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UMD Recognizes Teaching Academy Meta-Credential Earners for Excellence

HA
Harvey WaldenCommunity Member
1 day ago

Meta-Credential Earners

Meta-Credential Earners smetzler Mon, 05/04/2026 - 08:34 Congratulations to our Teaching Academy meta-credential earners, who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to teaching excellence! Please reach out to [email protected] if you know of any additional Teaching Academy meta-credential earners who should be included.On A. James Clark School of Engineering Active Learning PractitionerChristine AlexanderCourse Design PractitionerChristine AlexanderJimmy AzarnooshTed BakerThomas BeutnerMolly CartonAris CleanthousEthan EagleMohammad FazelpourJane FinesAmy KarlssonKen KigerWilliam KoffelRho MaKatharina MaiselNicole MogulErika MooreDarren PierreGibson SciscoRussell ShombergElisabeth SmelaKiley Wilfong CullenAlexander XuGenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerKevin ChiuAris CleanthousTheodoxea KwapongNicholas LimparisDavis McGregorAralia RamirezLearning and Belonging Pedagogies PractitionerKevin ChiuUniversal Design for Learning PractitionerChristine AlexanderKevin ChiuRosalie HrybykSusan Hubbard College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Active Learning PractitionerGeoffrey RinehartCourse Design PractitionerAmin AhmadzadehCharlie ApterEni BaballariAngela BlackLuna Bratti LobatoAmy BurkJing CaiCandice DuncanBecky Epanchin-NiellChristine HakenkampChelsea Mays-WilliamsSamuel MitterhoffWendy PeerEmilia PrzygrodzkaDacia RandolphColby SilvertCory SmithMonica VanKlompenbergGenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerEni BaballariDane GrossnickleMaria Gabriela Palomo MunozLori SeftonMaria SoppelsaDavid TilleyInnovative Assessment PractitionerBillie RayLearning and Belonging Pedagogies PractitionerSarah BalcomLori SeftonJack SullivanUniversal Design for Learning PractitionerD. Diana CortezMadeline PotterDacia RandolphSaratu SamailaLori SeftonMargaret SlavinStacy Small-Lorenz College of Arts & Humanities Active Learning PractitionerEran EadsSeyeon ParkCourse Design PractitionerRachel BaileyBriana BarnerBecca BeetsJyana BrowneElizabeth ChangAshley CopeZoe CopemanCourtney DahlkeEran EadsDomenique FarinaAlessandra GavagniZhanna Gerus-VernolaJulie GowinRegina IanoziChad InfanteMichael IsraelZainab JeffreyTess KorobkinRyan LongEmily LordElizabeth MarshallMichele MasonMarjan MoosaviRobyn MuncyAnna Rose NelsonRyan NockPam OrelYan QuCourtney RayKellie RobertsonJoanne RobyAna Patricia RodríguezLeigh SoaresLeah WaksRianna WalcottBlake WilderSara WilderCaroline WilkinsGenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerRachel BaileySayan BhattacharyaElizabeth ChangGregory DeinertJulie GowinMollie KauferTaylor KleinerElizabeth MarshallJessica MathiasonNoriko OkadaPam OrelPolyvia PararaYan QuDarren ShillingfordAner TalBlake WilderCaroline WilkinsInnovative Assessment PractitionerSarah DammeyerMelvette DavisChiara GrafLixing MiaoLearning and Belonging Pedagogies PractitionerNeel AhujaAnita Atwell SeateCharlee BezillaHeather-Erin BremenstuhlAlexandra CallowayClara CuonzoPamela GerhardtUmisha KcShawn Parry-GilesPatrick SaundersMary Ellen ScullenBlake WilderCaroline WilkinsCarly WoodsCarina ZelayaTechnology Enhanced Pedagogy PractitionerCharlee BezillaEran EadsTerp-Wise EducatorKalin SchultzUniversal Design for Learning PractitionerHester BaerJanel Brennan-TillmannSarah DammeyerKisa LapeRyan LongDaune O'BrienPolyvia PararaAnna Szczepaniec-BiałasAner TalJay Wilcox WorxLaura Williams College of Behavioral & Social Sciences Active Learning PractitionerJacob CouttsJessica