Jewelry, Pt 4 – Sacred Pieces

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In the last video about my jewelry making, I show you some pieces that have a special place in my heart. And please remember that all of the necklaces, bracelets and earrings that I make are sold to benefit Operation Family Fund, which helps the families of those injured or killed in the global war on terrorism.

Or watch other videos at youtube.com/DrLaura.

Read transcript here.

Jewelry, Pt 3 – The Creative Process

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In the third part of our series on how I design the jewelry that is sold to benefit Operation Family Fund, you can watch me wield the crimping tools and wire cutters as I make a bracelet that will be on sale in our Valentine’s Day boutique next week.

Or watch other videos at youtube.com/DrLaura.

Read transcript here.

Jewelry, Pt 2 – The Bead Sanctuary

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Today, we move on to the second of four videos about how I design and create the jewelry that is sold four times a year on my website.  Let me invite you into my “bead sanctuary,” where you’ll see how I turn my penchant for organization into a key part of the creative process.

Or watch other videos at youtube.com/DrLaura.

Read transcript here.

Jewelry, Pt 1 – From Hobby to Passion

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Four times a year, I make and sell jewelry to benefit Operation Family Fund, the charity I support that aids the families of military and civilians killed or severely injured in the war on terror.  I’ve been asked many questions about my decision to make jewelry and just what goes into designing and creating my pieces.  So, I’ve decided to SHOW you in a series of videos.  Today, I’m covering how this went from just a hobby to a true passion:

Or watch other videos at youtube.com/DrLaura.

Read transcript here. 

Veterans Day

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On this Veterans Day, I want to share with you a little bit of history from CNN Student News:

On November 11, Americans pay tribute to everyone who has served in the U.S. military. But why was this particular date chosen, and how does this holiday differ from Memorial Day?

“World War I, also known as “The Great War,” was fought from 1914 to 1918. During this conflict, Great Britain, France, Russia, Belgium, Italy, Japan, the United States and other countries, which formed the “Allies,” defeated the so-called “Central Powers,” which included Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey (then the Ottoman Empire) and Bulgaria. On the “eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month” of 1918, German leaders signed an armistice, or a halt to hostilities, with the Allied powers. On that date, November 11, celebrations were held in New York City, Paris, London, and in other cities around the globe. The following year, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 as “Armistice Day,” a day to observe the end of World War I.

On June 4, 1926, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution asking President Calvin Coolidge to call upon officials to “display the flag of the United States on all government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.” Twelve years later, on May 13, 1938, Congress passed an Act making the 11th of November Armistice Day, a federal holiday.

Initially, Armistice Day was supposed to honor veterans of World War I. But after the call to arms and human sacrifices during World War II and the Korean conflict, veterans’ groups urged Congress to consider a day to celebrate U.S. veterans of all wars. On June 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

Difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day

Veterans Day in the United States is a day to honor all Americans who have served in the U.S. military, both during wartime and in peace. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring Americans who have died serving the nation, especially those who died in battle or from wounds received during armed conflicts. On Veterans Day, Americans thank the living veterans for their service to the country and recognize all who have served the country.”

Not forgetting our veterans means more than putting up your flag, getting a day off from work, or even marching in a parade. What more? Those veterans who sacrificed limbs, hearing, and vision are still sacrificing for their country every single day of their lives. Their supportive families are also still sacrificing: keeping the family going while tending to the needs of their injured loved one and offering emotional support, all while holding themselves together.

We – all of us – need to really show these families how much we appreciate their commitment to every person and family in America by lightening their burden. OPERATION FAMILY FUND – with absolutely no overhead (that is, no monies kept for even a telephone bill) has been helping veteran families with financial support so that they can keep their homes, the family car, have food on the table and clothe their children…maintaining their dignity in the face of potentially life-long physical problems which make wage-earning even more difficult than it is in our current climate.

Our military is all voluntary…so remember that these folks chose to protect their fellow Americans knowing it could mean life and limb. The rest of us should choose to protect our vets and their families.

Go to OPERATIONFAMILYFUND.ORG and make a contribution…yeah, I know…money is tight…but never let that stop you from lightening the load on someone else’s back. OPERATIONFAMILYFUND.ORG.

An Important Message for Veteran’s Day

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Today is Veteran’s Day, a time to remember everyone who has served in the United States military.  Watch Dr. Laura’s message about why we must not forget those military families who find themselves in need:

Or watch other videos at youtube.com/DrLaura.

In Memoriam: Frank King

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The way to my heart…is through my heart, and the family of Frank King did just that.

“King, Frank L., 84, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in North Tustin, California after a lengthy illness.”

Frank enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 and flew missions as a tail gunner, navigator, and radioman in World War II and Korea. For his service, he received numerous decorations and medals.  He had a “Marine” mindset his whole life, always following his credo: “What did we say we would do?  Then do it!”

Charice and Ron King, the son and daughter-in-law of Mr. King, contacted us about Operation Family Fund because they knew their beloved father “would be pleased” to have donations made in lieu of flowers. 

Mr. King is survived by a huge number of loving family and friends.  And now, because of this request, he is also survived by a huge number of families of fallen military.

In just a few days, more than $2000 has been sent to Operation Family Fund (OFF) in Mr. King’s respected name and memory.

Operation Family Fund and all of us at The Dr. Laura Program are humbly grateful for this gracious thoughtfulness.

I would like to offer my personal condolences to the family of friends of Mr. King, who was obviously a remarkable man.

Thanks For Your Generosity

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I am amazed at the depth of commitment and compassion the listeners to my radio program have towards our United States soldiers and their families. Toward the end of 2007, I talked about the Congressional hearings on charity fraud particularly with respect to veteran’s organizations and encouraged you to do your own research, not just for Operation Family Fund but for any charitable organization you were thinking of supporting. From the time of that commentary, Operation Family Fund has received over $120,000 in donations, and they’re still coming in. Thank you for taking my favorite charity into your hearts, and helping the families of our brave men and women whose lives have been severely disrupted by the global war on terrorism.