International Firefighters Day – 2014

By Terry Orr

International Firefighters’ Day is observed each year on 4th May. On this date you are invited to remember the past firefighters who have died while serving our community or dedicated their lives to protecting the safety of us all. At the same time, we can show our support and appreciation to the firefighters worldwide who continue to protect us so well throughout the year. (Source: http://www.firefightersday.org)  

“The role of a firefighter in today’s society – be it urban, rural, natural environment, volunteer, career, industrial, defence force, aviation, motor sport, or other is one of dedication, commitment and sacrifice – no matter what country we reside and work in. In the fire service we fight together against one common enemy – fire – no matter what country we come from, what uniform we wear or what language we speak.” - Lt JJ Edmondson, 1999

Did you know that May 4th is also the feast day of Saint Florian? According to legend, Saint Florian saved an entire burning village in Ancient Rome with a single bucket of water. He is the patron saint of chimney sweeps and firefighters, so it is fitting that we celebrate International Firefighters Day on this particular date. (Source: http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/international-firefighters-day)

Previous KISBYTO article on this subject can be found here

http://kisbyto.blogspot.com/2011/05/international-firefighters-day.html

National Military Appreciation Month

By Terry Orr

USN Retired

National Military Appreciation Month started as a simple idea; to gather America around its military family to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served and those now serving and to know the history behind it all. Subsequent formal legislation informs our service-members that their country has set aside an entire month to honor, remember and appreciate them. (Source: http://www.military.com/military-appreciation-month)

From the National Military Appreciation Month website www.nmam.org

Top Ten Ways to Support Our Military and Veterans!

1. Check out our Events Page for ideas on how to organize an event in your community (http://www.nmam.org/events.htm)
2. Fly the flag on your house, car, and/or business during May
3. Send a Care Package to a soldier through USOCARES (https://www.uso.org/OUCP-donation-page-with-partner.aspx?LangType=1033)
4. Ask your elected officials at all levels to recognize our Military
5. Adopt a Hero at Soldiers’ Angels (http://www.soldiersangels.org)
6. Encourage Libraries, Schools, and Organizations to participate in recognizing our Armed Forces
7. Ask Local Media (TV, Radio, Newspaper) to Feature NMAM
8. When you see a person in a military uniform, shake their hands and say: “Thank you for serving our Country”
9. Encourage Schools to Study American Military History during May
10. Hire a Veteran