Observing National POW/MIA Recognition Day

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is held on the third Friday of September to recognize former prisoners of war and those still missing and unaccounted for from all U.S. conflicts. Ceremonies are held throughout the country and around the world on military installations, ships at sea and other locations. The POW Committee of Michigan, for example, will hold a ceremony at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens on Sept. 15 featuring a keynote speech from American Legion post commander Capt. Dennis L. Hopkins, followed by a Plaques of Honor recognition. Google “POW/MIA Recognition Day events near me” to attend a recognition your area. #POW/MIA

Celebrate Earth Day the Ecofriendly Way

Friday, April 22, is Earth Day. Themed #InvestInOurPlanet for 2022, the 52nd day of action is designed to call attention to — and limit — environmental degradation and climate change for the protection of people and ecosystems worldwide.

In 1970, the first Earth Day inspired more than 20 million Americans to demonstrate against the environmental impact of industrialization. It led directly to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and landmark legislation such as the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.

Today, Earth Day is a global movement that encompasses more than 5,000 environmental groups in 193 countries; more than 1 billion people participate each year. And it’s easy to get involved at a personal or local level.

Consult Earthday.org for a map of observances throughout the world. Hundreds of events are planned for Earth Day weekend, including public rallies, in-person #cleanups and even virtual events. For example, New York City is hosting a Car-Free Earth Day.

Earth Day events are just the beginning, though. You can also protect the environment by lessening your own environmental impact on a daily basis. First, commit to reduce, reuse and recycle, Chiff says, and choose products and services based on their environmental impact.

You might spearhead a neighborhood #cleanup of discarded trash — not only will it protect wildlife, it will also beautify your surroundings. You can perform a household energy audit to save cut usage (and maybe #save a substantial amount of money).

Composting, solar power and electric cars are next-level ideas that cut greenhouse gases and often result in substantial savings. And of course, you can keep more manufactured #junk out of landfills by periodically #decluttering and contacting ClothingDonations.org for a free #donation #pickup.

It’s easy to celebrate Earth Day. But to have a real impact, make the commitment to cut your own environmental impact every day — and urge your neighbors and the companies you patronize to do the same.

Observing Veterans Day Virtually

With the spread of #COVID-19 still a concern especially for aging veterans, many virtual observances of Veterans Day will be held in 2021. You can participate in an Apple Watch Activity Challenge by completing an 11-minute workout, hear the Chicago Symphony’s Tribute to Veterans, or attend the Indianapolis and Phoenix Veterans Day parades virtually. Or you can invite your favorite military veteran over for popcorn, drinks and a screening of the Disabled American Veterans’ The Battle Never Ends documentary on the HISTORY channel.