MorabitoCourse Design PractitionerRonda AnstedFlávia Batista da SilvaMairin BattenCameron ConradJacob CouttsDawn DowLaura GilchrestCady GonzalezAmpson HaganMin HuangAllison JohnsonDavid KarolMartin KobrenKenneth KokasonSujith KumarLiza LebrunDemar LewisT.C. LloydJeffrey LucasCatherine NakalembeAshley NewbyJulie ParkLea RendellLisa RickardKorey RothmanReeve VannemanDanielle WorshamStephanie YeeGenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerCortney FisherLiza LebrunEusebia MontWendy StickleTracy TomlinsonInnovative Assessment PractitionerTroy DistelrathBeka GulumaMartin KobrenErin MoodyLearning and Belonging Pedagogies PractitionerJacob CouttsJustine DeCamillisKyle DorseyCortney FisherLiza LebrunWendy StickleTechnology Enhanced Pedagogy PractitionerJacob CouttsUniversal Design for Learning PractitionerMartina CopelmanJacob CouttsAlexander DavisTroy DistelrathCady GonzalezT.C. LloydErin MoodyM PeaseCrystal Sehlke College of Computer, Mathematical, & Natural Sciences Active Learning PractitionerMakala HarrisonSonia HirschauerBenjamin LanhamCourse Design PractitionerMelanie AbecassisSteven Greg ChadwickMichael EvansThomas HoltzAlexandra JonesBenjamin LanhamMaria MolinaKatie RedingRaluca RoscaDaniel SerranoChandra TurpenCorine Van der WeeleAndrei VedernikovMadeleine YoungsAnil ZenginogluGenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerGili Ad-MarbachJordan BorakMaira GoytiaBenjamin LanhamHans LemkeDerek RichardsonRaluca RoscaÁngela SáenzDaniel SerranoBoyen ShenFathima-Zhulfaa ZhulficarInnovative Assessment PractitionerBenjamin LanhamMichael MarshKaci ThompsonLearning and Belonging Pedagogies PractitionerÁngela SáenzGabi SteinbachErin TranTerp-Wise EducatorChristopher KauffmanUniversal Design for Learning PractitionerCaitlin FoxMaira GoytiaMatthew GriffinBenjamin LanhamHans LemkeBarbara MichelatoKimberly PaczoltTodd RowlandÁngela SáenzCorine Van der Weele College of Education Active Learning PractitionerVirginia GomesDeborah LewinTheresa Nebel RobinsonCourse Design PractitionerReka BartonMichaela BrooksStephen GibsonSandra GutierrezSara KirschnerNitzan KorenMargaret MarcusMelinda Martin-BeltranColleen O'NealAlexus RamirezRachel RomeoSehrish ShikarpuryaRiley SimsJennifer Smallwood-HolmesLaura StapletonAlicia VaolloraniJia ZhengGenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerShanna HirschAlison JovanovicJeongeun KimCarolina Napp-AvelliAlejandro Pérez BeldaInnovative Assessment PractitionerLuis Royo RomeroLearning and Belonging Pedagogies PractitionerDawn MartinFaith SearsJean SnellTerp-Wise EducatorAndrea Torres NegronUniversal Design for Learning PractitionerKatryna AndrusikSara KirschnerYewon LeeCarolina Napp-AvelliTheresa Nebel RobinsonEmily NeerOlga WalkerPeggy Wilson College of Information Course Design PractitionerCarol BostonTom BrinckGiovanni Luca CiampagliaJess FeltnerTwanna HodgeMarilyn IriarteSarah LeeDiana MarshJulia MendelsohnRyan O'GradyFaisal QuaderLee SergentInnovative Assessment PractitionerSamuel DiBellaLearning and Belonging Pedagogies PractitionerPamela DuffyEric HungFrancesca PolitoTerp-Wise EducatorJessica Grimmer Division of Administration GenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerJulia CrooksShayna Hodges Division of Information Technology GenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerMaryAnn Santos Division of Student Affairs Course Design PractitionerNicolas AlessoAdrian BittonAbby CallasChamika EllisMarinel Martinez-BenyarkoGenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerErica SimpkinsLearning and Belonging Pedagogies PractitionerEmily FoleyCourtney HolderUniversal Design for Learning PractitionerBridgette BehlingAlina