We’ll make this short and sweet, featuring the highlights of celebrations and observations of May:

• May 1st – May Day.  An international working class holiday, in honor of worker’s rights, celebrated worldwide.  (I think we still work that day, right?)

• Kentucky Derby – 1st Saturday in May. Most famous horse race in the United States.

• Cinco de Mayo – May 5th.  Anniversary of Mexican victory over French at Puebla in 1862, celebrated by Mexican Americans in U.S., and an official holiday in Mexico.

• Mother’s Day – 2nd Sunday in May.  First observed in 1908, officially recognized by the President and Congress in 1914.

• Armed Forces Day – 3rd Saturday in May.  U.S. honors men and women of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.  Previously, these branches had separate celebrations, but were combined in 1950.

• Indianapolis 500 –Sunday before Memorial Day. (Start your engines!)

• Memorial Day – Last Monday of May.  This legal holiday pays tribute to the memory of those who died while serving the United States in war.  It was first observed in 1866.

The month of May also brings many health awareness focuses, such as: Mental Health Awareness, National Stroke Awareness, Arthritis, Lupus, High Blood Pressure Education, Cancer Research, Correct Posture Month, and Nubrofibromatosis Awareness Month.  These are all worthwhile causes, and merit our investigation and assistance. Volunteering a little time to promote these issues, or making donations could mean a difference in someone’s life.

Please enjoy your May days, whether it’s to take your mom out on her special day, purchase a fancy, new hat for the Kentucky Derby, or buy those ear plugs for the Indianapolis 500, we hope this will be a wonderful part of your spring and usher you right into summer fun!  Just always stay safe!