Heather Hayes. M.Ed., LPC, CAI’s Post

Memorial Day is one of the most important days we recognize as citizens of the United States of America. This quote by Harry S. Truman helps us understand that it is our duty to reflect on and express our gratitude for the service of those who have fought to protect our rights and freedoms. Many individuals have given their lives to enshrine the daily comforts and feelings of happiness we are able to enjoy, and we should never take this for granted. Originally, this day celebrated the end of the Civil War, but it now acts as a solemn reminder of all that we have fought for as a nation throughout our proud history: freedom, liberty, democracy, and fairness. Pausing regular life to remember the sacrifices of those who came before and celebrating all that we have yet to do as a great nation is one small way to show our understanding of the complex and painful histories we represent as a nation. When so much of the world is experiencing so much grief, we owe it to ourselves to reflect on our own past and all that we have worked together to protect and provide for the citizens of the United States. This Memorial Day, as we enjoy the beginning of summer, let us also solemnly consider our ongoing responsibility to uphold and fight for those values that comprise this beautiful country: freedom, fairness, and equality for all. #memorialday #freedom #equalityforall

As Memorial Day approaches, let's ensure our tributes are respectful and meaningful. Here's what NOT to say in your Memorial Day post: --Avoid trivializing the day with phrases like "Happy Memorial Day." It's a time for solemn reflection, not celebration. --Don't make it about sales or promotions. This day is about honoring the sacrifices of our fallen heroes, not shopping discounts. --Refrain from self-promotion or using the day to boost your own agenda. Keep the focus on honoring those who served. --Avoid political statements or divisive rhetoric. Memorial Day transcends politics; it's about unity and gratitude. --Don't forget the families of the fallen. Acknowledge their loss and the ongoing impact of their loved one's sacrifice. Let's honor Memorial Day with the dignity and respect it deserves. #MemorialDay #RespectfulRemembrance

🎆 The History of the Fourth of July: Celebrating Independence and Resilience 🇺🇸 As we gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, it’s essential to reflect on the history and significance of this monumental day. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of the United States of America and its separation from British rule. The Declaration, primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson, was a bold assertion of the colonies' desire for freedom and self-governance. It laid the foundation for a nation built on principles of liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. Over the years, the Fourth of July has become a day of unity and celebration, filled with fireworks, parades, and gatherings. It's a time to honor the bravery and vision of our Founding Fathers, as well as the countless individuals who have contributed to the nation's growth and success. At Walker Capital Partners, we recognize the importance of independence and resilience, values that are deeply ingrained in our nation's history and spirit. As we enjoy the festivities, let's also remember the significance of this day and the enduring strength it symbolizes. Wishing everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July! 🇺🇸 #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay #AmericanHistory #WalkerCapitalPartners #Liberty #Resilience

Remembering is more than not Forgetting. “Without Memorial Day, there is no other holiday.” Joe Mantegna   Let that quote sink in. There is a complex irony to the celebration of Memorial Day. It is an irony that requires reflection to be appreciated.  Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and represented a haphazard way to honor American war dead by placing flowers upon their graves.  The evolution into Memorial Day transformed it into a celebration that looks simultaneously at the sadness of past ultimate sacrifice and the hope of a future pleasant summer of joy. With its combination of sadness and joy, past and future It defines perspective. Our Republic is going through a time of troubles. We have done so in the past. By nature, young people live in the present. Their lives are filled with activities driven by compliance and mollified by the need to establish independence. The process of teaching, interaction, and experience that parenting and educational institutions create is by and large less an environment in which the energy of the present can be channeled to benefit from the expertise of the past to help create the better future. The abdication of this responsibility to a commitment to mediocrity of thought amplified by assigning no implications to actions is a sign of social rust. So, as we celebrate this Memorial Day, let the gratitude for the sacrifices of the past that allow us to craft a better future abound. It is more of a responsibility than a gift.

To most of us, this holiday marks a three-day weekend, the beginning of summer, and various traditions. However, few are aware of the true significance of Memorial Day. Here are some interesting and surprising facts about this holiday: #MemorialDay #American #History

To most of us, this holiday marks a three-day weekend, the beginning of summer, and various traditions. However, few are aware of the true significance of Memorial Day. Here are some interesting and surprising facts about this holiday: #MemorialDay #American #History

"All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope." #coachingforwomen #LeadershipCoaching #CareerAdvancement #careerconfidence #womenintech #womeninbusiness #SacredTime #careercoaching #careerplanning #FindingCareerSatisfaction #womenempowerment #leadershipdevelopment #executivecoaching

An observation for this Presidents’ Day: My friend asked me where we draw the line on taking down the monuments of former/current heroes. Do we take down the monuments of all of the slaveholding Presidents? My answer is: Let’s talk about it. Every early President didn’t own slaves; neither John Adams nor John Quincy Adams owned slaves because they didn’t agree with the practice. SEE? Slavery wasn’t just a thing that everybody went along with like an inevitability. Some people said, “That’s a no for me, dawg.”  There is space between pulling down every statue of a slave-owning President and pretending that they were all angels. Each of them was a fallible person. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence based on the universal rights of man while holding more than 600 people as slaves, while having children with an enslaved girl of minor age. Maybe in the space between angel and devil we can find a way to appreciate the good deeds of some of these men and condemn their failings that we are still paying for today. Do you get a statue? Sure. Maybe the statue also mentions that you were a slaveholder. Maybe the schools you built offer free tuition to the descendants of your enslaved people. There is a lot of space and we should talk inside that space. We’re all old enough to know that no one is all good or all bad; that also applies to national heroes. For your convenience, here is a list of US Presidents who owned slaves at some point in their adult lives: George Washington Thomas Jefferson James Madison James Monroe Andrew Jackson Martin Van Buren William Henry Harrison John Tyler James K. Polk Zachary Taylor Andrew Johnson Ulysses S. Grant (Not Grant! Yes, his wife had control of 4 slaves during the Civil War. She freed them after the Emancipation Proclamation) Below is a picture of Hannah Jackson, a woman enslaved by Pres. Andrew Jackson. She might not think he was so great. Image from Wikipedia

Today, we honor the anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States and the invitation of freedom to all Americans. #FreedomDay Learn more about the significance of Juneteenth https://buff.ly/3MThhq6

As we approach Memorial Day weekend, I want to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this day. Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and dedication remind us of the true cost of freedom and the importance of unity and resilience. Lessons Learned: Sacrifice: The selflessness shown by our fallen heroes teaches us the value of putting others before ourselves. Resilience: Despite challenges, we must stay strong and committed to our goals, much like those who served our nation. Unity: In times of hardship, coming together as a community is crucial. Let’s support one another and foster a culture of collaboration and respect. What to Remember: Honor and Respect: Always keep in mind the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. Show respect and gratitude for their service. Reflection and Gratitude: Use this day to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and express gratitude to those who protect them. Commitment to Values: Uphold the values of integrity, dedication, and service in all aspects of life, both personally and professionally. Wishing everyone a peaceful and reflective Memorial Day weekend. Let’s remember and honor those who have given everything for our freedom. #MemorialDay #Leadership #RememberAndHonor Thoughtwave Software and Solutions #LessonsLearned