Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. School is over for the year, and summer looms on the horizon. But for now, Memorial Day weekend is upon us. Whatever plans you have for the holiday, I hope you are safe and with those you love.
Happy Birthday to all of you who turned a year older this past week. And Happy Anniversary to you and your loved one for reaching another milestone year together.
Quote of the Week: “Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country.” George Washington
Movie/TV Show of the Week: I have two recommendations this week, one for a movie and one for a television series, in honor of Memorial Day. First, the original version of “Midway” was released in 1976, which coincidentally was the bicentennial of the founding of the United States of America. It primarily focused on the events of the US Navy right before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. One of my favorite quotes from this film comes from Admiral William Halsey, Jr., “When you’re in command, command.” As with the more recent version of this movie, it does have a bit of language, so you may want to watch it before letting smaller children view it.
The television series I want to recommend, weirdly enough, also comes from the year 1976. “The Black Sheep Squadron” chronicles the flying exploits of Major Gregory Boyington and the US Marine Attack Squadron 214. Supposedly composed of what the military called “misfits,” these men faithfully fought in the Pacific theater. Though the Black Sheep series is a mix of fact and fiction, “Pappy” Boyington and his misfits are deserving of legendary status.
Thoughts of the Week: Memorial Day, which was originally called “Decoration Day,” first came about after the Civil War to bring to remembrance the 620,000 deaths on both sides of the Confederate and Union States. On Decoration Day, the graves of fallen soldiers were adorned with flowers and other tokens of remembrance.
Arlington National Cemetery held the first large-scale observance for Memorial Day, enabling dignitaries and other attendees from all over the United States. Though initially set to remember the Civil War, Memorial Day soon became the day to honor all soldiers, both men and women, who died serving our country during peacetime or at war.
So, while we typically celebrate this holiday with cook-outs, trips on the water, and other experiences, let us always pay tribute to those whose lives were given to give us our freedom.
Recipe of the Week: I am sure I have shared this before, but it is a family favorite this time of year. It can be served as a dessert for Memorial Day or Independence Day. I call it American Cheesecake Surprise.
What you’ll need:
1 box of no-bake cheesecake mix
1 pint blueberries
1 pint raspberries
Milk
Butter
In a glass baking dish (either round or rectangle-shaped) prepare the cheesecake as directed. Use the berries to create any desired pattern. I sometimes switch things up with either an American flag or just a symmetrical design with the berries.Once decorated, chill until ready to serve. Then enjoy!
Shout Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout-out to remember all patriots, those long past, and those lost just now. Though my family has a deep military history on both my side and my husband’s, I don’t know if we ever had a loss during active service. Though you cannot read this, thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. You died so we could enjoy the freedoms in this country. You are not forgotten.
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent and lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She is a freelance writer and blogger, having written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.