July 28th to honor the formation of the first regular, all-Black peacetime army regiments in the U.S. Army in 1866. Designated by Congress and first proclaimed by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, the day remembers the bravery and service of these frontier soldiers. [1, 2, 3] (Mil.com)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Soldier
The History of Independence Day
On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event.
Conflict between the colonies and England was already a year old when the colonies convened a Continental Congress in Philadelphia in the summer of 1776. In a June 7 session in the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall), Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a resolution with the famous words: "Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."
Today we commemorate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, bringing freedom to the last remaining enslaved people in the Confederacy.
Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom, honor the resilience and contributions of Black Americans, and reflect on our continued work to build a more just and equitable nation.
Article taken from the Guardian Journal - February 2025
Above building shows 4th & 5th grade classroom on left and 6th & 7th grade classroom on the right.
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| Union Bell |
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| Tom Bell Sr, Dad's father |
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| Grandma Liza Pace James, Dad's maternal grandmother |
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| Grandpa George Bell |
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| Grandma Mollie Bell |
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| Uncle John, Aunt Ethel, Aunt Jo Ollie (Dad's step sister) and Uncle Willie T |
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| Aunt Ruthell |
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| Uncle Tom, Aunt Sue, Tommie III & Joseph |
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| Uncle Porter |
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| Aunt Alice & Uncle Anthony |
Vet Day Meals
https://www.aol.com/finance/heres-where-veterans-free-meals-210000964.html
Veterans Day Deals
Veterans Month Events
Team Exchange is deeply grateful for your sacrifices. Thank you for doing your part to make our military communities great places to work and live every time you shop your Exchange. It is truly
a privilege to serve heroes like you.
Veteran For Life!
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Tom Shull
Director/CEO
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| Above pic from Ford Museum book |
The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day:
(FOX40.COM) — According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Memorial Day, originally called “Decoration Day,” was officially recognized as a holiday in 1873 by New York before all other Union states recognized it 17 years later.
Fast-forward to 2024 and Memorial Day is celebrated annually in the United States, allowing Americans nationwide to honor those who have died while serving in the United States military.
But another federal holiday occurs later in the calendar year, typically in November, that also serves to honor fallen members of the military that can sometimes get confused with Memorial Day, and that is Veterans Day.Originally known as Armistice Day due to a congressional resolution in 1926, Veterans Day intends to honor living members of the US military along with those who have died in service. In 1938, the day was officially recognized as a national holiday.
“Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served—not only those who died—have sacrificed and done their duty,” the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs says.
The primary difference between the two federal holidays is Memorial Day intends to honor fallen members of the U.S. military, particularly those who have died in battle or from wounds sustained on the battlefield. Veterans Day seeks to honor all who have worn a U.S. military uniform and acknowledge their assistance in maintaining American freedoms. The other main difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day is the time of year the days take place. Memorial Day serves as an unofficial start to summer for many and takes place on the last Monday of May; meanwhile, Veterans Day is always celebrated on November 11, regardless of the day of the week.
“The observance of Veterans Day [on] November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” the USDVA says.https://fox40.com/news/national-and-world-news/memorial-day-veterans-day-whats-the-difference-usva/
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| Remember our cousin, Alvin Gordon, Jr. |
She was born in Claiborne Parish, Antioch area. Her mother was Maggie Williams and her father was Allen George. Their children were Madden, Elnora, Ed, Lou, Rosevelt. After Allen died, Maggie also had 2 more children; Wilson and Clotee and she raised Mama (Pearlena).
Maggie Williams' parents were Lucinda Mozeke Williams and Jerry Williams. There other children were Mollie, Maude, Pinkie, Vesta, Jonas.
Allen George' father was Herbert Bryant. He may have been partially raised by his grandmother, Fillis Johnson who was from Georgia. Mama Shinet said he was part Choctaw.
https://familybellgram.blogspot.com/2017/01/thinking-of-mama-shinet.html
Mama Shinet!! She was my maternal grandmother. I have never called her grandma and I don't believe any of her grandchildren called her grandma. She was always Mama Shinet. I loved her so much and was always happy when I could visit her or she came to visit us. She was a slight built lady with many gold teeth in front. That was a trend in those Days that meant beauty. She wore a string on he lower leg with a Dime on it. It was considered a treatment for arthritis in those days. She would cook greens from her garden and large pones of hot water corn bread. Due to low wages it had to last a long time. Her common law husband hunted wild animals and she would cook them. She took care of her chickens, guineas and a Billie Goat named Nannie. She had 3 children, Mama, Aunt Eleze and Pongee aka Pelo who died as a teen. I will never forget her. She was our second mama.
Jean
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https://bellgram2019.blogspot.com/2021/11/happy-veterans-day.html
https://www.army.mil/article/271291/famous_army_vets_throughout_history
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| From Belinda |
Lasker Bell, Jr.
Wayne Holyfield
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https://bellgram2019.blogspot.com/2020/01/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day.html
https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/pres-biden-visits-atlanta/85-bfa16d47-c253-4c4c-b55e-008cf79c3168 (President Biden's Speech at Dr. King's Church on Sunday, Jan 15th)
https://blog.fold3.com/75th-anniversary-of-the-first-veterans-day-celebration-and-free-access-to-fold3/?utm_source=TMIH&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=TMIH-Nov-2022 (Veterans Day is 75 years old)
| Dear fellow member, |
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| For 100 years, the great achievements of those who have proudly served in our armed forces have inspired USAA employees to serve our members with excellence, care and compassion. Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the courage and fortitude of countless Americans who have served our Nation’s flag. |
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| It’s with a deep and shared sense of honor that we salute all our veterans – today and every day. Honor a veteran in your life by writing a “V” on your palm with the initials of that person, then share a picture featuring it on social media. Learn how at usaa.com/veteransday #VisforVeteran. |
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| Each set of initials is a story – a person who sacrificed to serve and protect others. Share their stories so we ensure future generations appreciate their service. |
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| Thank you for your family’s service and for your USAA membership. |
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| Wayne Peacock |
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| USAA President & CEO |
As we honor our veterans for their sacrifice, Congress must also follow through on the commitment our nation made to them when they first entered the service. I will continue working to advance legislation that ensures our veterans receive the benefits, health care, and recognition they have earned and deserve.
Sincerely,
John Garamendi
Member of Congress
https://bellgram2019.blogspot.com/2021/11/happy-veterans-day.html (Link shows Our family members who have served. Currently serving is Tavion Beasley)
