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It’s been called the traditional beginning of summer in the U.S. A time for picnics, parades, barbecues and getting away from the busyness of life for a break.

Memorial Day may involve some or all of these activities and more ~ but its origin is quite different from today’s image of the holiday.

Which begs the question: What is Memorial Day?

This special holiday ~ among the most solemn on the U.S. calendar ~ honors the men and women who died in the line of duty while serving in the United States military.

First known as Decoration Day, the annual event was originally held on May 30 to commemorate the soldiers who died during the Civil War by decorating their graves with flowers. It is thought that May 30th was chosen because it did not coincide with the anniversary of any war, and it would also be the time when flowers bloom throughout much of the country.

After World War I, the holiday was expanded to honor American military personnel who died in all wars.

In 1971, Congress established the last Monday in May as Memorial Day.

But what about Veteran's Day? And then there's Armed Forces Day as well. What's the difference?

Admittedly, there is some confusion about what each military holiday means. So here's a little explanation that might help clear things up a bit:

Armed Forces Day honors those who are presently serving in the military.
Veterans Day honors those who have served.
Memorial Day remembers those who died while serving.

One internet meme puts it this way:
Armed Forces Day is for those who currently wear the uniform.
Veterans Day is for those who used to wear the uniform.
Memorial Day is for those who never made it out of their uniform.

You might wonder: Why is the U.S. Flag flown at half-staff until noon during Memorial Day?

The answer is found in these words penned by ACLJ Senior Military Analyst Colonel Wesley Smith[1]:
“The flag is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who have given their lives in service of their country. At noon, the flag is raised by the living, who resolve to not let the nation’s battle heroes’ sacrifices be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice.”

Then there is a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.

“What is that?” you may ask. Indeed, I had the same question, while researching for this article.

Here’s the scoop: In 1996, a Washington, D.C. based humanitarian organization, “No Greater Love” did a survey of children. They were asked why Memorial Day was a holiday. And the answers were eye-opening and disconcerting: hardly any of the young people realized the importance of the holiday was to remember and honor the war dead. They thought it was a day of barbecues, celebration and the beginning of summer. In fact, one child even remarked it was the day when the swimming pool opening for summer!

So the National Moment of Remembrance was begun in 1997 to inspire people of all ages and future generations to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday and realize the tremendous price in life and blood that was paid by those who fought for our cherished freedoms. This is done at 3 p.m. local time for one minute as the entire nation pauses during the holiday.[2]

On Memorial Day ~ and indeed throughout the year ~ let us take time for reverential silence to contemplate and remember the true significance and depth of the sacrifice rendered by the brave men and women in uniform, many of whom died while serving.

As we reverently come before God in prayer throughout the day, may we also remember those whose loved ones are no longer with them because they paid the ultimate price for freedom.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
~ President Ronald Reagan

“No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.”
~ John 15:13 (Amplified Bible)

There is One Who gave His life for all. God sent His One and Only Son, Yeshua Jesus, to die on the Cross so that when we receive Him as our Lord, Savior and Messiah, we will get to skip hell and go to Heaven.

May I ask you a most important question? God forbid, but if you were to die tonight, would you know for certain you will be in Heaven?

If you are unsure even one little bit ~ there is a way to know for certain that will give you true peace of mind and heart. After all, eternity is like ~ forever without end ~ so let's make sure, shall we? And, what's great is ~ the price has already been paid in full for you.

Simply say these words from your heart:

Father God, please forgive me of my sins.
Jesus, come into my heart.
Make me the kind of person You want me to be.
Thank You for saving me.

Friend, if this is your first time praying this simple yet life-changing prayer, CONGRATULATIONS! The angels of Heaven are rejoicing and throwing a party in your honor!

Please feel free to reach out to me via the contact button on this site, so that I may rejoice with you in this most important decision you will ever make this side of eternity.

God bless you, and have a terrific forever!

