Category: News, observances, history

Independence Day, July 4, 1776

Today, we celebrate the birth of the United States of America with liberty and justice for all. I thank the Armed Forces for protecting our freedoms and securing our safety, and honor the families of deployed service members. These patriotic photos that I took in New York City capture the spirit of liberty and its historical significance.

updated June 20, 2025

This was the first Independence Day blog post I wrote in 2015, the year I started this blog. Now it’s 10 years later, and next year the country will celebrate 250 years-America 250.

On this day in 1775, 13 British colonies in North America declared independence from England. And as they say, the rest is history

Today we celebrate the birth of the United States of America

“one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.”

The United States flag displayed at Grand Central Station, New York City, NY
The United States flag displayed at Grand Central Station, New York City, NY-
photo by Dr. Aletha

I thank all service members of the United States Armed Forces for protecting our freedoms and securing our safety. I appreciate the families of deployed service members for their sacrifice.

statue of General George Washington, first President of the United States of America - New York City
General George Washington, first President of the United States of America – New York City-photo by Dr. Aletha

The Statue of Liberty
“Liberty Enlightening the World” statue on Liberty Island, New York City photo by Dr. Aletha

Exploring the HEART of Health

I hope you enjoyed these patriotic photos I took during my trip to New York City.

Did you know, the first woman to graduate from a medical school in the United States, established a hospital in New York City? Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell and her sister Dr. Emily Blackwell established the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1857. That facility eventually became the New York-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital .

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Use this box to Explore other posts about New York City, Elizabeth Blackwell, United States history, or other health and wellness topics .

Dr. Aletha

A Personal Tribute on Memorial Day at Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May in the U.S., honors those who died serving in the armed forces. In 2014, we visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, New Mexico, to participate in a remembrance service and view an engraved brick .

updated May 25, 2025

The United States celebrates Memorial Day on the last Monday of  May, a day set aside to remember people who died while serving in the armed forces, although many families use it to remember other deceased loved ones also.  

Memorial Day 2014 was special and unique for me and my husband.

We had planned a trip to New Mexico, not realizing we would be there on Memorial Day. I was attending a medical conference. We wanted to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angel Fire.

Since my husband is a Vietnam Veteran, I had ordered a brick engraved with his name to be laid on the walkway there. We wanted to see it, and decided to go on Memorial Day, to join the special remembrance service they have on that day.

It was a chilly overcast day, not what we expected for late May. Fittingly, the rain held off until the ceremony ended, then it poured down. I took all of the photos in this post.

on the memorial grounds, the chapel in the background
In the background, I am kneeling to view Raymond's brick
In the background, I am kneeling to view Raymond’s brick
Inside the chapel, which is never locked; it is open for anyone to enter at any time
presenting a flag and plaque to the family of a fallen soldier
A flag and plaque were presented to the family of a fallen soldier
music by a local military reserve unit
A local military reserve unit provided music.
Raymond with the late Dr. Westphal, who founded the memorial in honor of his son who died in Vietnam (an old photo)

On an earlier trip Raymond met with the late Dr. Westphall, who founded the memorial in honor of his son David, who died in Vietnam.

 David Westphal Veterans Foundation

“The purpose of the David Westphall Veterans Foundation is to honor America’s veterans and members of its military forces by memorializing the sacrifices they have made and by recognizing the sense of duty and the courage they have displayed as they answered their country’s call to arms.”

Sharing the HEART of remembrance

Thanks for sharing the Angel Fire Memorial with us. If you are ever in northeast New Mexico, don’t miss visiting the memorial, museum, and veterans cemetery which has been added since our last visit. You can also visit nearby Taos and the Taos Pueblo.

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr Aletha 

A true-life Vietnam Veteran served as the inspiration for this novel about a lost veteran who found his way home. I reviewed it in this post.

REVENANTS-The Odyssey Home: a book review

Most people know and understand what war does to countries- changing boundaries, toppling governments, destroying infrastructure, wasting the land, bankrupting economies. Revanants speaks to the human cost for communities, families, and individuals-driving families apart, killing dreams, interrupting plans, wounding bodies and emotions, and destroying hope. On a global scale, war may be justified but in…

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