Remembering Our Veterans on Veterans Day 11/11/11

Many people confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day; however, there is one very grave difference. Memorial Day remembers all those who gave their life in battle or succumbed to injury or illness attributed to their service. Veterans Day remembers all those who served during times of war and peace who are still with us.

It is astonishing the number of people who do not know why we celebrate Veterans Day or why it is the only national holiday other than Christmas, New Years and the 4^th of July that was not moved to a Monday to make a long weekend. First of all, holidays are not for the convenience of those celebrating/honoring them. Holidays have meaning and purpose.

Proponents of Veterans Day have fought long and hard to keep Veterans Day on November 11^th because its history is part of its celebration. It honors a bright light during a very dark time in world history. It is a moment all should remember. Unfortunately, today, some don’t know anything about it and some even pretend it never happened.

Veterans Day started as Armistice Day. Armistice Day marked the end of WWI. The western front battles ended at 11 am on 11/11/1918… the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” The end of the war to end all wars.

Many countries around the world celebrated it and declared it a national holiday. In 1938, legislation was passed making November 11^th a legal holiday to honor WWI vets and called it Armistice Day.

In 1954, after WWI & the Korean War. Veteran organizations urged congress to amend the Act of 1938 by renaming Armistice Day Veterans Day. The legislation was approved 6/1/1954, and allowed for the honoring of all American Veterans.

In 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill moved holidays to Mondays ensuring 3-day weekends for federal employees. However, many states refused to follow this bill and continued to celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, 2011. Under the new law, on October 25, 1971 Veterans Day was celebrated with much confusion. On September 20, 1975, President Ford returned Veterans Day to its 11/11 observance by signing it into law. Since 1978, Veterans Day has been observed on November 11^th.

Armistice Day remains a holiday in France & Belgium. It was changed to Remembrance Day in all British Commonwealth of Nations (Great Britain, Canada, Australia, etc.).

Many countries hold special ceremonies, commemorative events and parades with active duty military and veterans.

In times of peace, people often forget out Veterans and the struggles they face. Many claim they care for the well being of our service men & women. In times of war, many demand our military personnel be returned to American shores. People don’t understand being away from home, away from the US in some instances, is our military doing their job. It would be like telling a civilian to do their job but don’t show up for work to do it. Alas, I am always reminded of Dad’s words to Mom during the Viet Nam war…

Dad wrote these words to Mom back when he was in Viet Nam while she was pregnant with my older brother. Being in Rhode Island, which has always been a little anti-military, family and friends would press her for why Dad volunteered to join the US Navy at a time of war. She wrote to Dad with the same question. His response has echoed through my life whenever he has had to travel without us or whenever our military has had to do what they do best. He explained to her: he would rather go to foreign shores to fight those who wish to destroy our way of life… the American way of life… than have to fight them here on American soil. He would rather go there, possibly lose his life and never see his unborn child or his wife and family again, knowing he did all he could to protect our country, our way of life and the future of Americans including his wife and unborn child, hoping that child would never see the devastation of war here in the United States… on American soil.

Demands are made for cuts in defense spending constantly; yet, so many don’t realize a great deal of defense cuts come in the form of cutting veterans programs, health care and such.

Veterans’ health care is a prime example of why the federal government should not meddle in health care. Many veterans struggle with adjusting back to life outside a war zone. Many veterans struggle to adjust after life long careers in the armed forces. Many veterans struggle with physical handicaps, results of injuries of war. Many struggle with mental handicaps acquired on the battlefield, but are not so readily seen by others. Many veterans suffer illness from exposure to chemical and biological weapons, and in some cases, these weapons are used by our own government in the forms of vaccines, which are suppose to protect military personnel, defoliating herbicides, as is the case of Agent Orange, and other chemicals and such by the enemy. Documented illnesses the federal government refuses to recognize.

Nearly 30 years after Viet Nam, the federal government finally recognized diabetes among Viet Nam veterans exposed to Agent Orange were higher than normal and attributed these findings to Agent Orange. However, the federal government has yet to make the same connection for Graves Disease, heart disease and cancer. Veterans of the Gulf War, too, are having difficulty getting the federal government to recognize service-related illnesses.

