Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states then others followed. It is now celebrated on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays).
Americans honor those who have lost their lives by visiting cemeteries, placing flags and flowers on graves, flying the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon, attending parades and participating in the “National Moment of Remembrance” at 3.00pm.
Children can be a part of Memorial Day too. Here are some links to children’s activities: http://sunniebunniezz.com/puzzles/memdykws.htm and http://sunniebunniezz.com/puzzles/memdymcr.htm.
On May 20th, au pairs met for their monthly meeting at Smoothie King at the Waugh Chapel Shopping Center. The girls enjoyed a healthy and nutritious drink that is made by mixing real fruit, nutrients and proteins in a blender, otherwise known as a Smoothie. This company has a genuine commitment to helping people live healthier lives through nutrition. Since the company was founded more than 30 years ago, it has expanded to offer a wide selection of healthy snacks and high quality nutritional products. We had the privilege of having a nutritionist, Linda Bourdelaise, speak with our au pairs about healthy eating habits and offered alternative snack ideas for children. In today’s high paced busy and hectic schedules, Linda suggested some great quick and easy ideas on what to give children to eat that will not fill them with empty calories. By providing children with pre-cut carrot sticks with ranch dip or peanut butter with apple slices our children are provided with good energy alternatives rather than the quick fix of offering cookies or fries.
Mother’s Day is celebrated each year in the U.S. on the second Sunday in May. 