Maki Office of the President Universal Design for Learning PractitionerAnna Greenstone Office of the Provost Course Design PractitionerKeia BrownD'Kiya BynumAsia KingJennifer LiebPatrick McGurrinSara StreyGenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerMira AzarmMary CheyCarinna FergusonDanielle GlazerRebeca MorenoCatherine SpiritoTerp-Wise EducatorKyle KastlerBrooke Smith Office of Undergraduate Studies Active Learning PractitionerKristjana MadduxCourse Design PractitionerMarcal GrahamAlexandra HarligJacqueline HoRebecca JonesAllison LansverkBrynne McBrydeCarla PartlowPathe' SowSharon VanwrightDaniel ZippGenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerJacqueline HoRebecca JonesAllison LansverkKristy Li PumaInnovative Assessment PractitionerDavid EubanksAlexandra HarligJacqueline HoLeigha McReynolds Learning and Belonging Pedagogies PractitionerJordan JohnsonBrynne McBrydeTerp-Wise EducatorCarla PartlowUniversal Design for Learning PractitionerJacqueline HoAllison LansverkSharon VanwrightDaniel Zipp Philip Merrill College of Journalism Course Design PractitionerMohammed AdemoDaria DavydovaChristoph MergersonKrishnan VasudevanRob WellsKate YanchulisGenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerWei-Ping LiShuning LuJodi McFarland FriedmanChristi ParsonsLearning and Belonging Pedagogies PractitionerKrishnan VasudevanUniversal Design for Learning PractitionerRonald Yaros Robert H. Smith School of Business Active Learning PractitionerTori SacksCourse Design PractitionerFrank AltAmber JohnsonJoseph ReifRobert SheehanNiratcha TungtisanontAdam VanWagnerGenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerBrian JeffersonZeinab KarakeJacqueline MangerLance Wain School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation Course Design PractitionerEric BurnsteinMichelle MagalongSophie McManusReemberto RodriguezInnovative Assessment PractitionerAriel Bierbaum School of Public Health Active Learning PractitionerAmara Channell DoigShannon EdwardCourse Design PractitionerHeather AmatoNate ApathyDina BorzekowskiLiann BrownSuhana ChattopadhyayKristin ColemanElaine DohertyJennifer GermanRebecca GourevitchMika HamerJennifer HodgsonGhaffar Hurtado ChoqueRana KarimpourAngshuman KashyapTanner KilpatrickJoanne KlossnerLeena MalayilLindsay MallickCatherine MayburyKathleen McPhaulDonald MiltonJessica Moore-SolórzanoThomas NagleThu NguyenChinedu ObiohaKayla PackerAna Palla-KaneAryn PhillipsJohn PopeEmma PowellJeremy PurcellBrit SaksvigCatherine SappAlexandra ShaverKirsten StoebenauMarie ThomaPin WangJohn WigginsShuling WuYang ZhangGenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerSun ChoGhaffar Hurtado ChoqueMadina KhamzinaLearning and Belonging Pedagogies PractitionerJoanne KlossnerLindsay MallickEmma PowellKerry TrippUniversal Design for Learning PractitionerJennifer BachnerShannon EdwardMadison Sawyer School of Public Policy Course Design PractitionerMichael BodakenKelly BrowerToby EganEbonie Johnson CooperPhilip JoyceBrandi OnowuBethany Rubin HendersonFrank SainfortJames StillwellJoannie Tremblay-BoireGenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerEbonie Johnson CooperLearning and Belonging Pedagogies PractitionerKelly BrowerJennifer LittlefieldJoannie Tremblay-BoireUniversal Design for Learning PractitionerNiambi CarterAlana Hackshaw University Libraries Course Design PractitionerAmber Pierdinock-WeedBenjamin ShawGenAI-Informed Pedagogy PractitionerBenjamin ShawLearning and Belonging Pedagogies PractitionerTahirah Akbar-Williams University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Course Design PractitionerVyacheslav LyubchichElizabeth North

