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Grateful for another amazing moment in life. My ever-expanding search for rewarding & fun work has taken me to the sunny shores of BVI. I was notified today I’ve been chosen to Coach/Mentor Branson Centre-of Entrepreneurship-Caribbean (BCoEC) Mentorship Programme. As long as reporting to the office means hitting the beach, I'm in.

Memorial Day 2017: Originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the USA. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day - while Waterloo N.Y. was declared the official birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson May 1966.

Regardless of the exact date/location of its origins – Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. Officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan (Nat’l Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic) , proclaimed “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land."

Thus, the “poppy” (in case you’re wondering why you are handed those little paper flowers which many display on their lapel or pocket.)

FYI: On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there.

It’s now observed in just about every state on the last Monday in May with Congressional passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971 which helped ensure a three day weekend.

Parting thoughts: Honor those who have given their lives so you can enjoy the freedoms you experience today. Life is short - what goes around, comes around. Be respectful. Never forget those who have gone before you especially in service to our great country.

A message of hope for everyone...be blessed this magnificent day and remember these words forever