*****

Sources for the information in this blog post:
* The Bible
* Wikipedia, ”Memorial Day”
* History.com, “Memorial Day”
* U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Memorial Day History”
[1] “Memorial Day: Why We Remember Those Who Died for Our Nation” by Wesley Smith, American Center for Law and Justice website (posted May 28, 2021)
[2] http://www.thememorialdaytribute.com/moment-of-rememberance.html

Photo copyright © 2015, 2021 Brian Tada. All rights reserved. To the glory of God.

To view full photo resolution ~ and the story behind the photo, please visit:
https://propheticportraits.net/featured/veterans-monument-camarillo-california-usa-brian-tada.html

This blog article was originally published on May 30th, 2021 with minor grammar editing February 3rd, 2023.

It is truly an honor and a joy to be interviewed and featured in the publication, Our Arts Magazine for which I give God all the praise and glory. Thank you to founder and editor Abbie Shores!

In this article, you will find out what inspires my photography work, which editing program is one of my favorites, and how I got started in this art medium. Plus some key advice I learned which has made a world of difference in my craft.

I hope you will enjoy reading it, and please feel free to comment at the end of the article. I would appreciate your thoughts and feedback!

You can read my interview here: https://ourartsmagazine.com/.../getting-to-know-brian-tada/

Blessings over your day!

P.S.:
You can also access the article by selecting the "Click Here for More Information" button below.

Dear Precious Readers of my Art Blog:

I hope and pray you and your family enjoyed a blessed holiday season, and I want to wish you a safe and healthy New Year!

ANNOUNCING: My very first edition of “Brian’s Art Newsletter” launched over the holidays!

In my monthly e–newsletter you will receive the following benefits:

A Discount Code to PropheticPortraits.net
Inspirational Devotionals with Nature Photography
Photography Tips & How-To’s
Announcement of New Arrivals
And Much, Much More!

You are welcome to subscribe:
https://propheticportraits.net/subscribewebsiteemaillist.html

I am also grateful for the people who signed up for my newsletter at a recent Christmas holiday arts and crafts fair. Sold many of my FAA-printed greeting cards, too. Thank you to all who purchased, I really appreciate your support! God bless you!

Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to each and every one.
Blessings!

P.S. You can also subscribe to my art newsletter by selecting the "Click here for more information" button:

The latest upload to my gallery at Fine Art America (www.PropheticPortraits.net) is this precious memory from my family’s baptism in the famed Jordan River in Israel. Pictured is a portion of the tour group my parents and I were on as they celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

It was truly an amazing experience to be in this very same river where my Savior and Messiah, Yeshua Jesus was baptized. The only way I can describe it is unspeakable joy and amazing peace from the Lord as I came up from the waters after being immersed.

If you have yet to visit Israel, I highly recommend it. The Bible comes alive in living color! The wonderful people, rich history, incredible sites and food are all simply amazing. Oh, and the food ~ so delicious and plenty of it. You won’t leave Israel hungry, that’s for sure! :-)

You can read more at: bit.ly/JordanRiverBaptism


Brian Tada
Award winning photographer, to the glory of God.
www.PropheticPortraits.net

I made this get well card from my hummingbird photo for a person going through brain tumor surgery who is a fellow subscriber to the Christian Healthcare Ministries cost-sharing community.

It is now being made available on my portfolio here on Fine Art America.

According to an online poll, Jeremiah 17:14 was the most popular healing Scripture, so I have added this comforting verse to the card:
“Heal me, O Lord,
and I shall be healed;
save me, and I shall be saved,
for You are my praise.”

My heart-felt prayer is that the precious love of Jesus, the presence of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit will go with this card as you order it and send it on to a loved one who needs a healing touch from the Master Healer.

Greeting cards of this image are available here:
https://propheticportraits.net/featured/hummingbird-get-well-card-brian-tada.html?product=greeting-card

Ordering tips:
* Enjoy a significant discount on the price per card with a 10-pack or 25-pack.
* The inside of the card may be personalized with a brief message. Type in your message in the text box provided. PLEASE NOTE: If ordering a 10-pack or 25-pack with a personalized message inside, the interior message will be identical for all 10 or 25 cards in the box.

