La Casa Veterans
National Wreaths Across America Day has a simple mission: “Remember fallen U.S. veterans; honor those who serve; and teach your children the value of freedom.” This important day is an annual event that takes place every third Saturday in December at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as other cemeteries in the U.S., at sea, and abroad. Wreaths are laid as family and friends remember both those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who currently serve in the armed forces.
THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
- It belonged to a Confederate general’s wife
After General Robert E. Lee’s wife lost the home because she couldn’t pay the taxes, the federal government seized the property and turned it into Arlington National Cemetery. - Former slaves had a village on the land
Abolitionists in 1863 helped establish a sanctuary for a group of former slaves on General Lee’s former property, but evictions in 1900 made room for the new cemetery’s incoming burial plots. - The JFK burial raised Arlington Cemetery’s national profile
Arlington didn’t gain major recognition until after President Kennedy’s burial. His wife switched the site from Massachusetts to Arlington because she believed that her husband belonged to the people.
As we approach the Holiday season, I wondered what does the Holidays really mean? To some, it is a joyous occasion. To some, it is a stressful occasion. To some, it is a sad occasion. I think of the many who have the latter, the sad, that have to go through the Holidays without someone acknowledging that they are here, waiting for that special neighbor. There are many that need the one on one of neighbors helping and just bringing a dozen cookies would make their day! Let’s reflect on that thought this Holiday season.
December will be a quiet month for the Veterans Club. We will not have a meeting in December. We have changed our meetings for January, February, March and April to the THIRD TUESDAY of the month, as the HOA has priority and we are not able to have the meetings on Mondays. We will be taking the lights down from the lake Saturday, Jan 2 and will need you to help!
Enjoy your Holiday and share some cookies with your neighbor.
Laura Triplett, Commander