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Community Remembrances

America250 Launches Block Party App for July 4 Celebrations

17 hours ago

"On May 8, America250 announced the launch of the official “America’s Block Party” mobile app, a new digital platform that makes it easy for Americans to find, join and host celebrations, explore events near them, and tune into livestreamed moments across the country leading up to and throughout the July 4 holiday weekend. The app is now available for download on iOS and Android devices. Built as a central hub for America’s 250th, the app invites all 350 million Americans to take part in the semiquincentennial by attending local events, hosting their own gatherings, tuning into livestreamed celebrations across the country or supporting causes through Giving 4th, a nationwide initiative to make this July 4 the largest single day of charitable giving in U.S. history. Rooted in the longstanding American tradition of neighborhood gatherings, America’s Block Party will transform July 4 into the largest synchronized celebration in U.S. history. The app serves as the official guide to this moment, helping Americans discover how their communities, cities and states are coming together from sea to shining sea. Through an interactive, map-based experience, users can explore block parties and celebrations happening across the country, search by location and find events that match how they want to celebrate. From backyard cookouts and local festivals to large-scale cultural events, every gathering plays a role in bringing the nation’s 250th anniversary to life. For those looking to take a more active role, the app also provides tools and resources to host an official America’s Block Party event, empowering individuals, families and communities to create their own events and traditions and contribute to a collective national moment. In addition to in-person experiences, the app enables Americans to join the celebration virtually. Users can tune into livestreamed events from across the country during the July 3-4 celebration window, creating a shared real-time experience that transcends geography. Whether at home, traveling or attending local gatherings, Americans can engage with celebrations nationwide and be part of the moment as it unfolds across the country. Following the holiday weekend, select content will remain available in the app, allowing users to revisit and experience highlights from celebrations across the country. By National Executive Committee resolution, American Legion departments and posts are encouraged to connect with their state and local America250 commissions. An online directory is available to contact these commissions at america250.org/our-partners/state-and-territory-commissions. Share your stories of involvement on Legiontown, and send details of your post or department events to [email protected]. The American Legion National Headquarters 700 N. Pennsylvania St., P.O Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206 Updates, resources, and special offers for veterans and their families."

America250 Launches Block Party App for July 4 Celebrations

17 hours ago

"On May 8, America250 announced the launch of the official “America’s Block Party” mobile app, a new digital platform that makes it easy for Americans to find, join and host celebrations, explore events near them, and tune into livestreamed moments across the country leading up to and throughout the July 4 holiday weekend. The app is now available for download on iOS and Android devices. Built as a central hub for America’s 250th, the app invites all 350 million Americans to take part in the semiquincentennial by attending local events, hosting their own gatherings, tuning into livestreamed celebrations across the country or supporting causes through Giving 4th, a nationwide initiative to make this July 4 the largest single day of charitable giving in U.S. history. Rooted in the longstanding American tradition of neighborhood gatherings, America’s Block Party will transform July 4 into the largest synchronized celebration in U.S. history. The app serves as the official guide to this moment, helping Americans discover how their communities, cities and states are coming together from sea to shining sea. Through an interactive, map-based experience, users can explore block parties and celebrations happening across the country, search by location and find events that match how they want to celebrate. From backyard cookouts and local festivals to large-scale cultural events, every gathering plays a role in bringing the nation’s 250th anniversary to life. For those looking to take a more active role, the app also provides tools and resources to host an official America’s Block Party event, empowering individuals, families and communities to create their own events and traditions and contribute to a collective national moment. In addition to in-person experiences, the app enables Americans to join the celebration virtually. Users can tune into livestreamed events from across the country during the July 3-4 celebration window, creating a shared real-time experience that transcends geography. Whether at home, traveling or attending local gatherings, Americans can engage with celebrations nationwide and be part of the moment as it unfolds across the country. Following the holiday weekend, select content will remain available in the app, allowing users to revisit and experience highlights from celebrations across the country. By National Executive Committee resolution, American Legion departments and posts are encouraged to connect with their state and local America250 commissions. An online directory is available to contact these commissions at america250.org/our-partners/state-and-territory-commissions. Share your stories of involvement on Legiontown, and send details of your post or department events to [email protected]. The American Legion National Headquarters 700 N. Pennsylvania St., P.O Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206 Updates, resources, and special offers for veterans and their families."

Yellowstone Rep Match Campaign

1 day ago

"YRT's Yellowstone Valley Gives goal is to raise funds to cover early production costs that make performances possible, such as venue and production deposits, artist fees, and rights/licensing."