God bless you and be with you.

Brian Tada

www.PropheticPortraits.net


*****

Photography Notes::

Although I’ve had the joy of taking many pictures of hummingbirds in flight, this one is particularly special to me, as it is an answer to prayer.

I asked God to be able to take a photo of the iridescent emerald backside of a hummer as it glistened in the late afternoon sun. The Creator of the universe answered my heart’s desire not once, not twice, but three times in succession, resulting in this “over-the-shoulder” view as this sweet bird inserted her long thin beak into a vibrant salvia blossom.

This photo is the best one I chose of the three.

Each time God sends a hummingbird, it’s as if He is saying, “Trust Me. I’ve got your back. All will be well.”

This close-up photo was taken with natural afternoon sunlight. I am so grateful to God that the lighting and elements came together naturally for this image.

To view full photo resolution, please visit:
https://https://propheticportraits.net/featured/hummingbird-get-well-card-brian-tada.html

This blog article was originally published on June 10th, 2021.

Although this is a photography blog, nonetheless I would like to share beneficial health tips from time to time in this forum.

Especially since we photographers can and do spend quite a bit of our time in the great outdoors.

And with summer approaching and warmer weather, it’s a great reason to get outside.

After all, we here in America spend upwards of 90% of our time indoors, according to some estimates.

It behooves us to get more time outdoors. Especially since indoor air quality is often not the best. (I’ve sold air purifiers, so believe me, I’ve studied the facts, and research indicates indoor air pollution can be ~ and often is ~ much worse than outside.)

Therefore, we would do well to spend a bit more time away from our desks and TVs.

So I’d like to ask you this question, if I may:

Have you wondered what would give you an edge on decreasing your risk of cancer ~ and, at the same time, prolong your youthful looks?

It’s in the skin ~ sun exposure to your skin, that is.

Though it is but one of several health factors potentially impacting your health and longevity, the method and duration you exposure your skin to that blazing orb in the sky can either be a blessing ~ or a curse.

A blessing in that if you can get the right amount of sun exposure on your skin in a safe manner, you could ~ theoretically ~ obtain almost all your body’s Vitamin D needs. (However, with that very challenging to do, the good news is that Vitamin D is also available through the wise choice of nutritious, healthy foods and sensible supplementation from a reliable and proven nutrition company.)

But sun exposure can have its downsides, too.

Because if you get too much of it for too long a period of time, it can backfire and cause potentially serious challenges to your precious health.

An increased skin cancer risk, for starters.

So we want to opt for the good stuff, don’t we.

Well, here are top five ways you can enjoy your time outdoors ~ and reduce some of the sun risk factors involved:

1.) Avoid direct exposure to sunlight between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s damaging UV rays are at their strongest. This includes sitting by a window indoors or in a car during this time. Seek out shade when possible during this part of the day. (Photography tip: Sunrise and sunset ~ when the sun's rays are at their lowest ~ are ideal times to take great photos, as the lighting angle generally shows things at their best.)

2.) Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF-30. Apply 15-30 minutes prior to going outside. Even water-resistant sunscreens need frequent application to offer effective protection. Apply before your outdoor activities, and then every two hours , especially after sweating, swimming or other exposure to moisture.

3.) Wear protective clothing when possible. This includes long-sleeves, long pants, wide-brim hat, and sunglasses to protect the delicate skin tissue and eyes.

4.) Know your skin. Be attentive to your skin’s response to sun exposure, and take appropriate safety precautions before, during and after outdoor activities. At least once monthly, do an all-over check of your skin. If you notice any abnormal colorations and/or growths, consult with your primary healthcare professional such as your physician.

5.) Be aware of the reflective properties of water, snow and sand, which can direct the sun’s radiation to your face and body. It’s best to avoid areas where these occur and move to a protected spot when possible.

