Hello All, 

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and were able to enjoy the company of loved ones and relaxation!

As we bring 2014 to a close here at the Memorial, I would like to reflect on some of the wonderful milestones we’ve experienced throughout the year. This year has been one of the busiest we’ve had since the Dedication in 2001. With the 70^th Anniversary of D-Day being our primary focus, it has been quite a thrilling ride. We had over 8,000 visitors on June 6^th, one of our biggest days on record!! Not only did we have gorgeous weather, we also had so many wonderful people joining us on a day we shall never forget. This year, the Memorial was also named the most popular travel attraction in Virginia and ranked 17^th overall in the nation, according to Trip Advisor’s list of “Travelers’ Choice Top 25 Landmarks- United States”! The Memorial was also ranked as one of the top 100 favorite architectural structures in Virginia.

The Memorial has made many advances internally, as well! Most recently, we have completed the transition from the old office to the new and we could not be happier! The Foundation has grown so much that we needed more room for our collections and staff. Now, visitors will be able to visit our administrative staff and our wonderful collection of artifacts all in one building! I have said it before, but we truly appreciate all the support the Foundation receives from those who are connected with the Memorial. Without you all, the success of this year would not have been made possible. Also, the Blue Star Brick Garden is now completely full due to all those who have honored their loved ones with a commemorative brick. Now we have broken ground on the Annie J. Bronson Veterans Memorial Walk and all future brick purchases will be placed there for all visitors to admire.

NEW YEAR Traditions and Trivia:

There are so many ideas and traditions associated with the New Year but a common theme throughout the world is the idea that a new year will bring luck and renewal.

The first New Year’s celebration was thought to have taken place 4,000 years ago by the ancient Babylonian people. The festivities would begin on the first day of spring and go on for eleven days. The sun and moon cycles were usually the determining factor for when the first day of spring would be, thus deciding the first day of the year. It was not until Julius Caesar’s reign that January 1^st marked the beginning of the New Year. For centuries, New Year’s had a heavy religious tradition, but since the twentieth century, the celebration has changed into a holiday connected with nationality, relationships, and renewal.

The ancient Greeks were the first to use a baby to signify the New Year, around 600 B.C.

Many cultures view food as a good luck symbol. Black eyed peas, ham, and cabbage are lucky food items to eat on the New Year.

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and it is tradition to eat apples and honey throughout the day.

The Chinese New Year is on the second full moon after the first day of winter.

Many people choose New Year’s resolutions revolving around something they want to change within themselves. Usually weight loss is the number one resolution, then having a better diet, stop smoking, get organized, save money; basically be a better person.

Of course, New York City is one of the top destinations in the United States for people to ring in the New Year. But did you know Sydney, Australia has the biggest celebration in the world?  80,000 fireworks are set off from the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

The first New Year’s ball drop in New York City was held in 1907 as a result of a fireworks ban. The ball weighed 700- pounds and had 25-watt bulbs adorning it. Today, the ball weighs 11,875 pounds and is covered with 2,668 Waterford crystals.

The New York Times Square ball has been dropped every year since 1907, except in 1942 and 1943 because of wartime restrictions.

It is a tradition for Italians to wear red underwear on New Year’s Day to bring good luck.

Traditionally, people like to ring the New Year with family and friends because it is good luck to be with loved ones, and your foes may bring you bad luck.

“Auld Lang Syne” is sung every year in English-speaking countries at midnight. Early versions of the song inspired Robert Bums to create the current tune. However, it was not until after his death that the song was finally published, in 1796.

I hope you all have a Happy and SAFE New Year’s!

Take Care,
Elizabeth