Memorial Day Savings Starts Now!

It's Memorial Day weekend and the traditional start to summer! Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday and is observed on the last Monday of May. It honors those men and women whom died while serving in the U.S. military. Many memorial services are planned during the Memorial Day weekend so please consider attending a local event to remember their sacrifice. Then join family and friends for fun times watching a parade, going to a favorite park for a picnic, or perhaps a family day at the ballpark cheering on your hometown baseball team! It's also fun to take in the Memorial Day sales at the local stores and online retailers too, and Zoey's Attic also has a deal for you! We have a 15% coupon code for all our Facebook friends, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram followers to use this weekend at Zoey's Attic Personalized Gifts. The code to use at checkout is MEM2016 and it will expire at 11:59 p.m. CDT on Monday, May 30th, 2016. The coupon code is only valid at our Zoey's Attic Personalized Gifts online shop. Get a head start on all your shopping for Father's Day, summer vacation, and July 4th shirts and gifts! And be sure to check out all the fun Back to School shirts for the kiddos and teachers too! Enjoy the weekend, be safe, and Happy Shopping!

Father's Day Savings

Father's Day is Sunday, June 21st, but you can save NOW on custom shirts and unique gifts from Zoey's Attic Personalized Gifts!  Save 15% off your purchased items from Zoey's Attic Personalized Gifts starting today and extending through the Memorial Day Weekend! Just use code MEM2015 at checkout for your 15% off savings. The coupon code will expire on Monday, May 25th, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Be sure to check out all our custom shirts for Dad, Step-Dad, Grandpa, or even a favorite Uncle!. Also choose a fun and personalized gift such as a custom apron, coffee mug, tote bag, or throw pillow for Dad. And, of course be sure to check out our best selling and oh so adorable Dad and Kiddo matching sets! Happy Shopping!

Father's Day Shirts and Gifts
from Zoey's Attic Personalized Gifts

We Remember

Memorial Day is May 25^th, a week from today. While it's the unofficial start of the summer season, it is actually a U.S. federal holiday set aside each year to pay respect to America's servicemen and women whom died while preserving our freedoms. While I enjoy the parades, family gatherings, and barbecues, the day is also personal for me. Each year I remember the members of my family whom have honorably served our nation and fellow countrymen. I am thankful for the servicemen and women such as 90 year old twin brothers, Bill and Lloyd Rupp. They joined the United States Marine Corps the day following their high school graduation in 1942. In November of that year, they left together by train from Union Station in downtown St. Louis destined for Marine Corp Base Camp in San Diego, California. The train made a routine stop at Wabash Delmar Station. Their family home on Nina Place was in view from the train station. The twins could see their mom and dad standing in the bedroom they shared and both were crying. At that moment, Bill and Lloyd wondered if they would ever see them again. The twins completed boot camp together, but due to the military policies brought about by the deaths of the five Sullivan brothers the twins were then separated. During World War II, Lloyd served in the Philippines and later in China while Bill was sent to the South Pacific and Midway Island. Remarkably they both survived the war and safely returned to the States. A few months past, the St. Louis Blues, of the National Hockey League honored these two veterans for their service to our country. The ovation was rousing and the 90 year old twin brothers were clearly overwhelmed. Definitely a well deserved tribute to these exemplary soldiers.

Following an injury and subsequent craniotomy for a subdural hematoma this past winter, Bill and his wife were moved to an assisted living home, The Bridge at Florissant. It was a difficult transition for the peppy and fiercely independent Marine. Although still active in his local community government and veteran affairs, Bill decided to continue his work on behalf of veterans in his new place of residence. On that note, this faithful Marine planned a Memorial Day event for the residents of The Bridge. He arranged for speakers from several branches of the armed forces to address the residents and their guests. Rear Admiral John Zerr represented the U.S. Navy, Lt. Col. Ron Neubauer spoke on behalf of the U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Lt. George Newell represented the U.S. Army, and Col. Bob Leeker, U.S. Air Force also addressed the audience. Each speaker eloquently shared their personal stories entwined with their interpretation of the real meaning of Memorial Day. Everyone in the room was moved including the younger men and women in attendance. The eyes of the Director of the facility welled with tears as she recalled her own father’s service during the Viet Nam conflict. Upon hearing the stories of the speakers and residents, tears even flowed from the eyes of those much younger whom have no personal connection to the military.  Everyone in attendance clearly felt moved by the ceremony.