Tennessee American Legion post honors fallen at Memorial Day ceremony

5 days ago

"For years, members of William E. Blair Post 95’s American Legion Family in Chattanooga, Tenn., have teamed with the city and the East Ridge Optimist Club to commemorate Memorial Day at City Hall. That was the case again this year, but prior to that, representatives from Post 95’s Legion Family also carried their respective flags into the Memorial Day ceremony that took place earlier in the day at Chattanooga. Post 95 Commander Freddie Parris Jr. said it’s important to remember U.S. servicemembers no longer living, and that the Legion plays a role in ensuring that. “They’re not here, but they're all a part of our family,” Parris said. “We're all brothers and sisters, shoulder to shoulder. And it's our duty to remember them, their sacrifice and all, and to keep their legacy alive. We should not forget the price that they gave and stepping up for our country and putting their lives on the line for it. We’ve got to always keep their memory alive and their sacrifices.” Memorial Day also provides an educational opportunity. “(It’s) trying to teach our youth – just like my grandkids and the kids that come in here – patriotism and paying respect to those that have went before us, and just honor and dignity and character and passing down to our youth what should be taught to them,” said Parris, adding that it’s also an opportunity to showcase The American Legion. “It's exposure about what the American Legion does and what we're about,” he said. “We’re trying to promote the Legion as more of a family-friendly community activity where you grow up as part of the Legion and part of the community and have influence in the community and helping our veterans so they have a place to go to when they get out of the service, a place to bring their families to and to be around fellow compatriots. “(Every year) we do a memorial service … And then afterwards, we open up our doors to the community. We have barbecue, potato salad, baked beans, the whole nine yards. And also, I've been pushing here a youth development program. We have games out here for them to play. Everybody brings their kids. It’s part of being involved in the community and being seen out here and being positive and interacting with the community.” Sons of The American Legion Squadron 95 Commander Bob Vallone said commemorations like the Memorial Day ceremony are one of the reasons The American Legion Family exists. “No. 1, we’re here to honor our veterans. That's what we are,” he said. “We honor the ones that have passed to Post Everlasting. Because without them, we wouldn't be standing here today. They sacrificed their life for us. The least we can do is have a day to remember them.” Nationwide, members of The American Legion Family either led or participated in Memorial Day observations to ensure the sacrifices made by U.S. servicemembers are not forgotten. The following are just a few examples of those efforts. Legion Family members who were a part of similar efforts are urged to share their stories and photos at legiontown.org. In Porterville, American Legion Post 20 led the Memorial Day ceremony at Hillcrest Cemetery. Post 20 Commander Robert Lassotovitch provided opening remarks, while the post’s color guard raised the flag. The day also included live music, the laying of the Memorial Cross by leadership from American Legion Auxiliary Unit 20, and remarks from Veteran's Homecoming Queen and Miss Porterville Gianna Rohrbach, who represents Post 20. Post 20 Chaplain Eddie Roscoe gave the invocation, saying, "Surrounded by these graves and American flags, it is easy to recognize the patriotism we have for our country. Yet, it is crucial that we live each day with gratitude, for the freedom we have as American citizens. These freedoms were not free. Memorial Day reminds us these sacrifices gave us freedom, equality, justice, and unity. And we recognize the heroic men and women who have served and protected our country, we must continue to uphold the respect, honor, and patriotism we hold for it.” During his remarks, Lassotovitch referenced the heroic actions of fallen U.S. servicemembers from the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom. “We take this day to reflect on ordinary Americans, exhibiting extraordinary values. Valor,” he said. “In honor of this legacy, we should all commit to the freedom offered by the greatest nation on earth. a land where patriotism eclipses politics, where the American flag is displayed proudly and frequently, and where military veterans are the society's true celebrities.” In Covington, American Legion Post 32 was packed for its annual Memorial Day ceremony; typically outdoors, the event was moved inside because of a threat of rain.   