November 12 marks the official celebration of this holiday. It is celebrated by honoring both living and deceased members of the US Armed Services. Yesterday, our president and vice-president traveled to Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. If you have not visited Arlington National Cemetery as yet, you should do so and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The American people value the contributions of members of our Armed Services to the welfare of the country.
Monthly Archives: November 2012
Thanksgiving Day
Next week, Americans celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday. It is a time to literally give thanks for the past year’s blessings. Many Americans like to “pay it forward” on this day by working in soup kitchens or performing other charitable acts. Most gather with families and friends for a harvest dinner (like the first settlers did) followed by fellowship. The next day (Friday) many Americans have off from work and this day has become known as “Black Friday”, the official start of the holiday shopping season.
Our aupairs will join their families and friends to enjoy Thanksgiving with traditional foods as well as some ethnic additions. Enjoy!
Election Day
Our aupairs continue to watch the election process in the US as developments play out in the media. As residents of other countries, they might follow similar election processes, but none so “American” as ours.
Aupairs, this is a good time to discuss with older children how the election process in your country is similar or different from the process in the US. Perhaps you come from a country that has a king or a queen who never has to be elected or re-elected! Your countrymen probably vote for prime ministers or other officials. Discuss all of this with your host families as we all watch our election returns.