The singing of our National Anthem and God Bless America was led by Katharine Lawton Brown and everyone in attendance joined in chorus. Medals of Recognition were presented to residents of The Bridge at Florissant whom had served in the military services of our country. The American Flag was then lowered in honor of those service members whom gave the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our Nation’s principles and freedoms. A U.S. Marine Corp League bugler played Taps during the lowering of the flag. A reception for Veteran honorees, residents, and guests was held immediately following the ceremony.  It was an emotional event and everyone was touched by the service. Several widows were present and shared stories and family pictures of their beloved husbands in their military dress. Others present spoke of sons and daughters whom had served their country and were no longer with us. Pride and appreciation resounded throughout The Bridge that day.

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
Saint Louis, Missouri

The ceremony at The Bridge was my first Memorial Day event this year.  Sunday I will help decorate the graves of family members interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. That day the local Boy Scouts will also place an American flag on each of the 190,000 graves at the Barracks. It is truly a site to behold. Monday is actually Memorial Day and ceremonies will be held in various locations throughout the country. Please consider attending one of these events. More importantly, I sincerely hope everyone sets aside a few moments to remember and also educate our children on the importance of this special day. So as the saying goes "Freedom is not free".... everyone at Zoey's Attic sends our thanks to all past and present service members and their families for defending our personal freedoms. Enjoy Memorial Day!

We Remember...

What does Memorial Day mean to you? To many people (me included) it means the official beginning of summer, the Indy 500, opening day for the neighborhood pool, and permission to wear white shoes (taboo during all other seasons!). The weekend is filled with lots of family togetherness at parades, picnics, and barbecues. It's also fun to take advantage of all the Memorial Day sales at the local stores and online too.  The activities of this weekend in May each year are definitely highlights on the social calendar, but let's not forget the real meaning of the day. Memorial Day is observed each year on the last Monday in May. It is in fact a U.S. federal holiday established to pay tribute to our military veterans, specifically the courageous men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have died while in the service of our country. In addition, many families also take the opportunity on this special weekend to remember dear family members whom no longer have a physical presence in their lives. So to continue the tradition set by my parents (and their parents before), we made our commemorative Memorial Day cemetery rounds today.  We usually visit the deceased military members of our family interred at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on the the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. This is the day when the area Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Venturers gather to place an American flag on all 189,000 plus graves.  It is a sight to behold! This year we have a possible threat of bad weather on Sunday causing us to decide to pay our respects earlier today. So in the midst of all the fun activities this weekend offers, please set aside a few minutes to remember and give thanks for those whom have died while serving our Nation to preserve our principles and freedoms. We at Zoey's Attic remember and wish all our friends a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

Well, today is the unofficial beginning of summer!  It's also Memorial Day, a U.S. federal holiday to pay respect to America's servicemen and women whom died while preserving our freedoms. While families are gathering for the annual kick-off to summer barbeque, I truly hope everyone sets aside a few moments to remember and also to educate our children on the importance of this special day. So as the saying goes "Freedom is not free".... everyone from Zoey's Attic sends our thanks to all past and present service members and their families for defending our personal freedoms. Enjoy your summer!

Freedom Rings!

Memorial Day is May 28th. It is a day set aside to pay tribute to our military veterans, specifically the brave men and women who have died in the service of our nation. Many programs are planned each year across the United States to honor these courageous soldiers. In honor of my father, a World War II veteran, I have personally attended many such events in the past. I have always brought along my daughter to these memorial events as I believe it is so important to teach our younger generations about the sacrifices of our loyal men and women soldiers. I hope many of you will also make time on such an important day to remember those who have given the ultimate for our country. The remainder of the day is typically celebrated with parades, swimming, backyard barbeques and shopping! This special day also signifies the beginning of the summer season. The children are always so excited! Why not add to their excitement and dress them in an adorable patriotic t-shirt for the day's festivities? All shirts from Zoey's Attic can be customized and personalized, if desired, for a girl or a boy! Zoey's Personalized Gifts has just what you need!

Children's All American Patriotic Tshirt

Children's Patriotic Peace Sign Tshirt