The reason… money. It is costly to treat the service-related illnesses. It is better, I suppose, in the eyes of the government, to allow these brave men and women to die of illnesses received while fighting for the freedoms of all Americans than to spend the money on their care. It is a grave warning to all who support the socialist agenda of government funded health care. I have been to the VA hospitals. I have witnessed the waiting these men and women are put through. I have first hand knowledge of the war they still fight, this time with our own government, just to be compensated for what happened to them many years ago. Viet Nam veterans are the fastest, youngest dieing veterans. Why? Because the government refuses to acknowledge them and the lasting effects of Agent Orange. These brave veterans are not counted in the casualties of a war lost in Washington DC. Contrary to popular belief, the United States was winning the Viet Nam war until Washington DC started caving to whiny protesters. Now, as these veterans age into their 60s, they are being abandoned, once again by their government who would rather they die of their war-related illnesses than offer them the health care they so rightly deserve.

Gulf War veterans are now experiencing similar issues in dealing with the government trying to get the proper care for what has become known as Gulf War Syndrome, a condition the US Government either doesn’t know what causes it or has decided to keep it under wraps. It is sometimes thought that Saddam Hussein used chemical/biological weapons against our veterans, but one has to wonder if it was not our own government since they refuse to acknowledge it.

On this Veterans Day, we honor all veterans from war and peace time. It’s been 93 years since that 1^st Armistice Day. The day that ended the war to end all wars.

Obviously, the title didn’t bear true, as we approach the 70^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and we recently remembered the 10^th anniversary of the September 11^th attacks. It has been a mere 58 & 38 years since the end of the Korean and Viet Nam wars, respectively. It has been 20 years since the end of the Gulf War.

The future does not look as if it will bring peace anytime soon; so, we continue to honor our veterans. We owe them our lives, our way of life and our freedom. We owe them so much more than we could ever repay.

Lest we forget

So, this Veterans Day, and everyday, when you see a veteran or one of our brave men or women in uniform, go up to them and thank them for their sacrifices. When you see a red poppy on a lapel remember this…

In Flanders Fields

by Lt. Col. John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

The following is a list of websites for information and/or donation. If you would like to offer assistance to our veterans or if you are, or you know, a veteran, who needs assistance, please visit these sites…

1. www.DAV.org Disabled American Veterans: they are usually available at the VA hospitals. Every veteran should contact the DAV for support even if you do not need them at the moment. They can help you file any necessary paperwork to make claims for illnesses and help you file for benefits. They also help spouses.
2. www.TheVeteransSupport.org The Veterans Support: helps veterans pay utility bills, rent, mortgage & provide housing assistance for homeless vets.
3. www.TheVeteransSite.com
4. www.woundedheroes.org
5. www.gulfwarvets.com Great site for info on Gulf War Syndrome
6. www.veteranstoday.com & www.veteranstoday.com/2010/08/08/link-between-graves-disease-and-agent-orange/
7. www.nvlsp.org National Veteran Legal Services Program: great resources on this site including information on Ischemic Heart Disease in Viet Nam veterans.
8. www.veteransandfamilies.org provides info, support and assistance for transitioning from military to civilian life.
9. www.freedomisnotfree.com aids wounded service members, their families and the families of the fatally wounded.
10. www.ptsd.va.gov the official VA site for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
11. www.ptsdhelp.net network of help for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
12. www.patriotpaws.org provides dog training, service dogs for disabled American veterans
13. www.vetdogs.org dogs helping vets
14. www.hero-dogs.org/veterans.html service dogs for America’s heroes
15. www.va.gov the official site of the Veterans Administration

Rosaries for Veterans Day

This week's featured rosaries are in line with Veterans Day, Friday, November 11th. These rosaries are popular with our military personnel, past and present and their families. They feature the Camo Rosaries and the In God We Trust God Bless America Rosary.

Desert Camo Yellow Ribbon Rosary

The Camo Rosaries

The Camo Rosaries began as a dedication to the US Armed Forces. Being a US Air Force brat, I always try to remember our military personnel. I searched for beads that were similar to the fatigues worn by military personnel.

The Desert camo version mimics the sand with the gemstone Picture Jasper. This gemstone's brown, tan and cream earth tones gives the impression of sandy expanses and rocky mountains.

The Woodland camo version uses a gemstone known as Camo Stone (TM). Camo Stone, also known as Kambaba Jasper. Kambaba Jasper is a new name given to an old stone, Green Stromatolite Jasper. It is a sedimentary stone formed from blue-green algae, sand and debris that has fossilized. Rhyolite forms from volcanic rock that cools slowly. It features a mix of deep rich green, reminiscent of a mossy forest floor, and black patterned tones which make it ideal for use by jewelry makers in making military uniform inspired jewelry. Some patterns feature hints of a warm salmon or brown color. The color pattern varies per bead. Kambaba Jasper, Green Stromatolite Jasper, Camo Stone is sold under many different names, depending on who the seller is marketing to. My supplier sells it under both Camo Stone and Kambaba Jasper.

