Spanish & English GED Classes Begin Aug. 14!

Rio Salado will begin offering GED® test prep classes in English and Spanish at South Mountain Community College (SMCC) in Phoenix, Aug.14-Nov. 27. 

GET STARTED NOW!
Registration and orientation for the classes will take place in-person, Aug. 7, 6-9 p.m. at SMCC. Reservations for the Aug. 7 orientation session are required in advance by phone (480) 517-8116 or email, gedinfo@riosalado.edu. Additional information about the orientation, registration and classes is also available at this phone number and email address.

The English class is a blend of in-person and online instruction. The class provides 24/7 access to online study and practice tests with weekly instructor support on Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m., Aug. 14-Nov. 27. The registration fee is $125. There is also a $86 fee (plus tax) for instructional materials.

The Spanish class is taught in-person on Wednesdays, 6-9p.m., Aug. 14- Nov.27. The registration fee is $125. The textbook is $22.00, plus tax.

The GED exam is available in English and Spanish at Rio Salado testing centers across the Valley, which served more than 16,000 GED test-takers last year and serves as Arizona’s busiest GED testing centers.

Rio Salado is the principal provider of GED test preparation programs for the Maricopa Community Colleges and the largest provider of adult basic education in the state of Arizona, serving nearly 4,000 students during the 2017-18 academic year.

For more details about Rio Salado's GED program, visit www.riosalado.edu/abe.

Full or Canceled Class? Stay on Track with Rio!

Many students attending other educational institutions are taking supplemental classes with us to save time and money-- and to stay on track! 

Take advantage of our 600+ online classes, flexible Monday start dates, 8-week and 16-week options and credits that transfer to our 40+ partners including Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and The University of Arizona!

Rio Salado is a convenient and affordable option to help you complete your program of study-- on your timeline. The seating capacity is unlimited, and we never cancel an online class—ever!

Ready to get started?

• Visit our online class schedule to explore your options
• Enroll now 
• Need help? Reach out to us now

Available in all 50 states! 

We are a proud member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), providing distance-education options to students across the United States. For more information about SARA and the programs and classes available in your state, visit www.riosalado.edu/about/research-planning/state-authorization.

Rio Salado College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).  Learn more.

Free Tutoring In-Person & Online for You!

Need a helping hand with your coursework? Our tutoring centers offer free support services to help you succeed!

• Problem-solving complex concepts and homework assignments
• Study skills and strategies
• Preparing for exams

Get help in-person and online!

🔎 Comfortable study rooms for students

🔎 One-on-one and group tutoring with professional tutors
🔎 Online tutoring via Smarthinking

There are also some video conferencing tutoring options for select subjects!

Get help with Math (All Levels), CIS ( Graphic Design, Web Development, Programming and Java), Accounting, Statistics, Spanish, English Reading and Writing, Chemistry, Biology and more!

Learn more by visiting www.riosalado.edu/tutoring

Need help reacquainting yourself with math? Our Math Emporium in Phoenix is designed for you! 

The math emporium provides customized learning solutions for you— at any stage of your educational journey. 

Learn more at www.riosalado.edu/math-emporium.

Check out this story by reporter Dee Anne Kinkade to get a tour of the cozy center-- and learn about the free services available to all Maricopa Community Colleges students! 

Community College is What You Want it to Be!

A few Maricopa Community Colleges students got together to set the record straight about community college and common misconceptions.

Whether you’re a new or returning student, transferring to a four-year university or learning new skills, Rio Salado College can help you with your higher learning goals.

No more excuses— and no need to wait until fall. Get started now.  Classes start Monday!

Take advantage of our 600+ online classes, flexible Monday starts, seamless university transfers, student support services and more! 

Celebrating July 4th & Your Independence

Happy Birthday, America! 

Rio Salado and the Maricopa Community Colleges will be closed for Independence Day. This holiday commemorates the day the 1776 Continental Congress approved the final version of our Declaration of Independence. Learn more about the history of Independence Day from ConstitutionFacts.com.

