Let them know that their writings are good enough to share with the world.  Of course, the writer doesn’t have to be young – us older folks like a little pep talk every now and then too.

Our dessert of the day also makes for a good breakfast.  NATIONAL CINAMMON CRESCENT DAY just sounds delish with a cup of coffee.  Butter, sugar and cinnamon fill the crescent pastry for a sweet treat that can be made even sweeter with icing drizzled on top.  Not to mention, it will give your kitchen a delightful aroma while they are baking.

On this day…

1849 – The patent for the safety pin is given to Walter Hunt of New York City

1866 – The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is founded

1872 – The first Arbor Day is started in Nebraska

1912 – The RMS Titanic sets sail

1925 – “The Great Gatsby” is published

1970 – Paul McCartney announces that there won’t be a Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership any more.  Though he didn’t say it was the end of the Beatles – it was taken that way by the press and certainly seemed to be

2019 – The first picture taken of a black hole is released

Happy Birthday to…

Matthew C. Perry – 1794 – Naval Commander who made our fleet a world contender

Joseph Pulitzer – 1847 – Publisher of newspapers including the St. Louis Post Dispatch

Max Von Sydow – 1929 – Esteemed actor

Omar Sharif – 1932 – Another esteemed actor

John Madden – 1936 – From player to head coach to broadcaster this guy loved his football – RIP John

Enjoy the day and make it your own

 Most Gracious God, we are hearing less and less about the pandemic and we thank you for the diminishing of this pandemic.  There are still people suffering from it and we ask that you would heal them and shower them with your love and peace.  I ask this in your name, Jesus, Amen.

Thank you to National Day Calendar; National Today; History.com; Britannica.com;