This year, Independence Day marks an extraordinary milestone as America celebrates 250 years since the founding of our country. It's a great reminder of the spirit of resilience, freedom, and togetherness that this day is all about. Wishing you a safe and fun Independence Day.
Enjoy your holiday!
Since 1775, America's Army has stood ready to protect the nation and its people and will fight to defend its values. Help the Army celebrate its 251st birthday on June 14!
THE FOUNDING
Since its official establishment, June 14, 1775 — more than a year before the Declaration of Independence — the U.S. Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of the American nation. Drawing on both long-standing militia traditions and recently introduced professional standards, it won the new republic's independence in an arduous eight-year struggle against Great Britain. At times, the Army provided the lone symbol of nationhood around which patriots rallied.
TODAY'S ARMY
Older than the nation it defends, the U.S. Army has made a difference in the history and founding of America. This year we are celebrating how America's Army has challenged, empowered and equipped our Soldiers, because
“Be All You Can Be” is more than just a slogan, it's the Army way of life.
The source for this post is from Army.mil. For more information click here:
Or copy and paste this URL into your web browser:
https://www.army.mil/1775/index.html
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| Arlington National Cemetery graves decorated with flags during Memorial Day weekend |
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.[1][2] It is observed on the last Monday of May. It is also considered to be the unofficial beginning of summer.[3]
Memorial Day is a time for visiting cemeteries and memorials to mourn the military personnel who died in the line of duty. Volunteers will place American flags on the graves of those military personnel in national cemeteries.[4]
The first national observance of what would become Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868.[5] Then known as Decoration Day, the holiday was proclaimed by Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic – a fraternal organization of veterans – to honor Union soldiers who had died in the American Civil War.[6] This national observance followed the example of many local observances which were begun between the end of the Civil War and Logan's declaration. Many cities and people have claimed to be the first to observe it, however, the National Cemetery Administration, a division of the Department of Veterans Affairs, credits Mary Ann Williams of the Ladies Memorial Association of Columbus, Georgia with originating the idea of an annual date to decorate the graves of Civil War veterans with flowers.[7]
Official recognition as a holiday spread among the states, beginning with New York in 1873.[7] By 1890, every union state had adopted it. The world wars turned it into a day of remembrance for all members of the U.S. military who fought and died in service. In 1968, Congress changed its observance to the last Monday in May, and in 1971 standardized its name as "Memorial Day.” Two other days celebrate those who have served or are serving in the U.S. military: Armed Forces Day, which is earlier in May, a ceremonial U.S. day of commemoration for honoring those currently serving in the armed forces, and Veterans Day on November 11, a legal holiday which honors all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.[8]
** This article is from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Here is a link to the webpage: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day
Veterans Day -- originally called Armistice Day -- began as an occasion to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service. It falls on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I.
In 1954, the name of the holiday was changed from "Armistice Day" to "Veterans Day" in order to recognize veterans of all wars.
We celebrate and honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for you, our veterans.
Related: Learn about the history of Veterans Day
(From the Mlitary.com website >> Veterans Day)
"A good Navy is not a provocation to war. It is the surest guaranty of peace." - Theodore Roosevelt
"I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy.'" - John F. Kennedy
October 13 marks the birthday of the U.S. Navy, which traces its roots back to the early days of the American Revolution. On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress established a naval force, hoping that a small fleet of privateers could attack British commerce and offset British sea power.
The United States Air Force (USAF) was officially established on September 18, 1947, when the National Security Act took effect. This pivotal moment separated the air arm from the U.S. Army, creating an independent service dedicated to air and space power. The USAF's roots, however, trace back to the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1907. Throughout its rich history, the Air Force has played a critical role in major conflicts and global operations, pioneering technological advancements in aviation and aerospace.
Happy Birthday, U.S. Air Force! Fly, Fight, Win!
By Bob & Lynda Bucklew
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| Bob & Lynda Bucklew |
We had a fun and amazing time at the Music City Motorhome Expo in Lebanon, TN (May 31-June 4). It was an expo to enable about 230 potential customers to preview and test drive the 2026 models from many manufacturers.
Bob and I had the opportunity to test drive 3 different Super C’s, 3 diesel pushers and a Class B van on I-40 (whoo hoo…a highway!). One night all the coaches were lit up to view…what a sight!
We met many nice people, several YouTube influencers, and we made some new RV friends too! Brett Davis, Angie Morell and the NIRVC staff were so helpful and friendly. All the dealers at the show were gracious to take us on a test drive and listen to our RV adventures. One of our accompanying dealers on our drive was Casey Tubman, President of Newmar and Matt Ellinger, VP of Newmar Sales. We unexpectedly shared a breakfast table with Leigh Tiffin - fun talking about football with him and other RVers.
