Every year on the last Monday of May, Americans pay respect to the U.S. men and women who died in military service in their country by observing the holiday—Memorial Day. Many citizens observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials such as, Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. A national moment of silence takes place at 3 p.m. in remembrance of those who lost their lives fighting for freedom. Another tradition includes flying the flag at half-staff from dawn until noon. Volunteers often place flags on each gravesite at National Cemeteries.

Memorial Day is also a time for family and friend gatherings. In addition to remembrance, picnics, barbeques, and sporting events take place. One of the longest-standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500 which as been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911!

This Memorial Day, keep in mind that it is not just another day off from work, but a time of remembrance, observation, and family.

We have embarked upon a new year, and looking forward to 2009 is exciting! The beginning of each year brings the promise of hope and change; it’s the commencement to self-transformation.

So, what are your New Year’s Resolutions? If you’ve made a list, you’re not alone. People around the world have been making lists of resolutions for over two thousand years. The tradition began when the mythical Roman King Janus—for which the first month of our calendar year is named—declared the onset of each year as a time to forgive neighbors and to start anew with fellow citizens. Today, we still regard this time-honored tradition as an opportunity for positive alteration.

Here are some tips for keeping your resolutions on track:

Choose Goals that are Realistic: If a resolution is reasonable it is easier to remain committed. And, once you begin to notice the beneficial effects, you will most likely be inspired to keep it going!

Break Down Your Goals: Once you’ve set your goals, write down steps on how you will make them successful. Take a goal that is broad and narrow it down to a few sensible solutions. With each step you accomplish, you’ll feel one step closer to achieving your goal.

Be Kind to Yourself: Don’t worry if you encounter a setback. In fact, it may be a bumpy road on your path to your success. This is to be expected. Put temporary setbacks behind you as you continually move forward.

Don’t Do It Alone: It is more likely that you will attain your goals, especially the difficult ones—quitting smoking, losing weight, reduce financial debt—if you are not doing it alone. Positive feedback and support will help keep you motivated.

As we reflect upon the past year, it is important to note the dynamic events that have taken our nation into an opportunistic era. One particular element that has set this shift in motion is the strong presence of pioneering woman in our current affairs. The following include some of the most influential women of 2008.

Hillary Clinton: The former first lady campaigned for the United States Presidency. She did not win her party’s nomination, but fought an impressive race and was considered the first possible woman candidate for the Oval Office.

Sarah Palin: Alaska’s first female and youngest governor was appointed as the Republican vice presidential nominee. With a polarizing popularity, Sarah Palin is assured a place in history books.

Tina Fey: The comedienne, and “Saturday Night’s Live’s” former first female head writer, returned to her stomping grounds to sing the praises of Clinton’s strengths and to impersonate a dead-ringer for Sarah Palin. Her political satires did not go on unnoticed by the country, making some laugh and causing controversy with others.

Katie Couric: The CBS evening news anchorwoman was recognized to be a razor sharp political reporter during the election. With impressive interviews with both Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin—in a civil and insistent manner—she has proved herself deserved of the anchor desk’s only chair.

Dara Torres: The oldest female swimmer medalist made an encore performance this summer in China. Torres is the first and oldest swimmer to participate in five Olympics.

Wouldn’t this holiday season be that much happier with a new Honda in your driveway? The Honda of Wesley Chapel Happy Honda Days event will make it that much easier to do just that.

Imagine having your brand new Honda now and paying for it after the holidays? If you take delivery of a new Honda before December 24^th, you’ll make no payments for 45 days. That means you can drive your new Honda now and pay for it later.

On top of that, there’s never been a better time to buy a new Honda than right now. Prices are low, incentives are high, inventory is plentiful and finance is cheap and easy to come by. Combine all of these and you may never find a buying opportunity like this again!

Let’s take a look:

2009 Civic LX Sedans w/auto- $159 Per Month*

2009 Accord LX Sedans w/auto – $179 Per Month*

2008 CR-V LX w/auto and 2wd- $279 Per Month*

2009 Pilot w/auto and 2wd – $299 Per Month*

*36 month lease with $2999 due at inceiption plus tax and tag. No security deposit required with approved credit. Extra charges may apply at lease termination.