Post 32 Commander Bobby Hamby opened the ceremony by reminding attendees of the purpose of Memorial Day. “I’m here to tell you that Memorial Day is not a happy day,” he said. “It’s a day set aside to remember the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom, of our nation and our flag.” Toward the end of the ceremony, 83 names were read aloud ofthose who lost their lives in the front lines of combat. ·       In Metropolis, members of American Legion Post 306 placed 3,000 flags on veterans’ gravesites in cemeteries across Massac County. “It’s probably the most important holiday we have because there are so many people who serve this country that are no longer here,” Post 306 Junior Vice Commander Jeff Crippen said. “It’s affected generation after generation, all the way from the Revolutionary War to the current wars that are going on. It’s very important for us to honor the people who serve and very important to their families. It’s the least we can do.” ·       In Tremont, American Legion Post 1236 hosted its annual Memorial Day at the Veterans Memorial in Tremont Park. Members of the post read the names of those who lost their lives and the Tazewell County Military Rights Team gave them a rifle salute. Following the ceremony, Post 1236 hosted the public for lunch. ·       In La Grange, Major Robert Coulter Jr. Post 1941 hosted its annual service, which drew a standing-room only crowd and included members of Coulter’s family placing a memorial wreath. Coulter commanded a B-17 bombing group during World War II and lost his life in a crash after an enemy plane sheared off the wing of his plane, causing it to crash in North Africa. “More than 1.1 million American patriots have died defending our country in wars and combat actions since the American Revolution,” Post 1941 Commander Bill Kiddon said during his remarks. “They each have stories to tell; the graves at Arlington, the crosses at Normandy, the fallen heroes who rest in places unknown. We do not forget. We are here today for the 2,300 service members who lost their lives in the attack at Pearl Harbor 85 years ago. We are here for the 450,000 who didn’t return from the South Pacific and European campaigns in World War II.” ·       In Newton, the city’s annual Memorial Day Service was conducted by American Legion Post 111 in the veteran’s section of Union Cemetery. The names of 66 Jasper County veterans who have died since Memorial Day 2025 were read during the service, and there was a small American flag at each veteran’s grave in the cemetery. Ahead of Memorial Day, members of Post 111 place such flags at Union Cemetery and at the graves of veterans at six other cemeteries in Jasper County. “The big thing is we honor them but don’t forget them,” Post 111 Commander Jerry Gordon said. “Too often, society wants to just move on and forget things. We learn from our history, and for these folks it’s not just history, it’s their lives. It is very important to honor and remember those folks. Hopefully, the upcoming generations will continue to do so.”  ·       In Hamilton County, American Legion posts conducted multiple Memorial Day observances. American Legion Post 191 conducted ceremonies at the Cass Cemetery, the Marshall Crippen Memorial Bridge and at Graceland Cemetery. Williams Legion Post 633 organized events at two Williams cemeteries and the Blairsburg Cemetery. And in Webster City, Post 191 also organized the Memorial Day parade, which included the post’s color guard, Webster City High School band, the Scouts and others. The parade ended at Graceland Cemetery, where a Post 191-led service took place. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 191 member Jenny Manning read the names of those who had passed away during the past year. ·       In Lone Tree, American Legion Post 457 conducted its annual Memorial Day service, which included the introduction of each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, live music, a guest speaker and a rifle salute.   In Okinawa, American Legion Post OK28 conducted a Memorial Day ceremony at Private 1st Class Isami Miyasato’s grave on May 24. Miyasato was killed in action at Caiazzo, Italy, during the Salerno to Cassino Campaign on Oct. 18, 1943. He was awarded multiple commendations and was interred in Okinawa. In Topeka, Post 400’s annual Memorial Day ceremony included a wreath laying, a POW-MIA ceremony, a rifle salute and remarks from Eric Rohleder, deputy director of the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. After his remarks, he took a few questions and later provided brochures and business cards and contact information for representatives of the office. ·       In Elizabethtown, veterans, retired military, and families of veterans gathered at Post 113 for a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the post and the city. The event included remarks from U.S. Army Col. and Post 113 member Jason Seery. “The true way to honor the fallen is to live in a way worthy of their sacrifice,” he said. “This means strengthening our communities, helping our fellow veterans, supporting military families and teaching the next generation what the state truly means. We must tell their story. We must speak their names. We must ensure that our children and our grandchildren understand that the freedoms they inherit were paid for with courage, service and sacrifice.”   ·       In Mayfield, American Legion Post 26 held its annual Memorial Day service Monday in Harmon Park, bringing in members of the community to witness a 21-gun salute, a wreath-laying ceremony, and the performance of the national anthem and Taps. U.S. Army veteran Wayne Kernodle was the guest speaker and referenced a comment from Post 26 Commander during his remarks. “Joe Kimbel said that for every hot dog, every hamburger, every trip to the lake, there's a debt that's owed to those that came before,” Kernodle said. “We have to remember that freedom comes at a cost, and as Americans, we’ve always had people that were willing to stand up and pay that cost.” In Hancock, American Legion Post 186 conducted a Memorial Day ceremony at Lakeside Cemetery that included a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps. More than 1,000 flags were placed at the graves of those who served by a post member. “Remembering those who gave it all, that’s the biggest thing, some of us get to celebrate this because those who gave their lives in the service of our country, we have the freedoms we have,” American Legion Post 186 Public Affairs Officer Jim Peterson said. In LeRoy, American Legion Post 161 held three Memorial Day events. The first took place at the Veterans Memorial on Main Street and featured the color guard, Taps, prayers and a rifle salute. Members of the Post then traveled to the Shooting Star Trailhead Bridge for a lowering of a wreath into the Upper Iowa River before finishing up at LeRoy Cemetery. In Excelsior Springs, American Legion Post 236 hosted a Memorial Day ceremony at Memorial Park on the grounds of the Clay Ray Veterans Club. The ceremony included a keynote address by retired U.S. Air Force veteran Jess A. Siegel, whose service included deployments to Qatar, Baghdad, Afghanistan and Turkey. “Memorial Day is often celebrated with barbecue and the start of summer,” Siegel said. “There’s nothing wrong with that. Those are the joys of our free society. But for us today, let this be a space where we recognize that our freedom is not free.” Following Siegel’s remarks, representatives from multiple branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as American Legion Auxiliary Unit 236, laid wreaths. ·       In Hackettstown, Blue Ridge Post 164 organized the 158th Annual Memorial Day Parade, which was followed by a ceremony at Union Cemetery. Hackettstown Mayor Jerry DiMaio marched in the parade and delivered remarks at the graveside service. "We stand here because generations of Americans stood guard for us," DiMaio said. "They left their homes, their families, and their futures so that ours could continue. Some served in distant lands, others close to home, but all carried the same belief — that liberty is worth defending, and that our nation is worth protecting." ·       In Bridgewater, Gerald Abrego Post 327 held its annual Memorial Day parade down Old York Road in Bradley Gardens Monday, with veterans, Scouts, the Bridgewater-Raritan High School marching band and more participating. ·       In Spotswood, American Legion Post 253 sponsored the annual Memorial Day parade that featured U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Melvin Meszaros as the grand marshal. Meszaros served in the Marine Corps from 1960 to 1964 and is a life member of American Legion Post 324 in Edison. The parade also included local organizations, Scouts, area youth, fire trucks, a marching band and floats. Following the parade, area residents were invited to Post 253 for light refreshments. In Halfmoon, Mohawk Post 1450 hosted a Memorial Day ceremony and also placed American flags at veterans’ gravesites across local cemeteries ahead of the holiday weekend. In Durham, American Legion Post 7 hosted a Memorial Day ceremony that included a presentation by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bradley Maxon that honored the fallen. Post 7 historian Elton Corbett also presented his military uniform collection. The event also included music and food. In Bluffton, American Legion Post 382 coordinated the Bluffton Memorial Day Parade, which featured music from the Bluffton High School Marching Band, a jet flyover, Post 382’s color guard, Scouts and first responders. The parade end with a ceremony at Maple Grove Cemetery at the American Legion Monument. During the ceremony, Legion Chaplain Gary Dipnarine read out the names of local veterans who passed away since Memorial Day 2025, as a bell was rung. The monument was decorated with American flags, and a wooden cross with dog tags, helmet, boots and a folded American flag with the words “Freedom Isn’t Free.”  