Woodland Camo Yellow Ribbon Rosary

The ribbon centers are handmade lead free pewter especially made for these rosaries by an artisan in Florida, who is originally from Rhode Island. He makes and sells charms, but designed these for me when I asked. Each is enameled with either yellow or black.

Each rosary comes with the buyers choice of St. Christopher medal. St. Christopher is the protector of travelers and one of the patron saints of US military personnel, as they travel across the world protecting and defending freedom. The medal is available in USAF, USMC, USN & USArmy. Unfortunately, I could not locate one for the USCG, the National Guard or the Merchant Marines. The medal is attached to the yellow or black ribbon center. 

Desert Camo POW/MIA Rosary

Each of the rosaries also feature lampwork clear glass beads with yellow or black ribbons for the Our Father/Lord's Prayer Pater Noster beads.

The rosary is available with yellow ribbons for active duty and veterans.

The rosary is available with black ribbons for POW, MIA and veterans who were either of those or who wish to remember those who were/are.

To complete the rosary, a Papal crucifix is used.

Upon request, the ribbon Our Father beads can be substituted for either the Picture Jasper/Desert Camo beads or the Camo Stone/Woodland Camo beads. They then would come with a silver plated bead cap at either ends of the beads to distinguish them from the Hail Mary beads.

Woodland Camo POW/MIA Rosary

These rosaries have become almost as popular as the cancer and health rosaries.

Upon many occasion, I have heard back from customers who were buying them for military family members to give to them before they leave for duty. In some cases, they were sent to them. My only hope is the rosaries bring their owners peace in a time of war and uncertainty.

In God We Trust God Bless America Rosary
One Nation Under God
EXCLUSIVELY crafted by Robyn!

In God We Trust God Bless America Rosary

This rosary is popular with just about everyone. It has become one of the favorites of our military personnel.

This meaningful rosary came to be after much news of stripping the United States of its religious background. When lawsuits flared demanding the "One nation under God" be removed from the Pledge of Allegiance and "In God We Trust" be removed from our currency.

In all this, this rosary offers hope!

It calls on the powerful intercessions of Mary, Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ, under her name the Immaculate Conception, and St. Michael the Archangel, who defends us in battle.

In 1847, the Bishops of the United States requested permission from the Holy Father, Pope Pius IX, to declare the Blessed Virgin Mary as patroness of the United States under the title of “The Immaculate Conception.” This title reflects Mary's privilege of being free from Original Sin. Mother Mary, therefore, under the title The Immaculate Conception, is the patron saint of the United States.

St. Michael the Archangel is known as our defender against evil. It is he will defend us against those who are against God.

When our country is in dire need, we call upon St. Mary, the Immaculate Conception, and St. Michael the Archangel to intercede for us with our heavenly Father.  In the same way people ask others to pray to God for us, we ask Sts. Mary & Michael to do the same. So, the center is a large, highly detailed statuette of the Immaculate Conception, and attached at the bottom is a medal of St. Michael the Archangel.

The Immaculate Conception center, with her eyes cast downward, reminds us Mary is our mother in heaven, a powerful intercessor, who offers a “look of protection” upon her children and her nation.

The St. Michael the Archangel medal shows St. Michael winning the battle with evil & features the words "Pray for us" on the reverse.

Full Rosary

This striking rosary when held from the middle of the third decade is inspired by the United States flag! Beads reflect the rich blue “field” with dazzling crystal AB “stars” and alternating deep ruby red and more crystal AB “stripes”.

This rosary sings out God Bless America!

It reminds us we are "One Nation Under God"!

It confirms "In God We Trust"!

Holy Trinity Crucifix

The unique greatly detailed crucifix features the Holy Trinity: God the Father holding God the Son along with God the Holy Spirit. On the reverse is the Four Basilicas of Rome…St Peter, St Paul, St Mary Major and St John Lataran.

Our Father Beads

The Our Father, Lord's Prayer, Pater Noster beads are while glass based pearls with a silver plated red enameled Cloisonne inlaid bead cap on one side and a silver plated blue enameled Cloisonne inlaid bead cap on the other side.

Again, representing the colors of the United States and her flag.

