Latest news with #LoyaltyDay
BBC News
25-05-2025
- BBC News
Rutland county council chairman visits Rutland in Vermont
Most people would assume the tiny county of Rutland might not have too much in common with the part of New England which shares its name. But Andrew Brown, chairman of Rutland County Council, says there are a number of surprising similarities between the place he represents as a politician and Rutland in recently returned from a self-funded visit to the Rutland's US namesake where he met the local mayor, chief of police and took part in a Loyalty Day parade in the pouring rain. And he said he was given a truly warm welcome by his North American counterparts, who put in place a packed itinerary to allow him to see as much of the place as possible. He said: "It was amazing. They treated us very well. "They have Rutland County, Rutland Town and a Rutland City, where there are about 16,000 in the city and 61,000 in the county, so it's also quite sparsely populated. "And they have a railway that runs rights through the main city - a bit like Oakham."Brown added a visit to Rutland in Vermont was on his wish list since he was elected chairman of Rutland County Council. "Because I get elected yearly and am in my second term, I wanted to go in case I don't get another chance, so I sent an email, they got back to me and we had a few meetings online to arrange my visit," he said. 'Minibus with wings' Rutland in Vermont sits about 100 miles (160.9km) south of the border with Canada and is thought to have been named after John Manners, the third Duke of it is so remote that Brown, who was travelling with his wife and son, had to catch a connecting flight to get to their destination."We flew into Boston from the UK and had to get a connecting flight to Rutland, but it was on a really small aircraft with nine seats," Brown said. "It was like a minibus with wings!"And it turned out it was overweight with the number of people travelling on it, so my wife and son elected to get off and travel there by car."I was left on the plane on my own to make sure I got there on time - they had a full itinerary worked out for me in Rutland. "The noise of the plane was quite loud and so I couldn't talk to anyone and because we were flying through cloud, I couldn't see anything either - and then my wife and son arrived in Rutland only an hour later than I did." A proclamation was read out to herald Brown's arrival in Vermont and he also took part in the Loyalty Day parade, to honour all past and present service personnel and included representative of the police and firefighters as well as marching bands. "The police over there work really differently," Brown said. "There's the state police, the township police and the sheriff, I struggled a bit to work out who does what."He also had lunch with the police chief and addressed the board of aldermen at a meeting, where he handed over a Rutland was also interviewed for television and even performed his own stand-up routine at an evening of singing and entertainment to round off his visit. He said: "I thought the interview would only go out to a few people, but it went out on state TV and when I got back to the hotel, a bloke in the bar said to me 'aren't you that guy from Rutland in England who I saw on the TV?' "It was great fun and part of the reason for me wanting to go is that I wanted to meet and get to know real American people and I did that - and they were great, and really down to earth."Brown arranged his visit with Mike Doenges, Mayor of Rutland City in Vermont, who told the BBC he would like to visit Rutland in the UK himself some day. He added: "We were very excited to have Andrew and his family visit us here in Rutland Vermont!"When Andrew first contacted us, I was surprised and impressed that he wanted to take his personal vacation to the United States and come and visit us here in Rutland City."It was an absolute pleasure to share time showing Andrew and his family around our community and discussing the strong similarities and slight differences between our two 'Rutlands'."I look forward to making the visit to Rutland County UK myself someday in the future, to visit and see our namesake for myself."
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Celebrating National Military Appreciation Month
May is National Military Appreciation Month. Even if you're not connected to the military, now's a good time to honor the men and women who have served or are currently serving. This includes those who have given their lives for our country. It's also a time to remember the families of military members, as they, too, make many sacrifices. Every May, Americans celebrate National Military Appreciation Month. But how did this commemoration come to be? When did it start, and why? Here's a brief look at the history of this important month. A 1999 Joint Resolution of Congress established National Military Appreciation Month. The Resolution called for 'the designation of May as 'National Military Appreciation Month.'' In doing so, it ensured the nation properly recognized the contributions of our men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces. Since then, every American president has issued an annual proclamation declaring May as National Military Appreciation Month. One of the most popular ways to show support for the military during this month is to fly the flag. Homes and businesses across the country display Old Glory proudly throughout May, and many people also wear red, white, and blue to show their patriotism. Others choose to volunteer their time or make financial donations to organizations that support troops and veterans. Celebrate this festive month in several ways. Observances typically include public events and tributes from businesses and organizations. Local and state governments issue proclamations and military members and their families are recognized. One way National Military Appreciation Month is celebrated is by honoring our veterans. Attend a local veteran's parade or visit a veteran's home or hospital to thank them for their service. You can also write a letter or postcard expressing your gratitude or donate to a veteran's charity of choice. This month is also a great time to learn more about the histories of veterans in your community. Many libraries and historical societies offer exhibits and programs featuring the personal stories of local veterans. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with these heroes more personally and hear about their unique experiences firsthand. Another way to observe National Military Appreciation Month is by supporting our troops deployed overseas. One way to do this is by sending care packages through organizations like Operation Gratitude or Soldiers' Angels. These groups provide detailed lists of items that our troops need and appreciate, so you can be sure your package will go to good use. You can also donate to one of these organizations or choose another military charity. If you know someone deployed overseas, take some time this month to send them an e-mail, postcard, or care package letting them know you're thinking of them. Hearing from friends and family back home is especially motivating during a deployment. May 1st: Loyalty Day. Congress established Loyalty Day in 1921 as a day for the nation to reaffirm its loyalty to the United States of America. On this day, we remember those who have fought for our country's freedom. 2nd Friday in May: Military Spouse Appreciation Day honors the sacrifices that military spouses make. 3rd Saturday in May: Armed Forces Day pays tribute to all men and women serving or serving in the United States Armed Forces. Last Monday in May: Memorial Day is a federal holiday where we remember all service members who have died while serving our country. National Military Appreciation Month is a time to reflect. Without their bravery and courage, we would not be the country we are today. During May, we come together as a nation to honor the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. Attend local events, send care packages to troops deployed overseas, or simply take some time to learn more about the personal histories of veterans in your community. However you choose to celebrate this important month, take some time to appreciate the sacrifices made by our military members and their families. Fly the flag, wear patriotic colors, or donate your time or money to a military charity. There are many ways to show your support for our men and women in uniform during National Military Appreciation Month. How will you be honoring them this May?
