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A Renewal
By
Reno Litterio |
Quincy
- Is this winter finally over? The 15th of March is the
magic day we make the transition from winter to spring.
Harsh and endless days of this frigid cold season have
caused stress and health related problems. Many of us were
able to face these ills head-on, while others with loving
family and friends received strong support. Every year is
different because we have, and it is suggested by others,
what is called “seasonal lag.”
Every year we wait for the appearance of the groundhog, also
known as a woodchuck or land beaver, to make his weather
prognostication. With a 70% accuracy for the past
predictions, can I put my trust in him? I personally will
wait and decide for myself to see and feel the warmth of
that glorious sun.
March, the third month of the year, is bringing us closer to
the sun’s direct rays. It also reminds us of certain
important days. Whether you like it or not, this is the
month you lose one hour of sleep. Yes, on March 8th of this
year Daylight Savings begins by setting your clock ahead one
hour. No big deal, it might still be dark outside when you
wake up, but go ahead and stay in bed for an extra hour
until daylight appears without feeling guilty.
On March 12th, we celebrate the founding of Girl Scouts of
The United States of America, a nonsectarian, nonpolitical,
interracial organization. Founded in 1912 by Mrs. Juliette
Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia, it began with only 18
members and a general purpose of building character and
citizenship among girls from the ages of seven to eighteen.
Since then it has grown to 3.7 million members throughout
the United States, including U.S. territories, and in more
than 90 countries through the USA Girl Scouts Overseas
organization.
On the third day of March, back in 1931, the Star Spangled
Banner officially became the National Anthem of the United
States of America, but the music was actually written during
the war of 1812 by John Stafford Smith (1750-1836). On
September 13, 1814, Francis Scott Key, a lawyer from
Washington, witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry from a
nearby ship. In the early dawn, a huge American flag rose
above the Fort and Key was so inspired during the
bombardment, he wrote the famous poem on the back of an
envelope that later became the lyrics to the National
Anthem.
The 17th of March is one of the great holidays observed in
this month. Put on a little green and become Irish for a
while and join Ireland in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. St.
Patrick was born near Dunbarton, Scotland in 387 AD to a
Roman family of high rank. At the age of 16 he was taken
prisoner by Irish marauders and sold as a slave in Ireland,
where he worked for his cruel master tending sheep. St.
Patrick, after six years of captivity, heard the voice of
God, telling him to return to Ireland to preach Christianity
to the Irish. Making his escape from captivity, he spent the
next 14 years studying and preparing for the priesthood. St.
Patrick worked the next 30 years building churches and
spreading the Christian faith throughout Ireland. He died
March 17th in 460 AD. Down Cathedral has become a place of
pilgrimage for over 1,500 years, where a massive granite
stone marks St. Patrick’s grave.
One other important date in the month of March is the vernal
season in the northeast part of America. This year, spring
beings the 20th of March and last through June 21st. What
could sound better to my ears then the sound of lawn mowers
and hedge trimmers or the smell of sod, fertilizer, plants,
my grapevine coming alive with buds unfolding and all the
smells of spring.
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About The Author
Reno J.
Litterio is the cofounder of the Ward 4 Senior Citizens
Social Group in Quincy during 1992 and currently serves as
Chairman and Director of the group. You may reach Mr.
Litterio at renowarior@aol.com. All are welcome to join the
Ward 4 group and enjoy the social activities and great
companionship.
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