 May God bless our troops!

New Items Added to Addoway Store

I am happy to announce I am adding some of my photographic prints to the store.

I probably will not add all of my prints to the store, but I will try to offer the religious themed ones. The selection will be limited to those prints that will fit the 5x7 print size.

Watermarks, obviously, will not be on the print you receive.

If you find a print you like and would like it in a bigger size, please feel free to contact me, and I will check to see if I can get it in that size.

I am using a commercial photograph printer for these prints.
They will be in a matte finish only, unless you request them in a glossy finish.
The prints will be ready for your matting and framing.

These are the same prints available on my artist website, Robyn Stacey Fine Art, featured on my homepage under "My Other Storefronts". The selection is bigger and prints are available in a multitude of sizes, papers and finishes. The prints are available on canvas, as prints, as prints framed with your choice of frames and as greeting cards. Greeting cards, which are accompanied by envelopes, are available for purchase individually as well as in multiples of 25.

Here are some of the prints I have added...

This is yet a small sample of what I have added and what I plan to add in the near future. Please feel free to visit my store to see more.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a quick glance at some of the artwork I have added. I will, hopefully, add more soon.

Please comment and share with your friends and family on facebook & twitter.

Thanks & God bless... Robyn

All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day & All Souls Day

In light of the upcoming celebrations of All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day and All Souls Day…

Halloween has a dual origin. It takes its name from its Christian origins. Most popular is the Celtic celebration of the Celtic New Year. The Celtic New Year was about November 1^st. They believed on the last day of the year, which would then be October 31^st, the lord of death, Samhain, let souls roam the earth. Those who had sinned in life were imprisoned in animals. They could be released by gifts to Samhain, these gifts included human sacrifices. In addition to these souls, evil spirits – demons, witches, etc. – also roamed the earth on this day. It was believed you could dress like them to “blend” in; hence, they would not bother you.

Hearths were extinguished on this Celtic New Year as well. A communal bonfire was held on New Year’s on a hilltop, from which lanterns (gourds) were lit, much like jack-o-lanterns are now, to bring the fire home to re-light the hearth. The bonfire symbolized the driving away of evil spirits with the coming of the New Year.

Today, it is believed, erroneously, the Celtic New Year was called Samhain and pagans celebrating this Celtic New Year will wish others “Happy Samhain”. However, it is merely the celebration of New Year’s and New Year’s eve not the celebration of the lord of death; so, it is unrealistic that the ancient Druids would have wished people a “Happy lord of death”.
 

Guy Fawkes (1570 - Jan 1606)                                   Guy Fawkes mask

Interestingly, England does still celebrate this time of year with bonfires, but it is not Halloween or Samhain they commemorate. Instead, they commemorate the execution of Guy Fawkes, an English Catholic, who with other Catholics attempted to overthrow the king of England to end Catholic persecution by the king. The British celebrate by sending children out with an effigy of Guy Fawkes, collecting money door to door as American children go trick-or-treating for candy, in preparation for the bonfire. The bonfire is held as a communal event where everyone gathers to watch the bonfire as it is lit, now with the effigy of Guy Fawkes on top. It is unclear why the figure of Guy Fawkes is set ablaze, as this is not how he was executed. He was tortured; then, he jumped to his death before he was able to be hung. Three of his conspirators were hung, drawn and quartered. Fawkes escaped the hanging part, as he broke his neck and died from the jump. While in England living in Bury St Edmunds before Dad got base housing at RAF Lakenheath, we attended at least one of these celebrations. Many know Guy Fawkes from the mask used in the movie V for Vendetta.

In Christianity, All Hallows’ Eve is the night before All Hallows’. Hallow means holy; so, All Hallows’ Eve means, simply, All Holys' Eve. It is merely the night before All Hallows’ or All Holys’ Day, commonly known as All Saints Day. All Saints Day is the honoring of all holy people who have died.

As early as the 1^st century, people began honoring the people who they thought were holy, most importantly, those who were martyred for their Christian faith. At the time, these holy people were honored on “feast” days, which was the day of their earthly death, but eternal birth. During the 3^rd & 4^th century, Diocletian persecuted & executed so many Christians, the dates & names became too many. On May 13, 609, Pope Bonafice IV consecrated the Roman Pantheon as a temple of the Blessed Virgin and All Martyrs. Pope Gregory III (731-741) commemorated the feast of All Saints at St Peters on November 1^st. Pope Gregory IV (827-844) extended the feast of All Saints to the entire Church.

