Holidays

"Family care packages are always a welcome treat for our deployed servicemembers, especially during the holidays when they are away from home defending our freedoms. Thoughts and acts of kindness from others are also appreciated.

- While we, Department of Defense, do not specifically send care packages, we do have various morale and recreation activities for our troops both at home and abroad.    » read more »

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (November 11, 2009) – Thoughts of Thanksgiving often conjure up sights, smells and tastes reminiscent of a holiday meal like no other. While you’re working up a sweat in the kitchen this November, take a few simple steps to make sure the only thing that’s sizzling is your roasting turkey.

Consider these valuable, energy-saving tips:

· Shut the door: Admit it. You like to watch food cook. This Thanksgiving, resist the urge to open the oven door, as doing so will decrease the temperature inside by 25 to 30 degrees. Use your oven light instead to keep the oven hot and the kitchen comfortable.    » read more »

Preparing For A Safe And Easy Thanksgiving Dinner - One Day At A Time

WASHINGTON, November 10, 2009 – Preparing Thanksgiving dinner can be a wonderful experience, yet daunting for those planning it. The goal is to have a safe and delicious turkey dinner, and if planned one day at a time, it can be a fun and memorable experience.    » read more »

Phoenix, Arizona -- March 5, 2009 -- When college students get out for Spring break this year they will probably head to the Colorado River. Unlike past years when thousands of students went to Mexico, the State Parks rangers are predicting those students will be heading to the beaches along the Colorado due to warnings from the State Department. Arizona's universities are also encouraging students to avoid Mexico this year due to crime in Mexico, so the festivities will probably be shifted over to the Colorado River.    » read more »

May 23, 2008 -- Washington, DC – Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-DE) issued the following statement today in honor of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26th, 2008.    » read more »

May 23, 2008 -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement in commemoration of Memorial Day:

"This weekend we honor the brave men and women who have defended our country and those who have lost their lives on the battlefield. They deserve the very best in return, which is why the Democratic Congress passed the bi-partisan 21st Century GI bill to help them pay for college when they come home.

We believe that if someone is willing to put on the uniform for the United States of America, we should do everything we can to help them and ensure their success when they come home. I'm proud that both of our Democratic candidates for president took time off from the campaign trail to vote in support of this important legislation.    » read more »

May 23, 2008 -- CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Following a federal proclamation issued by President George W. Bush on May 22, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin today issued a proclamation ordering all state flags, along with all United States flags, be displayed at half staff from dawn through noon Monday, May 26, 2008, in recognition of Memorial Day.

The governor also asked all West Virginians to display their U.S. and state flags on their homes at half staff from dawn until noon on Monday. Also in conjunction with the President’s Memorial Day Proclamation, citizens are also being asked to join in the nationwide observance for permanent peace at 11 a.m. and the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.

Source: West Virginia Governor

North Carolinians Urged To Remember Sacrifices Of Those Who Died Serving The Nation

5/23/2008 -- Raleigh - North Carolina Governor Mike Easley today declared Monday, May 26 as Memorial Day 2008 in North Carolina. Easley directed that state flags be flown at half staff on Memorial Day at all state facilities. He urged citizens to honor the men and women of the armed services who died in service to the nation.    » read more »

May 23, 2008 -- The NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB) extends wishes for a happy, healthy and safe Memorial Day weekend by reminding consumers about the holiday’s meaning and by offering safety practices and information. Whether you are celebrating the weekend by traveling, grilling, shopping or swimming, the CPB has the answers to many of your questions!    » read more »

May 23, 2008 -- (Lincoln, Neb.) -- Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman today reminded Nebraskans that U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff until noon on Monday, May 26 per presidential order to honor the selfless service of America’s servicemen and women.

Gov. Heineman said, “On behalf of all Nebraskans, I salute the heroes who have served this country with honor. I ask that we each take a moment to pause during gatherings with friends and family this Memorial Day to remember the courage and bravery of those who have sacrificed all for our nation and our freedom.”

Yesterday, President George W. Bush signed a proclamation ordering flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide during the first half of this year’s Memorial Day observance.

Source: Nebraska Governor

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The citizens of Wyoming should take time on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifices of soldiers who have died and been injured in service to their country, Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal said today in a somber ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda.

The Governor signed a proclamation that declares Monday, May 26 as Memorial Day in Wyoming, and said he hopes people will take the opportunity to remember soldiers and their families that day.    » read more »

March 19, 2008 -- I send greetings to those celebrating Nowruz.

For the millions of people who trace their heritage to Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan, India, and Central Asia, Nowruz is a time to celebrate the New Year with the arrival of spring. This cherished and ancient festival brings together family and friends to reflect on what has come before and celebrate a season of new beginnings.

Our country is proud to be a land where individuals from many different cultures can pass their traditions on to future generations. The diversity of America brings joy to our citizens and strengthens our Nation during Nowruz and throughout the year.    » read more »

March 04, 2008 -- FRANKFORT, KY – The Kentucky Governor’s Mansion will once again be the site of the Annual Easter Egg Roll at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, March 15, 2008.

“We are so happy to be able to continue this tradition for the citizens and children of Franklin County,” said First Lady Jane Beshear.

This year’s signature co-sponsors are the Frankfort Younger Woman’s Club and the Frankfort Tourist Commission.    » read more »

18 December 2007 -- New York's Rockefeller Center Plaza is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks - and one of its most popular tourist stops as well. The busiest time of year comes during the Christmas season, when a giant tree is put up and decorated with tens of thousands of Christmas lights. This year comes a new twist on this old holiday tradition. For the first time, New York's most famous tree has been made eco-friendly.

The annual lighting of New York's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has become a beloved holiday tradition in this city.    » read more »

Rebates and extended warranties

December 18, 2007 -- Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon is offering holiday shoppers some advice for dealing with rebates and extended warranties in the coming week. Both are popular products among retailers, and consumers are likely to see offers for one or the other, regardless of where they shop.    » read more »