The first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere arrives with the solstice this year on Friday, June 20, 2025, 10:42 p.m. EDT. With Summer comes fun and sun and weird weather. Let’s stay cool as the heat warms all around us. Remember to hydrate because it’s good for you, and try not to get sunburned.
Meanwhile, I will be counting down the days until my favorite season, which is Fall.
Today is Juneteenth. This is an observance of the ending of slavery in the United States. It’s an important holiday for people in the African American community. In the days we live in, we have to recognize that American history cannot be written without the uncomfortable truths of slavery, including black history. These days, some are seeking to erase the events that liberated a people who suffered greatly and labored under horrible conditions. There must be atonement for the sin of slavery and a vow to never repeat it. Unfortunately, there are people in this country who are “free” who do hard labor for very low wages in oppressive conditions. Juneteenth is about liberation and about real freedom of self-determination without chains and fear and violence.
World Blood Donor Day was established in 2004 by several organizations including the World Health Organization in order to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and to thank blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gifts of blood. Every single blood or plasma donation is a precious lifesaving gift, and regular donation is the key to building a safe and sustainable supply. As a person who recruits donors for Blood Assurance, a regional blood bank serving Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Kentucky, it’s important to donate every 56 days.
Friday the 13th is about superstition and associated with bad luck. Be careful today and avoid going under ladders, breaking mirrors, and black cats today. Best wishes to us all today.
What happened to compassion and enlightenment?
Jesus tells followers to welcome the visitor, the stranger, the immigrant. This is the way.
Artist Unknown
The Tony Burgess Blog 