An empty chair draped with the POW-MIA flag also held a place of honor. Ahead of Memorial Day, Post 382 members decorated the graves of 875 veterans in Richland County cemeteries, including 510 in Maple Grove Cemetery. ·       In Grampian at the Penn Bloom Volunteer Fire Company Hall, the annual Edward Arthur Rafferty American Legion Auxiliary Unit 632-sponsored Memorial Day ceremony took place. The day included a patriotic concert, picnic lunch and a Memorial Honor Roll ceremony performed by the Post 632’s honor guard and assisted by the American Legion Auxiliary members. Earlier in the morning, the honor guard conducted military memorial services at multiple cemeteries. ·       In Tyrone, the annual Memorial Day parade ended at American Legion Post 281 and was followed by a ceremony at Soldiers Park. “In towns like ours, Memorial Day is personal,” Post 281 Commander Ed Krider said during the ceremony. “The names on our monuments and in our cemeteries are not strangers. They are neighbors, classmates, friends and family members. They worked these streets, sat in churches and attended these schools and dreamed of futures they never had the chance to fully live.” ·       In Clinton County, American Legion Remembrance Post 442 of Renovo teamed with the Bucktail Detachment 865 Marine Corps League for military services at local cemeteries and monuments throughout the western part of the county. Each service included a prayer, the placing of flowers, honoring those buried there, a rifle volley and the playing of Taps. In Spearfish, American Legion Post 164 organized a Memorial Day ceremony at the Rose Hill Cemetery and Spearfish Monument Memorial. Among the speakers was Post 164 member Doug Henwood, whose family has served in the U.S. military for more than 80 years.   Henwood said that his family and relatives have served in the armed forces for more than 80 years. “What we are here to do is honor those who have gone on. They gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Henwood. In Seoul, Col. Lewis L. Millet Post 38's annual Memorial Day ceremony at Yanghwajin Cemetery, included members of Pfc. Paul E. Finn Memorial Post 37 and its Auxiliary Unit, as well as Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9985. The group placed a U.S. flag on each grave of the U.S. veterans; the name of each veteran was read aloud.   In Temple, members of American Legion Post 133 honored 11 Legionnaires who had died in the past year. The post’s ceremony included the reading of each name, along with the ringing of a bell. The names were placed on Post 133’s Post Everlasting Wall. Post 133’s ceremony also recognized all other servicemembers and included a speech from Army veteran and former state representative Hugh Shine before attendees were served a free meal. The event also recognized two Eagle Scouts, William and Ben Holle, at the beginning of the ceremony. Members of Scout Troop 101 assisted with the event and later in the day conducted a flag retirement ceremony. In Orangeville, American Legion Post 39 hosted its ceremony at Orangeville Cemetery. The event included remarks from Post 39 Commander Don Gardner, a rifle volley and the playing of Taps. Post 39 conducted a similar ceremony at Castle Dale Cemetery. In Wheeling, American Legion Post 1 hosted its Memorial Day service, which was attended by dozens of members of the community. Post Commander Thomas Abell served as master of ceremonies for the event, which included the POW-MIA ceremony, the military child’s ceremony, the reciting of “In Flanders Field” and music. The guest speaker was Wheeling resident Jim Temple, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel. “On this Memorial Day we gather not for celebration alone but for remembrance,” he said. “We gather as Americans, as families, as veterans and as citizens who understand that freedom has never been free. It has always been purchased at a cost far greater than most people will ever comprehend. Today we honor the men and women who never came home. Some were barely older than teenagers. They did not serve for recognition. Most did not ask for praise. They served because they believed there were things bigger than themselves: duty, honor, family, country and the promise of America itself.” In Lodi, the Memorial Day service at Garden Bluff Cemetery was organized by American Legion Post 503 in Dane and Post 216 in Lodi. "From the frozen, desperate winters of the Revolutionary War to the modern, complex, conflicts in the Middle East, everyday Americans answered the call of duty," said retired Wisconsin Air National Guard Colonel Chad Milne, the ceremony’s featured speaker. “They were ordinary people, but they did extraordinary things. They did this because they believed in something greater than themselves--a nation built on liberty, justice, and the fundamental right to live without the fear of oppression.” The American Legion National Headquarters 700 N. Pennsylvania St., P.O Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206 Updates, resources, and special offers for veterans and their families."

Mother's Day Breakfast Ideas

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"Looking to skip the crowded restaurant on Mother’s Day? Here are some easy recipes that deliver restaurant-quality flair."

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