We hope you take pause to learn more about this holiday and to celebrate your independence! Here are some 4th of July suggestions from azcentral for local Rio Waves.

As a reminder, most Rio Salado locations and services are closed Fridays during the slower summer months, until Aug. 2.

Here's to the Future You-- Paralegal!

Be the "You," you want to be with Rio Salado's Paralegal program! As a paralegal, you’ll help attorneys with legal research, legal writing, prep work and case management.

This program will help you learn through online coursework and skilled, in-the-field instructors. Share your passion for justice and helping people.

Get started today: www.riosalado.edu/paralegal. Classes start Monday!

Important Information about the educational debt, earnings and completion rates of students who attended this program can be found at www.riosalado.edu/ge

Pursue a Career in Engineering with Us!

Do you like making things? Let's put that energy to good use! Explore a career in Engineering with the Maricopa Community Colleges. 

Sometimes you need to think small to do big things!

Pursue your love of science, engineering and chemistry—and apply what you learn in the workplace with Rio Salado College's Nanotechnology Program!

Nanotechnology technicians manipulate individual atoms and molecules to change the properties of tools and products. And this science can be used in industries such as manufacturing, engineering, biology, chemistry and more.

Learn more and enroll today at www.riosalado.edu/nano

Classes start most Mondays and we can arrange for you to apply what you learn at Arizona State University's NanoFab and other ASU research facilities-- at a time that’s convenient for you! Learn more about ASU's NanoFab: nanofab.engineering.asu.edu

This is a cross-disciplinary program combining elements of material science, chemistry, physics, engineering and electronics. The multidisciplinary design of this program will provide graduates with the skills to enter a wide range of materials-based industries in Arizona and across the United States.

Important Information about the educational debt, earnings and completion rates of students who attended this program can be found at www.riosalado.edu/ge

Yummy Recipes & Lessons for You!

Here's a cool and refreshing recipe for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail from Rio Salado Executive Chef and Sustainable Foods Program Director Michael Hodgins. ¡Buen provecho!

Hodgins and the Cafe at Rio team shared out this recipe during our spring cooking workshops in 2019. Rio Salado culinary workshops are non-credit classes designed for the beginner—with fun in mind.

What do you want to learn how to make this fall? Drop us a line with suggestions. 

Friday Summer Hours Reminder

As a reminder, the Maricopa Community Colleges and most Rio Salado locations and services are closed Fridays during the slower summer months, until Aug. 2.

The following services are available to you on Fridays:

• Testing Centers at Tempe, Northern, the Life Long Learning Center in Surprise and the Communiversity at Queen Creek
• Dental Clinic
• All services at the Communiversity at Queek Creek
• Division of Public Service operations: KJZZ 91.5 , K-BACH 89.5 , Sun Sounds of Arizona, SPOT 127 Youth Media Centers
• Rio National

Services normally available 24/7 such as RioLearn, Technology Support Helpdesk, Ask a Librarian and My.Maricopa.edu will remain available. Students are also encouraged to use self-serve enrollment options at My.Maricopa.edu.

The college will resume regular hours Aug. 5. Please visit our locations pages for details about hours of operation for each of our locations.

A Salute to DVUSD Outstanding Adjunct Faculty!

Here's to Rio Salado College Outstanding Adjunct Faculty members Craig Foster and Kathleen Szczepaniak! 

We appreciate your commitment to academic excellence and service to Deer Valley High School, Rio Salado and the Maricopa Community Colleges!

The Deer Valley Union School District recently shared the above photo and this acknowledgment about Foster and Szczepaniak on its Facebook page:

Rio Salado College has a large cohort of dedicated, excellent adjunct faculty members. Each year, the faculty chairs nominate particularly outstanding adjunct faculty for recognition in the categories of assessment of student learning, and contributions to teaching and learning. This year, Deer Valley High School has two Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Awardees. Rio Salado College will honor Deer Valley High School’s Craig Foster and Kathleen Szczepaniak at a reception later this year.

