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

MAUNDY THURSDAY signifies the end of the Lenten Season and marks the Triduum, or the death, burial and resurrection of Christ on Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.  This day will start with the Maundy, or the command Jesus gives to His disciples to love one another as He loved them and His washing of their feet.  This takes place during the Last Supper where the breaking of bread and sharing of wine signify communion with the Lord.  The night will end with Christ being taken away by the Chief Priests and Roman soldiers after being pointed out by Judas, who betrayed Him with a kiss.  One who never sinned in thought, word or deed is about to become a sacrificial lamb for the world.

Today is a good day to get outside and celebrate NATIONAL GARDNENING DAY, NATIONAL LOOK UP AT THE SKY DAY and NATIONAL REACH AS HIGH AS YOU CAN DAY.  Make sure those gardens are in good shape and ready to sprout good food and beautiful flowers.  Take in the beauty of the sky while you are out there and give a big ol’ stretch – reaching for the clouds.

Venturing into the animal kingdom we celebrate NATIONAL DOLPHIN DAY.  Intelligent, social and friendly these entertaining animals are fun to watch and sometimes interact with.  They are on the endangered species list, which is more than a shame and a shame on us.  Let’s do what we can to get them off that list.

Let’s get a little nutty with NATIONAL PECAN DAY.  Full of fiber and vitamins this little nut can lower your bad cholesterol and raise the good.  They go in salads, recipes, are great by themselves and of course make up that richest of desserts – pecan pie.

On this day…

1828 – Noah Webster publishes the American Dictionary of the English Language

1865 – President Lincoln is assassinated at Ford’s Theater

1902 – The first JC Penny opens

1910 – President William Howard Taft becomes the first President to throw out the first pitch at a Major League game

1960 – Berry Gordy Jr. gives us Motown Records

1960 – The Montreal Canadians win their 5^th Stanley Cup in a row.  The best part – they beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4 games straight to get there

 Happy Birthday to…

 Juan Belmonte Garcia – 1892 – Bullfighter whose disability defined his style.  Instead of dancing around, he was the first to stand still and use a cape to direct the bull

Anne Sullivan – 1899 – Partially blind herself, she found work as a governess teaching Helen Keller to speak and fingerspell

Loretta Lynn – 1932 – Starting from humble beginnings in the hills of Kentucky, she became a Grammy winning singer and songwriter

Pete Rose – 1941 – “Charlie Hustle” was his well-deserved nickname as he always gave 110%.  With 3 World Series Championships and being a 17-time All-Star he has earned his spot in the Hall of Fame

Sarah Michelle Gellar – 1977 – As “Buffy”, she totally kicked Vampire butt

Enjoy the day and make it your own

 Dear Heavenly Father, your ways are not our ways and your thoughts are higher than ours.  Thank you for who you are and for you love and blessings.  Watch over all these wonderful people and please keep them safe from harm. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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