Today is Flag Day. Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States of America in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

The annual Flag Day Ceremony each year at the Town Common starts the official Bristol Fourth of July Celebration. The Annual Fourth of July Celebration, established in 1785, is the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States.

Update: Goldi is home! We want to thank everyone for participating in the very large effort to bring our Goldi home. We got her back tonight she was with an amazing family in South Chicago they took very good care of her,  we are truly grateful to have her home and for the wonderful people around us, our family, friends, all the block clubs, our community  and so many others that did everything possible to bring our baby back home thank you.

Our very own Goldi is Missing please help us find her.

Memorial Day is officially celebrated on the last Monday during the month of May. Memorial Day is dedicated to service men and women who gave their lives for freedom and country. It is also a time to remember loved ones who have passed away. The roots of Memorial Day go back to 1865 and the end of the Civil War.

Memorial Day was traditionally held on the 30th of May. In 1971, Congress changed it to the last Monday in order to afford a three day holiday weekend. Regardless of the date, we encourage you to attend a parade, and to visit a cemetery to honor and remember our servicemen . Take time to remember lost loved ones in whatever way you feel appropriate.

Did you Know? Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day. It was changed to Memorial Day in 1882.

Memorial Day also marks the beginning of the gardening and summer seasons, even though summer will not occur for a few weeks later. It is usually marked by holding the first family picnic of the year.

Everybody has a mother and absolutely no one is more special than mom. Sure, dad is really important. And, grandparent’s too. But moms, well they are just the greatest. Often taken for granted, they are always our strongest supporter. You can’t do wrong in Mom’s eyes. When you are hurt, or not feeling well….there is no one else that can help you more than Mom. I saw this clearly recently as our son was in the emergency room. Sure, dad was an important presence. But, the look in my son’s eyes with his mom by his side was certain affirmation of mom’s comforting ways, and importance.

So go out and celebrate Mother’s Day. First and foremost, spend time with her. If you absolutely can not be there, take time for a long phone call. Flowers, cards, candy and gifts are all part of the day. But, mom wants some time with you far more than anything else.

Did you know? The first Mother’s Day was May 10, 1908 in Philadelphia

Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) commemorates the end of fighting in Europe during World War II. After years of war, The Third Reich of Nazi Germany was defeated.  Millions of people were killed. Adolf Hitler, Germany’s Dictator, had committed suicide in his bunker in Berlin.

The German Army ceased fighting on May 2and, and formally surrendered unconditionally on May 7th. The surrender of all German forces was arranged for May 8 at 11:01. The Allied countries planned to celebrate victory, and the cessation of hostilities.

Did you Know? The original planned date for the celebration of V-E Day, was May 9th, 1945. But, journalists caught wind of the plans. So, the U.S. and Brittain moved the date up by a day to May 8th. Russia kept to the original planned date for May 9th. Russia still celebrates V-E Day on May 9th.

On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla. This single military battle signified defeat of a European colonial power and a victory for the Mexican people. This single battle was the roots of Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo is not the celebration of Mexican Independence which is celebrated on September 16th. What Cinco de Mayo has come to be is much more than one battle in the colonial history of Mexico. Rather, it has come to signify Hispanic and Mexican pride and a time to celebrate the rich culture. Today,  this holiday is celebrated by Mexicans, and especially the Hispanic community in the U.S. It is a time of song, dance, partying, and in general a time to be proud to be of Hispanic descent.