Valentine's Day, 2025

 By Nate Feldman

Today is Valentine's Day, the international day of love.  The beginnings of this holiday aren't exactly clear, but it has become a day when people show love and affection to one another.  Couples often go out together and have a romantic evening.  In schools, young children often make Valentine cards for one another to show care for each other.  Everywhere you go, you'll see people dressed in red and buildings decorated with hearts.  

So, I'm wishing everyone a happy Valentine's Day and hope they spread love and happiness to one another, something we all need.

President's Day

 By Nate Feldman

Standing with George and Martha Washington 

This Monday, February 19, will be the American President's Day holiday.  It is a holiday which takes place on the third Monday in February.  The holiday commemorates the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, both of whom were born in the month of February.  

Originally, the holiday was known as Washington's birthday.  Eventually, Lincoln's birthday celebration was combined to make President's Day.  However, in modern times, many people now use President's Day as a way to honor all of the presidents in American history.  

Interesting facts:

*George Washington is significant because he was the nation's first president.  He also was the commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1775-1783) against British colonial rule.  As president, he established many of the rules of the presidency that still exist.  Most famously, he left office after two terms, refusing a lifetime appointment as leader.

*Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth president.  He is famous for being the president during the American Civil War (1861-1865), in which the northern and southern states fought a long war after the southern states decided to secede from the country in protest of what they felt were Lincoln's anti-slavery positions.  The war kept the country as one nation and also led to the end of slavery.  

*Traditionally on Washington's birthday, people ate cherry pie in honor of George Washington because of a myth that exists that George Washington cut down a cherry tree when he was young and admitted it to his father when asked about it.  

*There are still events held in different locations throughout the United States on this holiday where you can celebrate the Presidents' birthday.  At Valley Forge National Historical Park, about 20 miles outside of Philadelphia, there are people dressed up as George and Martha (his wife) Washington.  You can take photos with them and enjoy some cake to mark the occasion.  At Mount Vernon, Washington's estate in Northern Virginia, people can visit for free.  

A cupcake to celebrate George Washington's birthday

*Interestingly, President's Day is known as a day of major sales, especially for cars and mattresses.  

Labor Day Cookout

 By Nate Feldman

Next Monday is the American Labor Day holiday.  This holiday takes place on the first Monday in September.  Labor Day is considered by many to be the end of the summer season in the United States.

On Labor Day, people like to have a cookout or a picnic.  They eat many types of food, such as hamburgers and cheeseburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad,  coleslaw, and many other dishes.  

However, people can eat anything they want.  Some people eat grilled chicken or chicken wings, pasta salad, and many types of desserts, such as brownies, cookies, cakes, and pies. 

I went to a cookout on Saturday.  There was very nice food at the event.  There were chips and homemade salsa.  There was a grill with many types of meat.  Many of the guests were from India, so there was rice and different kinds of curries.  

In addition to the food, there were many fun activities.  Some people played the game of cornhole.  There was also a DJ playing music.  Many people danced to the music.  

Food and Holidays: American Thanksgiving

By Nate Feldman

Thanksgiving is a holiday in the United States.  It takes place on the fourth Thursday in November. 

In the morning, people sometimes go to a parade.  Some people run in a race.  Some people play football games.

Later in the day, people eat a big feast.  They usually eat a roast turkey with many side dishes.  They often eat stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and pumpkin pie with the turkey.   They usually eat the feast with their family.

Thanksgiving is a very nice holiday in the United States.  

Here is a video I made about the Thanksgiving holiday and some thoughts people have about it.

                                                                      Memorial Day

The United States' Memorial Day takes place on the last Monday in May.  It's a day to remember soldiers who have died in the country's wars throughout the years.  

The holiday initially began in the 1860s, shortly after the American Civil War (1861-1865) as a way to honor soldiers who had died in that conflict.  In time, as more wars happened, it became a day to honor those who have given their lives for the country in any conflict.  

On a typical Memorial Day, many local communities hold parades of some kind.  If you drive around, you will see people putting American flags on their properties and other public spaces.  

In Arlington, VA, the President of the United States lays a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.  

On a personal note, I remember my great-great-great Uncle Reuben Howerter, who died at the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War on July 3, 1863.  

In 2020, Memorial Day will have less public activities because of the current coronavirus pandemic sweeping the country.  There will be hardly any parades or public gatherings.  Still, people will find a way to remember those who have died for the country.