May celebrations
There are many days of celebration and remembrance held in May. When I looked at the month, I did not realize how many were listed on my calendar, but I believe the most popular is Mother’s Day.
The first celebration is May, the National Day of Prayer. It is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May. This year, it is today, May 2. It is a day that we invite people to pray for our nation.
It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.
There is so much happening in the world today that affects our country. Wars between Israel and Hamas (Gaza) and Russia and Ukraine, plus this is an election year for the United States. Let’s stop today, say a special prayer for our nation, and ask God to give us wisdom and guidance and help unite our country.
The next day on the calendar is Cinco de Mayo. Many people celebrate this day to commemorate the Mexican culture and heritage in the United States. My daughter, Emily, and I celebrated Cinco at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants: margaritas, chips and cheese dip, and chicken fajitas; it was delicious.
Many may not really know why it is celebrated in Mexico. Mexico celebrates the victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This year, Cinco de Mayo will be celebrated on Sunday, May 5.
Many have heard of V-E day, but I’m not sure we all know what it is and why it is celebrated. May 8, V-E Day. VE stands for Victory in Europe Day, commemorating the end of fighting in Europe during World War II. It was when the third Reich of Nazi Germany was defeated. Adolf Hitler, Germany’s dictator, committed suicide in his bunker in Berlin on April 30, 1945, and on May 8, the war in Europe was finally over, and American GIs came home. The German army ceased fire on May 2 and surrendered on May 7. We should never forget why the U.S. fought in World War II. An excellent way to learn more about World War II is to read a book or research at the library, or there are several good movies to watch.
However, one of the busiest days celebrated in May is Mother’s Day, which will be Sunday, May 12 this year. Remember to mark your calendars and plan a day to celebrate mothers.
Mother’s Day is one of the busiest floral holidays of the year. I usually buy my mother a card and some beautiful flowers that will last the summer. Mother’s Day is the third highest-selling holiday for flowers and plants. For years, my brothers and sisters would celebrate our Mom all day, grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and spending the day boating on the river.
Enjoy the month of May – and all it's celebration.