To summarize ~ THINK: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide:

* Slip on a shirt with long sleeves.
* Slop on SPF 30 sunscreen. Reapply every two hours, sooner after swimming or sweating.
* Slap on a wide-brim hat.
* Seek shade, away from reflective surfaces (e.g., sand, water, snow).
* Slide on sunglasses.

And here’s a Bonus Tip:

Don’t use indoor tanning methods.

Ever.

This includes tanning beds, tanning lamps and the like.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the risk of developing life-threatening melanoma from just one indoor tanning session before age 35 increases by a whopping 75%.

I’ll repeat that, because it is so astounding.

If you are younger than 35, your risk for developing melanoma ~ the deadliest form of skin cancer ~ increases by 75% after only one visit to the indoor tanning salon.

It is just. Not. Worth. The risk. To your precious health and longevity.

After all, superficial beauty is only skin deep.

But real ~ genuine ~ beauty comes from within.

The beautiful way God made you. Naturally.

So with that said, go forth and enjoy your outdoor activities this summer.

And all-year round.

If you follow wise and proven guidelines, they will pay you handsome dividends with a healthier life and longevity.

Things that money cannot buy.

For a fun and informative sun safety quiz, check out:
https://www.cancer.org/healthy/be-safe-in-sun/sun-safety.html

Here’s to your precious health!

Until next time ~ have a blessed day and know God loves you.

Your fellow photographer sojourner,

Brian Tada
https://PropheticPortraits.net

P.S.: If you’d like more information about a reliable sunscreen I’ve used for years with wonderful results, please visit my wellness website,
https://pws.shaklee.com/tada
Click on “shop” then type “SPF” (without the quote marks) in the search bar.
Please let me know if you have questions.

Sources used in this blog article:
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Skin Cancer Foundation
Web MD
OASH ~ Office of Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Harvard Medical School

Note: Mention of these organizations does not imply their endorsement.

Disclaimer: The preceding information is simply a collection of suggestions and are not intended to replace professional advice. Please consult with your physician or health care provider/clinician for advice. Thank you.

Photo: A rainbow halo forms around the sun in this capture in Vacaville, California, September 2015.
Photograph copyright © 2015, 2021 Brian Tada. All rights reserved. To the glory of God.

If you are looking for artwork for your home, as gifts or to celebrate a milestone event or special someone in your life, head on over to PropheticPortraits.net where you will find nearly 300 fine art images in nearly 30 categories. Suitable as wall prints (framed and unframed posters, too), greeting cards, reusable tote bags, notebooks to journal in, wall tapestries, puzzles and a whole lot more.
https://PropheticPortraits.net

This blog article was originally published on May 25th, 2021.

Greetings,

It is an honor to have you join along on this exciting new venture!

On this platform, I will be sharing updates about artwork I am working on, new additions to my gallery, interesting places I have photographed, plus photography and health tips sprinkled here and there, along with discount codes you can use toward purchases of my artwork here on Fine Art America at my personal website, https://PropheticPortraits.net

You are most welcome to browse my shop featuring nearly 300 quality photos, many of which have won awards for which I give God the glory.

Whenever you need assistance with your art needs and/or questions, please reach out to me via the contact button on my website.

Thank you for your time and for your support.

Until next time ~ God bless you, and have a fabulous day!

At your service,

Brian Tada

Fine Art Photography
https://PropheticPortraits.net

P.S. In appreciation of your visit, I would like to offer a $5.00 discount off my artist profit on your next order shipment. Please kindly apply Discount Code: HXDJFD on or before Aug. 15th, 2021. This offer is limited to the first 10 people. Use Code HXDJFD at checkout and the discount will be applied on the order subtotal. Offer ends 08/15/2021, while available. Good only at: www.PropheticPortraits.net

Featured photograph: California Poppies by Richardson Bay
Photo © 2019 Brian Tada. All rights reserved. To the glory of God.

This first blog article was originally published on May 15th, 2021.