Tag: Traditions & Holidays

Happy Columbus Day (Indigenous Peoples Day) 2022

(Greg Adomaitis | For NJ.com)SJN

Columbus Day is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, and Columbus Day 2019 is on Monday, October 11, 2022. It was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century, but did not become a federal holiday until 1937. For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus’ achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage. But throughout its history, Columbus Day and the man who inspired it have generated controversy, and many alternatives to the holiday have proposed since the 1970s including Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Indigenous Peoples Day

The image of Christopher Columbus as an intrepid hero has also been called into question. Upon arriving in the Bahamas, the explorer and his men forced the native peoples they found there into slavery. Later, while serving as the governor of Hispaniola, he allegedly imposed barbaric forms of punishment, including torture.

In many Latin American nations, the anniversary of Columbus’ landing has traditionally been observed as the Dìa de la Raza (“Day of the Race”), a celebration of Hispanic culture’s diverse roots. In 2002, Venezuela renamed the holiday Dìa de la Resistencia Indìgena (“Day of Indigenous Resistance”) to recognize native peoples and their experience.

Here is everything you need to know about what’s open and what’s closed on Columbus Day 2022.

Is Columbus Day a federal holiday?

Columbus Day is a state and federal holiday. It’s the eighth of 11 federal holidays, with Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas to follow.

The only state that doesn’t consider Columbus Day a holiday is Hawaii. The second Monday in October is referred to as Discoverers’ Day instead, but it is not a state holiday in Hawaii.

Is there mail delivery on Columbus Day 2022? Does the mail run?

There will be no mail delivered on Columbus Day, but FedEx and UPS will still be making deliveries.

Is the post office open on Columbus Day 2022?

United States Postal Service offices will be closed.

Are banks open on Columbus Day?

The only major bank chain planning to remain open is TD Bank.

Source: Katherine Rodriguez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

4th of July Crossword Puzzle

Fourth of July Fireworks for Independence Day

The Fourth of July is also called Independence Day. It is a federal holiday. Schools, banks, post offices, and government offices are closed on the Fourth of July. The Fourth of July is our most important national holiday because it celebrates the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence announced America’s independence from Britain. It was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thomas Jefferson was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence.

 

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Source: https://www.elcivics.com/esl_fourth_of_july.html

ANZAC DAY April25

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”.  Here are some photos of these warriors in action.

Australian troops travelling in an M113 armoured personnel carrier (APC), provide protection for East Timorese firefighters, the Bombeiros, as they attempt to put out a major fire lit by fueding ...

Australian troops travelling in an M113 armoured personnel carrier (APC), provide protection for East Timorese firefighters

The cross of Long Tan, Vietnam 2013. During the Vietnam War, 108 Australian soldiers stood against some 1,500 to 2,500 Vietnamese forces near the village of Long Tan.  The enemy forces were soundly defeated.

The body of Private Michael (Mick) Alwyn Bourke, 1 RAR, is farewelled at a ceremony at Tan Son Nhut airbase before being flown back to Australia. Just weeks after arriving in Vietnam, 1RAR suffered its first casualties when Private William Carroll’s grenade pin caught and released as he leaped off a truck after the battalion’s first operation. The subsequent explosion killed Carroll, Privates Mick Bourke and Arie Van Valen, and an American, Private First Class D. Pierson.

The body of Private Michael (Mick) Alwyn Bourke, 1 RAR, is farewelled at a ceremony at Tan Son Nhut airbase before being flown back to Australia.

Several unidentified Australian soldiers lie strapped to their stretchers in a tiered formation inside a RAAF Hurcules aircraft, whilst two nurses check on them prior to their flight to either Saigon or Butterworth for recuperation. All personnel are unidentified. 1966

Several unidentified Australian soldiers lie strapped to their stretchers in a tiered formation inside a RAAF Hurcules aircraft, whilst two nurses check on them prior to their flight to either Saigon or Butterworth for recuperation. All personnel are unidentified. 1966

 

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be held at the RSA Memorial at the Manukau Memorial Gardens on August 21.

Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates 37 dead Kiwi soldiers

Tracker Dog by Peter Haran- A true Australian Vietnam War Story

The Australian Tracker Dog Unit in the Vietnam war

No. 9 Squadron RAAF Iroquois in Vietnam.

No. 9 Squadron RAAF Iroquois helicopter in Vietnam.

Members of the Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA) firing an M2A2 Howitzer

Members of the Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA) firing an M2A2 Howitzer.

 

I wanted to post these photos to honor those men and women from Australia and New Zealand who fought to defend the South Vietnamese people against the communists from the north.

 On this Anzac Day:   Salute !

 

 

Conversation Questions: Valentine’s Day

mantelligence.com

  • What is Valentine’s Day?
  • What is the origin of Valentine’s Day? (Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day?)
  • Is Valentine’s Day celebrated in your country?
  • How is Valentine’s Day celebrated in the United States?
  • How do children celebrate Valentine’s Day in school?
  • What do you usually do for Valentine’s Day?
  • What do you plan on doing this Valentine’s Day?
  • Do you make any special food for Valentine’s Day?
  • On Valentine’s Day, is it more common for men to give gifts to women or for women to give gifts to men?
  • What are common gifts that people give on Valentine’s Day?
  • What is your favorite Valentine’s Day memory?
  • What is your Valentine’s dream? If you could do anything or receive anything on Valentine’s Day, what would it be?
  • Do you know anyone that has become engaged or married on Valentine’s Day?
  • Would you want to get engaged or married on a holiday? Why or why not?
  • What is a “valentine”?
  • Have you ever gotten a valentine or love letter on Valentine’s Day?
  • What is Valentine’s Day like for singles? (What do single people do on Valentine’s Day?)
  • Do you think Valentine’s Day makes single people feel lonely?
  • Do you think Valentine’s Day is too commercial or consumerist?
  • What is your favorite kind of Valentine’s Day chocolate?
    • Do you prefer milk, dark, or white chocolate?
    • Do you like nuts or caramels in your chocolates?
  • What are common gifts that people give?
  • Do you know anyone that has gotten engaged or married on Valentine’s Day?

Source: http://iteslj.org/

ESL Fourth of July Lesson

Fourth of July Fireworks for Independence Day

by http://www.elcivics.com

The Fourth of July is also called Independence Day. It is a federal holiday. Schools, banks, post offices, and government offices are closed on the Fourth of July. The Fourth of July is our most important national holiday because it celebrates the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence announced America’s independence from Britain. It was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thomas Jefferson was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence. (3 pages)

Fourth of July CalendarWhen is Independence Day?
It is on July 4th.It is also called the Fourth of July.
Declaration of IndependenceWhy is it an important day?
It is an important day because it is the day the American colonies declared their independence from Britain.
Thomas Jefferson Statue, WilliamsburgWho wrote the Declaration of Independence?
It was written by a committee headed by Thomas Jefferson.Thomas Jefferson became the third president of the United States.
Boy Watching a ParadeAre there parades on the Fourth of July?
Yes, there are.Many cities have parades.
Hot Dog, Hamburger, and Chips on Red, White, and Blue PlatesWhat foods are popular on the Fourth of July?
Hot dogs and hamburgers are popular foods.Many people barbecue hot dogs and hamburgers in their backyards.
Watermelon Eating ContestWhat are these men doing?
They are having a watermelon eating contest.Watermelon is popular on the Fourth of July.
Fireworks StandWhat is this?
It is a fireworks stand.People buy fireworks for the Fourth of July.In some cities it is illegal to use fireworks.
Kids Watching Fireworks on the StreetWhat are the children in this picture doing?
They are watching fireworks.Be careful with fireworks.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Source: https://www.elcivics.com/esl_fourth_of_july.html

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