Old Glory, as the American flag is often referred to, symbolizes our country’s heritage and freedom. For seniors who served or had a loved one serve during a period of war or conflict, the American flag can be especially meaningful. It represents pride, sacrifice, courage, and determination.

June 6, 1944, is a date forever embedded in history. On that day, in the early morning hours, Allied forces staged the largest invasion the world had ever seen. It was an assault against Hitler and German positions on the beaches of Normandy, France.

Americans are proud of our service men and women. We conduct letter-writing campaigns when they are deployed overseas, greet them with bands and parades when they return home, and honor them with special days throughout the year.

Assisted living communities strive to provide residents with just the right type of care so that they may remain safe, happy, and comfortable. One group of professionals who are essential to providing this support is nurses. You will find them assisting residents throughout the day, every day.

Ronald Reagan was the first president to establish an official day to recognize the important work carried out by the spouses of our military members. In 1984, he signed a proclamation designating the Friday before Mother’s Day as Military Spouse Appreciation Day. It’s an annual celebration to recognize and express our appreciation for the sacrifices of military spouses.

Mothers and grandmothers play critical roles in our families and communities. They are the nurturers, the organizers, the people we turn to when things go wrong, and the ones we want to share our good news with first.

May 7–11 is National Teacher Appreciation Week! Whether it’s finding ways to fund supplies their students need or accommodating each student’s unique learning style, our nation’s teachers face many challenges each day. It’s an increasingly complex job that doesn’t often garner much attention or appreciation.