We had a lot of fun chatting with such a great group of individuals. What an amazing opportunity!
If you are in the market for a motorhome, you might want to consider attending this event next year.
Veterans Day -- originally called Armistice Day -- began as an occasion to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service. It falls on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I.
In 1954, the name of the holiday was changed from "Armistice Day" to "Veterans Day" in order to recognize veterans of all wars.
We celebrate and honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for you, our veterans.
Related: Learn about the history of Veterans Day
(From the Mlitary.com website >> Veterans Day)
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| Jim & Susan |
"Susan and I spent a good part of yesterday and today handing out poppies and collecting donations for veterans."
~ Jim Below ~
Nice Job, Jim and Susan.
Still Serving!
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| Mike & Sharon Vreeland |
We have some WONDERFUL news to share.
CONGRATULATIONS to Mike & Sharon Vreeland!
Sharon retired 12/15/2023 and they got married 12/28/2023 before heading south to Florida.
We also understand Sharon likes the beach, so it sounds like their stay at Fiesta Key was the perfect honeymoon!!
Good thinking Mike! BTW – how was the Lobster Ruben?
Wishing them many, many years of happiness and safe travels!
Dale and I found ourselves traveling coast-to-coast (and back) this winter. Our first stop in Florida was that of Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness camping, then a short stint at Patrick Space Force Base. Our stay at Patrick was cut short by plans that required our presence in San Diego … some 2,500 miles away. Dale’s close friend (and bridesmaid of 47 years ago) passed in January, and a memorial ceremony was scheduled at the Miramar National Cemetery in mid-March. Fortunately, the trip presented opportunities to make stops along the way (westbound and eastbound) to see various family and friends. And by happenstance, we “drove through” the full solar eclipse on I-40 in western Arkansas.
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| An overhead solar array at the KOA/Lazydays near Tucson |
Regards,
Robi
https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/
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| Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina |
Editor’s Note: Fiesta Key RV Resort is an Encore RV Park in Long Key, FL, surrounded by the beautiful Gulf of Mexico ocean views and nearby Long Key State Park.
I have not posted to the Dogwood blog in a while so figured I would provide a quick update. During our snow birding this year we bought a week at Fiesta Key in late April figured ... Read More
Replacing “house” batteries
by Robi Robison
Murry the Mouse
by Mike Vreeland
This is a tale for the ages that we all may have to deal with. I had gone to 2 rallies – 1 in Elijay, Ga, and 1 in Sevierville TN when this tale begins. The 2 rallies were back-to-back so I travelled from GA to TN. When I returned to Ashland I noticed ...
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| Chiefland FL |
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| Kenny & Marsha |
We were pleased that the Tilmans and Alexanders joined us for BBQ a few weeks ago when we celebrated Kenny Thorpe’s birthday!
Click here for the Photo Album
Having fun in the sun❤ 🥰
Patty Kuiken
Hello Dogwood friends. Terry and I spent the month of February in Florida experiencing just what we have been missing all these years before we started our “Snow Bird” lifestyle. To many of you this is old hat but to some of us slow learners, it is an exciting and rewarding time.
As we started our trek down I-95 in jeans and jackets we had no idea how nice the weather would be and what new adventures we might experience in the upcoming weeks. The roads sure get better once you get to Georgia and gain the third lane on I-95. (PS South Carolina, you need to do some road work on your section.) There would be multiple Buc-ees visits as we traveled around the Florida country side and more sunny days than one could wish for.
Dell & Terry Tenney (Feb 2023)
Our first snowbirding trip to sunny Florida!
FINALLY, after several years of talking about it and wanting to, Dave and I packed up the RV, dewinterized it, and departed Virginia on Wed, Feb 8th heading for Florida! For those of you who didn’t know, Dave retired in Dec, setting us “free” and making this all possible! We took a leisurely trip south stopping in Lumberton, NC, Savannah, and St Augustine before arriving at Patrick Space Force Base (formerly known as Patrick Air Force Base) midday on Sat, the 11th. Jim gave us wonderfully detailed directions for getting through the gate and to the campground, so we looked like we knew what we were doing. The base does not take reservations so we were hoping they would have a site available for us. As we came thought the gate, another camper followed us in… we focused on Jim’s directions to make sure we did not make a wrong turn and Dave kept an eye on the camper behind us to make sure he didn’t get ahead of us and get to the campground first. Hey – all’s fair in love and first-come-first-served campgrounds .