It remains a holy day and feast day commemorating & honoring all saints and holy people to this day in the Catholic Church.

All Souls Day began in a German monastery on October 1^st during the 900s. St Odilio of Cluny’s patronage spread the celebration to other monasteries, then to dioceses. In 1915, Pope Benedict XV granted the observances of Masses. All Souls Day, also known as the Day of the Dead in some countries, is observed throughout the world by Catholics. It is a day you remember and pray for loved ones who have passed, as well as all those souls who have gone before us. It is a special time to honor their memory and offer prayers for their souls.

Because of the dates of All Saints Day and the Celtic New Year, customs of both have melded together when Christians went to Celtic areas – England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland & Brittany (NW France). Initially, the Christians tried to move the New Year’s eve celebration to the original October 1^st celebration of All Souls Day to move it away from All Saints Day, but the old Celts continued to celebrate it on October 31^st. This led the Christians to try to incorporate it into Christian teaching.

Today, Catholic celebrations of All Hallows’ Eve are held in family and/or parish gatherings where children, as well as some adults, dress up as a saint or holy person such as the pope, Mother Teresa, St Francis of Assisi, any of the holy people named in the Bible, etc. Christians include elements that honor the Christian origins of All Hallows’ Eve & All Saints Day.

So... to one and all, may you have a very blessed All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. May all the saints pray for you and your intentions, and may the souls of those who have gone before us rest in peace.
God bless… Robyn

Customized Sterling Silver Rosaries

Keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas!

OK, folks...

I have checked the unsuccessful search report. I have noticed some folks searching for Sterling Silver rosaries. I do not have them up on the webstore yet (www.sacredheartblessings.com), but hope to soon. I do have some up in the Bonanzle Booth (www.bonanzle.com/booths/sacredheartrosaries).

In keeping with the CHRISTmas theme, here are some CHRISTmas sterling silver sets you can personalize with the color beads you wish...

(photos of items are representative of actual rosary parts.
Differences in color are due to photos take at different times.)
Crucifix with St Nicholas center.
To purchase, click image.

(photos of items are representative of actual rosary parts.
Differences in color are due to photos take at different times.)
Crown Crucifix with St Nicholas center.
To purchase, click image.

For more sterling silver sets, please click here...
Sterling Silver Customizable Rosary Sets

Order Now for CHRISTmas!

Let's KEEP CHRIST in CHRISTmas!

If you are looking for that special, unique CHRISTmas gift, look no further.

There are CHRISTmas rosaries and rosaries you can design yourself for that special person to make the gift even more special, unique and personal! There are several CHRISTmas rosaries at www.sacredheartblessings.com and at our booth on Bonanzle at www.bonanzle.com/booths/sacredheartrosaries

This is a beautiful rosary I have available on Bonanzle. I hope to get it listed in the webstore soon. It features matching rhodium plated center and crucifix with red enamel, silver plated rose beads for the "Our Father"/Pater beads and glass based Red and Green pearls alternated. It is absolutely gorgeous in person! You can purchase it here... Green Red Enamel Pearl Christmas Rose Rosary

You can also purchase the following gift items from the webstore...

Advent Calender Flexibel Magnet for your Fridge

Keep Christ in Christmas Kneeling Santa Flexible Magnet for your car, truck, suv

Also available...
Adoring Santa / Kneeling Santa Tote Bag
Adoring Santa / Kneeling Santa Flameless LED Candle
Advent Candles Flameless LED Votive Christmas Candle
The Real Story of St Nicholas Booklet compiled by me

Are you looking for an Advent Rosary? How about this one...
The rosary is set up like an Advent Wreath...
1st decade... purple glass based pearl
2nd decade... purple glass based pearl
3rd decade... pink glass based pearl
4th decade... purple glass based pearl
5th decade... white (for the Christmas Candle)
The "Our Father"/Pater beads are white opalesque lampwork beads with a pink rose on each side
Holy Family Center with Papal Crucifix
Click photo to purchase.

New Items

Hi, y'all!

There are new categories and new items! All have been added over the past several days.

Come visit us to see all the new items!

Hopefully, there will be more new items in the near future, as there will be a few more rosaries including one decade rosaries added soon.

If you are starting your Christmas shopping, you will find some nice gift items in the new "GIFT" category. To help navigate the category, there are several subcategories!

Come on over and check out all the new items by clicking the link below...
Sacred Heart Blessings new gift items