Memorial Day
Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, has been recognized in the United States since the 1860s. It was first called Decoration Day because family and friends decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers. Memorial Day First Associated with Civil War Until the 1900s, Memorial Day reminded everyone of the sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the Civil War. General John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, asked people to honor Civil War soldiers on May 30, 1868. At Arlington National Cemetery, citizens placed flowers on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. Honors All Veterans As America took part in other wars, Memorial Day became a day to honor our brave soldiers from World War I and all the wars since...
Read MoreCinco de Mayo
Did you know … Cinco de Mayo means “fifth of May.” It is a day celebrated in both Mexico and the United States. Battle of Puebla This celebration remembers the Battle of Puebla. When French soldiers invaded Puebla, Mexico, the Mexican army won the battle. The battle happened on May 5, 1862, or on Cinco de Mayo in 1862. Celebrations in Mexico Puebla and other parts of Mexico observe this day with military parades. Performers recreate the battle. For many other Mexicans, Cinco de Mayo is a normal work day. Celebrations in the United States Celebrations in the United States honor the Mexican culture with parades. They host parties serving traditional Mexican food such as tacos. The Mexican Hat Dance The Mexican Hat Dance is a folk dance that uses a...
Read MoreMother’s Day
In America, setting aside a special day to remember and honor mothers began around 1870. Mother’s Day First Celebrated on June 2nd About five years after the Civil War ended, Julia Ward Howe wanted a day set aside to celebrate mothers and peace. Mother’s Day was first celebrated on June 2nd. Eighteen American cities celebrated Mother’s Day in 1873, but it didn’t become an annual celebration. Women’s Group in West Virginia Anna Reeves Jarvis took Julia’s idea and began a women’s group. Anna wanted to gather families and friends who had been separated by the Civil War, so she and her friends started what they called Mother’s Friendship Day. Mother’s Day Becomes a Tradtion After Anna died, her daughter, Anna M....
Read MoreEaster
Did you know … Easter celebrates Jesus’ resurrection (rising from the dead) on Sunday morning after dying on a cross. Christians love this day because it reminds us that Jesus died to save us from our sins. The stone is rolled away Mary Magdalene and two other women went to Jesus’ tomb after sunrise on Sunday morning to anoint His body. They didn’t know how they were going to roll the heavy stone away from his tomb. To their surprise, the stone was rolled away. Jesus’ body was missing, but an angel told them Jesus had risen and to tell the disciples. Mary Magdalene is the first to talk to Jesus Mary ran to tell the disciples. Peter and John searched the empty tomb and then went home. Mary was very upset and started to cry. Then Jesus...
Read MoreGood Friday
Did you know … Most schools close for Good Friday, which comes the same weekend as Easter Sunday for a great reason. Good Friday is the day Jesus, God’s Son, died on a cross. He rose from the dead three days later on Easter Sunday. Lord’s Supper Jesus ate his last supper Thursday evening. All twelve of the disciples ate this special meal with Him, including Peter, James, and John. Judas Iscariot was also there but left early to betray Jesus. Garden of Gethsemane Jesus took Peter, James, and John to pray at the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas betrayed Jesus there and soldiers arrested Him. Pilate does not think Jesus is guilty After the chief priests and elders decided Jesus deserved to die for claiming to be God’s Son, they took...
Read MoreSt. Patrick was not Irish
Did you know … In 387 AD, Maewyn Succat, who later became known as St. Patrick, was born to Roman parents in Kilpatrick, Scotland. Ireland was called Hibernia in those days. Kidnapped Raiders from Hibernia kidnapped Maewyn when he turned sixteen. Miliuc bought him as a slave to tend his sheep. For six years, Maewyn lived a difficult life as a shepherd. He learned to speak Gaelic, the Irish language. He prayed to God many times. Sometimes he prayed all night. He became a strong Christian. Maewyn escapes One day a voice told him that he would soon return home. He walked 200 miles to the sea and boarded a ship. Eventually he went to France and became a priest. After he became a bishop, the pope gave him a new name, Patricius, Latin for Patrick. Go back to...
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If it’s in the Bible, The Pirate Preacher knows the story. Monday nights he leads a “Jesus Study” in Moore Square, Raleigh, NC. Each Sunday you will find him in the park and at the bus station helping others enjoy the abundant life Jesus promised.
The Pirate Preacher helped launch Christian Devotions Ministries and is the former CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, a Christian book publishing company. He’s also a “Blessed Selling” author and Writers’ Coach.
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Jehovah Jireh: The Incredible Provider — A super Hero Graphic Novel
