Earlier this year, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified the remains of U.S. Air Force Maj. John Creighton Gillespie Kerr, leaving the number of Americans still missing in action and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War at 1,576. The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and its local chapters help find and identify MIA remains through its Veterans Initiative Program, which uses artifacts taken from battlefields such as maps, after-action reports, pictures and other items to help locate the remains of those who gave their lives in service. Your #donations of used #clothing and #household goods to ClothingDonations.org support this program and many others that help living veterans on a daily basis. Schedule a #pickup today! #NationalPOW/MIARecognitionDay
Author: Jordank
Editorial Coordinator
How to Observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day
You can #honor American military personnel who were held as prisoners of war and for those still unaccounted for on Sept. 20, National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The solemn event will be celebrated at military installations, veterans organizations and national landmarks such as the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to stress the importance of bringing home those who remain missing. Get involved by attending a ceremony, observing a moment of silence, flying the #POW/MIA flag, learning more about the history and experiences of POWs and MIAs, or #donating to or volunteering with a #veterans organization. #NationalPOW/MIARecognitionDay
Join a Global Cleanup Event on Sept. 20
Sept. 20, is World Cleanup Day, an opportunity for individuals and communities to reduce solid wastes and contribute to a #cleaner, #healthier and more beautiful planet. Earthday.org’s Great Global Cleanup® is helping stage trash pickup events in parks, waterways and beaches worldwide to help beautify the surroundings and protect wildlife habitats, cut pollution, and build a more sustainable future. Get involved by joining a cleanup event or organizing one of your own with the Great Global Cleanup Toolkit. You can make a difference in the health of the planet! #WorldCleanupDay # GreatGlobalCleanup
Recognizing National POW/MIA Day
In 1979, Congress passed a resolution establishing POW/MIA Recognition Day after the families of the more than 2,500 #Vietnam War POW/MIAs pushed for full accountability. Observed on the third Friday in September each year at the Pentagon, military installations, state capitols, schools and #veterans’ facilities, the day honors those who were held captive and returned home, as well as those who remain missing. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency indicates that more than 81,600 American service members remain missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars and other conflicts. #POW/MIA
Celebrating National Grandparents Day
Observed on the Sunday after Labor Day each year, National Grandparents Day is a relatively new holiday recognizing the contributions of family elders. Elder activist Marian McQuade — herself the grandmother to 43 children — first championed the concept in 1970, hoping to give families an occasion to connect with patients in nursing care.
West Virginia became the first state to issue a proclamation establishing a Grandparents Day in 1973, and 42 others followed. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a bill designating the Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day starting the following year.
The day should “honor grandparents, give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer,” according to the law. McQuade urged the nation’s youth to “adopt” a grandparent and focus on family time, rather than commercialization.
To celebrate, ask seniors to share their knowledge with grandchildren, Almanac.com suggests. Maybe they like to fish; ask them to demonstrate how. If they like to garden, volunteer a day of yardwork with the grandkids. If they have a favorite recipe, make and enjoy it together. If they have a favorite movie, watch it. The point is to spend quality time together.
Grandparents might appreciate reminiscing with family members; go through their old photo albums and listen to any stories they inspire. Members of the younger, digital-savvy generations can help grandparents #organize those memories by sorting photos into digital albums or printing out a few favorites to frame and hang on the wall.
One thing grandparents often need to do as they age is #downsize. They will appreciate any help you and their grandchildren can lend, and may even wish to offload a few family heirlooms or trinkets for safekeeping. If there’s any #stuff they no longer need or want, you can send it directly to ClothingDonations.org by requesting a #free #donation #pickup.
Grandparents are repositories of family memories, knowledge and wisdom. Remember to celebrate National Grandparents Day with the elders in your family this week!