May 25 is Memorial Day!

How do Americans celebrate Memorial Day?

Memorial Day, held during the last Monday of May, is not merely an extra day off of school or work. This day is a day that recognizes and commemorates men and women who have given their lives to military services over the years. It has been celebrated since the Civil War and continues to be a day of reflection.
There are different things you can do to help restore the meaning of Memorial Day.

• Have a local parade in the honor of those who have died serving our country. The parade can include pictures and names of those who have died. Uniforms that have been worn in different wars can be placed on a float. Everyone can take a moment of silence at the end of the parade to honor those who have sacrificed themselves for our country.

• Have a Memorial Day party. At the party you can talk about the true meaning of Memorial Day. Have everyone bring something to the party that would symbolize the meaning of Memorial Day. For example, someone can bring movies related to the Memorial Day theme. Another person can bring pictures and postcards that show some of the solders that fought in a war.

• Place a flag outside of your home. The flag symbolizes the people who have fought and died for our country. It not only shows that we remember but it is also a good way to remind others who pass your home.

• Take a trip to a memorial museum. This is a great way to learn about those who have died in a war. You will get to hear stories and see pictures. Many times there are tours given by professionals who can answer any questions you may have.

Go pink!!

Join as we Walk to raise Awareness for Breast Cancer!

In cooperation with local partners BORKA, Integrity Alpha Omega, Avon, the Ministry of Health, and the Agency for Youth and Sports, US Embassy Skopje will host “Go Pink! Walk Against Breast Cancer” on Sunday, May 17, starting at 11:00 am.

The walk will begin at the “Skolka” at the City Park in Skopje and will be followed by a concert with some of Macedonia’s most-loved musicians.

The May 17 walk will be a chance for people of all ages to walk together to raise funds for the health of their mothers, their wives, their sisters, and their daughters.

The fight against breast cancer is important for all of us!

***** To Participate******

You have to donate 100 denari towards the fund for refurbishing a chemotherapy center for women.

*In return, you will receive:

- A cute pink T-shirt with the pink ribbon logo
- Accreditation
- Water Bottle

you can donate 100 denari by calling 143 171 and show the confirmation message when you pick up your package
OR
donate 100 denari on the day of the event.

Find more information on BORKA's website.

American Corner Bitola Monthly Program

American Corner Tetovo Monthly Program

American Corner Skopje Monthly Program

World Press Freedom Day

May 3rd is the annual commemoration of World Press Freedom Day
As Secretary Rice has said, "there is no more important pillar of democracy than a free and active press." (April, 10, 2007)

The United States values freedom of the press as a key component of democratic governance. Democratic societies are not infallible, but they are accountable, and the exchange of ideas is the foundation for accountable governance.

UNESCO is organizing World Press Freedom Day celebration, from 2 to 3 May 2009 in Doha, the capital of Qatar. This year’s Day, placed under the auspices of Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned, is organized jointly by UNESCO and the Doha Centre for Media Freedom.



What do people do?

World Press Freedom Day gives people the chance to pay tribute to media professionals who risked or lost their lives in the line of duty. Many communities, organizations and individuals take part in this day through various events such as art exhibitions, dinners featuring keynote speakers, and awards nights to honor those who risked their lives to bring news to the world.

Read more

What happened in May throughout history?

• First American in Space: On May 5, 1961, Mercury Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr. (right, headed to launch) blasted off in his Freedom 7 capsule atop a Mercury-Redstone rocket (left). His 15-minute sub-orbital flight made him the first American in space.

• Mother’s Day is in May: Mothers Day is a special day for honoring Mothers through out the world. The Mother's Day holds great significance for all of us. As usual, the Mothers Day 2009 will be celebrated on May 10th, 2009 in the U. S. whereas the U. K. will celebrate the Mothering Sunday (Mother's Day) , 2009 on date March, 22nd.
  

• Computer education week ( May 4 -10)
  

• First Telegraph Message Transmitted (1844)

• Golden Gate Bridge Opened ( 1937)

• Brooklyn Bridge Opened (1883)
  

• Empire State Building Opened (1931)
  

• New York Stock Exchange Established( 1972)
  

• Amelia Earhart Flew Solo Across the Atlantic (1932)
  

• Linda Finch Completed Earhart’s Flight Around the World ( 1997)
  

• Mt. Everest Summit Reached (1953)

• Olympic Games first held in U.S. (1904)

Asian-Pacific Heritage Month

This Year's Theme : Leadership, Diversity and Harmony—Gateway to Success



According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Asians and Pacific Islanders make up the fastest growing racial group in the United States, numbering more than 10 million people, or nearly 4 percent of the total population. The diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander American population includes members of more than 30 ethnic groups who speak more than 300 languages and dialects.

One of the reasons May was chosen for this celebration was to pay tribute to the first Japanese immigrants, who came to the United States in May 1843.

People across the country honor Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with community festivals, government gatherings, and educational activities for students.

About This Year's Theme
Leadership, Diversity and Harmony—Gateway to Success

The theme for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is selected annually by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization organized exclusively for educational purposes to promote equal opportunity and cultural diversity for Asian Pacific Americans within in the federal and D.C. governments.
This year’s theme, “Leadership, Diversity and Harmony—Gateway to Success,” honors the many contributions citizens of Asian and Pacific Island ancestry have made to America. Through their entrepreneurship and strong values of love and family, they have strengthened the economy and enriched communities across the nation.


http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/heritage_month/apahm/index.html