Apostrophe Ambiguity

My Veterans Day post concerning to apostrophe or not to apostrophe garnered at least as many hits via search engines as any other single post I've written. Seems that we are an apostrophe-challenged society, but I'm heartened to see how many people are searching for correct usage.

So now as I write notices to close libraries on Presidents/Presidents'/President's Day, I am moved to write another apostrophe post. So I went to Wikipedia, and found that all 3 have instances of correct usage:

President's Day -- when speaking of only one president

Presidents' Day -- when recognizing multiple presidents

Presidents Day -- favored by the Associated Press Stylebook, which is followed by journalists and public relations folks

So, in case you're wondering, I settled on Presidents Day. Have a good one, if you're lucky enough to get it off. And, in keeping with U.S. Senate tradition since 1862, read George Washington's Farewell Address.

Washington's Farewell Address, from The Papers of George Washington at the University of Virginia:
Handwritten Facsimile
Transcription

The War

Ken Burns's film The War premiered tonight. I'm looking forward to the next six episodes, three more to be aired this week and three next week on PBS. I recommend it. There have been many reviews even before the first episode aired - everyone has an opinion. I probably won't critique it - but it totally captivated me.

A number of my family members are WWII veterans, and they have shared virtually nothing about the war. I was in Washington D.C. shortly after the World War II Memorial opened, and shared pictures when I got home. While Dad and others are not able to travel, they were pleased that there is a memorial. Even those family members who were not in uniform were profoundly affected. Many of the things said on The War, I've heard from my mother, who was a college student at the time.

Day of the American Cowboy

Today, July 28th, is National Day of the American Cowboy, introduced into the Senate by Wyoming Senator Thomas Craig* on March 21, 2007 and passed by the Senate May 25, 2007. S. Res. 130 .

The Cowboy is not only an American tradition, but a very real part of western life, which I grew to appreciate while living in South Dakota. The opening lines of the resolution relate the importance of the American Cowboy very well:

• Whereas pioneering men and women, recognized as cowboys, helped establish the American West;
• Whereas that cowboy spirit continues to infuse this country with its solid character, sound family values, and good common sense;
• Whereas the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism;
• Whereas the cowboy loves, lives off of, and depends on the land and its creatures, and is an excellent steward, protecting and enhancing the environment;
• Whereas the cowboy continues to play a significant role in the culture and economy of the United States;
• Whereas approximately 800,000 ranchers are conducting business in all 50 States and are contributing to the economic well being of nearly every county in the Nation;
• resolution continues

Some of the best library programs we sponsored in South Dakota featured cowboy poets. There's a great cowboy poetry site Cowboy Music and Poetry from the Western Folklife Center in Elko Nevada. For a modern poet, I especially like Linda Hasselstrom. Read or listen to her Carolyn, Miranda, and Me.

*Senator Thomas served in the Senate for 12 years, and died June 4, 2007 of complications of leukemia following treatment. (Wikipedia)