Americanism: What Defines US?

In a nutshell typically what defines a nation is:

• Borders
• Language
• Culture

When we look on a map or a globe, we can see where somebody has defined the edges of our physical territory as a nation. This “cartography” strictly speaking, can help us to visualize what the United States of America looks like… but AMERICA is a feeling! It is the exceptional freedom we enjoy; it is the liberty to pursue whatever it is we lawfully choose to pursue, and it is a common language of pride and love i.e. BROTHERHOOD that we share, that truly defines us as a nation. In this election year, it is our duty to remind those around us of the part to play in keeping America strong and on the right track. It is not about telling them how or what to vote but reminding them that they have a right to vote and to do so in an educated and conscious manner that honors their understanding of the best America can be!

Prisoner of War / Missing in Action:

By now we are really getting into the swing of using full words rather than acronyms to convey the full measure of weight those words carry. As we conduct our rituals and prepare for Memorial Day in a few months, see how you might add places to SAY “Killed in Action” in your remembrances. Memorial Day is also a good time to reflect on our loved ones still “Missing in Action.” Also, make sure your Post is flying the “POW/MIA” flag just under Old Glory a.k.a. our National Flag, and that the Star-Spangled Banner above your Post is looking her best!

 

 

Patriotic Instructor(s):
Hopefully your role has grown this year as you realize how important you are as the one who is responsible for building our #AuxTRIBE! Do you feel a shift in the overall atmosphere of your Auxiliary and possibly your Post? Is your TRIBE being strengthened? Try forming your own acronyms for T.R.I.B.E. (Yes…I know …I just got done telling you to use your words…what can I say? I’m an enigma…LoL!!!)

• each (our traditions and rituals)
• eflect (on why we do what we do)
• nspire (new members, guests, and our communities)
• uild (our camaraderie and organization)
• njoy (our mission is special, unique and worthy! We should love what we do and WHO we do it for!)

At your next meeting, work together to come up with your definition of TRIBE and shoot me your special acronyms. It would be an honor to see how y’all define yourselves, and a fun way to instruct those around you on our culture!

Patriotic Holidays:
By celebrating together we help to unite one another and fortify our culture. We do this in the observance of holidays we as a military-centered service organization find the most important to keep our mission front and center:

 

February 19, 2024 – Presidents Day

March 13, 2024 – K-9 Veterans Day – The date is the official birthday of the United States K-9 Corps and a day to honor their service.

March 25, 2024 – Medal of Honor Day – A holiday to honor the heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients for the United States.

March 29, 2024– National Vietnam War Veterans Day – A national holiday to recognize and honor veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War.

April 5, 2024 – Gold Star Spouses Day – A Day dedicated to those whose spouses gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military or because of service-connected injuries or illness.

May 1, 2024 – Silver Star Banner Day – Per Congressional resolution, it is an “Official Day to honor wounded, ill, and injured veterans”.

May 10, 2024 – Military Spouse Appreciation Day – This date recognizes the service and sacrifices of military spouses.

May 13, 2024 – Children of Fallen Patriots Day – A Day to honor the children left behind by the brave men and women who gave their lives while defending our freedom.

May 18, 2024 – Armed Forces Day – Observed on the third Saturday every May, this is a day dedicated to paying tribute to men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

May 27, 2024 – Memorial Day  – A solemn occasion to honor the men and women who died while serving in the military.

June 6, 2024 – Anniversary of the World War II – Allied invasion in Normandy, France, now known as D-Day.

June 14, 2024 – Flag Day – A Day to celebrate the adoption of the U.S. Flag.

June 14, 2024 – Army Birthday

June 27, 2024 – National PTSD Awareness Day – A day to bring awareness about issues related to PTSD.