Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, is a day of gratitude dedicated to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Originally called “Armistice Day,” Veterans Day marks the anniversary of the end of World War I, the “war to end all wars.” In […]
Culture & Traditions
Halloween
Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a pagan celebration marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Celts, who lived around 2,000 years ago in the regions of modern-day Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, believed that the boundary […]
Dying with Unfinished Business!
“Can you believe it? I don’t have much in this life, just my only son to carry on the family name. But all he does is wander around aimlessly, spending time with friends who don’t care about the future. He’s already 30, and every time I mention marriage, he brushes […]
American Labor Day
Labor Day was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century as a way to celebrate the achievements and contributions of American workers. Many believe that the idea of a day to honor laborers was first proposed by Peter J. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, […]
Love in the Twilight Years
“After I’m gone, make sure to find your mother a companion to walk with her through her twilight years.” These were real parting words, though rarely spoken. They invite contemplation and, naturally, some resistance, especially from those in Vietnamese culture where women have traditionally been bound by the principles of […]
Old Age: Perspective on Time and Aging
Some of my friends, one after another, are departing from this world. Those who remain are anxious and apprehensive: “When will it be my turn?” It is well understood that birth is followed by death, but what happens before and after still leaves many worried and concerned. There are two […]