Craig has been teaching for 20 years and has been with DVUSD for the past 5 years. He taught First Year Composition and Technical Writing classes at DVHS this past year.

Kathleen has taught for 25 years in our District and has been at DVHS for the past 5 years. During the 18-19 school year, she taught Economics and World History and is currently working on her Master’s degree in Technology Integration.

Congratulations to Rio Salado College Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Awardees, Deer Valley High School English Teacher Craig Foster and Social Studies Teacher Kathleen Szczepaniak!

For more details about Rio Salado’s dual enrollment program, visit www.riosalado.edu/programs/dual.

Learn about teaching opportunities with Rio Salado at www.riosalado.edu/faculty_services/Pages/default.aspx

New Library Titles for June

Here is what’s new in the Rio Salado College Library! Visit us on the 5th floor of the Rio Tower in Tempe to check out materials!  To check availability status click highlighted title.

Fiction

• Cari Mora by Thomas Harris
• City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Judgement by Joseph Finder
• The Moroccan Girl by Charles Cumming
• My Life as a Rat by Joyce Carol Oates
• Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank
• The Royal Secret by Lucinda Riley
• Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok
• Summer Country by Lauren Willig
• This Storm by James Ellroy

Nonfiction

• The Age of Living Machines: How Biology Will Build the Next Technological Revolution by Susan Hockfield

• How Safe Are We?: Homeland Security Since 9/11 by Janet Napolitano and Karen Breslau

• How We Fight White Supremacy: A Field Guide to Black Resistance by Akiba Solomon

• The Killer Across the Table: Unlocking the Secrets of Serial Killers and Predators with the FBI’s Original Mindhunter by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker

• The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda Gates

• No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us by Rachel Louise Snyder

• Spaceflight: A Concise History by Michael J. Neufeld

• Superbugs: An Arms Race Against Bacteria by William Hall, Anthony McDonnell, and Jim O’Neill

• Who We Are and How We Got Here: Ancient DNA and the New Science of the Human Past by David Reich

• Why They Marched: Untold Stories of the Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote by Susan Ware

DVDs

• Aquaman
• Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
• Free Solo
• Green Book
• If Beale Street Could Talk
• Long Strange Trip: The Untold Story of the Grateful Dead
• Mirai
• On the Basis of Sex
• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
• Vice

July 4 College Closure

Rio Salado and the Maricopa Community Colleges will be closed Thursday, July 4 in honor of Independence Day. Happy Birthday, America!

As a reminder, most of our locations will also be closed on Fridays during the summer.

Looking for something to do here in the Valley?  Check out these suggestions from Visit Phoenix.

Teacher Programs Designed to Help You Succeed!

The Arizona Teachers Academy provides a rewarding scholarship program for teachers to succeed and improve public education in Arizona, which includes compensation for educational expenses for candidates who commit to teaching in Arizona’s public schools. Find out more: arizonateachersacademy.com.

With Rio Salado's online post-baccalaureate program for teachers, you can start on the path to a teaching certificate when it's convenient for you – whether that's next Monday or next month! Learn about the options available to you at www.riosalado.edu/teachers or contact a Rio Salado College Academic Advisor at (480) 517-8580.

Take advantage of free orientation services and advice on how to be a teacher.  Learn more in RioNews.

Learn How to Be a Teacher at Free Orientation!

Ready to launch your teaching career? Join Rio Salado's Teacher Education team for a free orientation session in-person or online to learn about the educational pathways, scholarships, paid teacher-in-residence programs and employment opportunities available to help you succeed!

Check out the latest Post-Baccalaureate and Teacher-in-Residence orientation sessions now!

Rio Salado offers Arizona Department of Education approved Educator Preparation programs that provide convenient and cost-effective ways for undergraduate students and working individuals with a bachelor’s degree to transition into teaching.

For more information visit www.riosalado.edu/teachers or contact a Rio Salado College Academic Advisor at (480) 517-8580.  

Eager to learn more now?
Rio Salado Teacher Education staff member Paulina Ngo has advice and answers to some of the most common questions for newcomers to the teaching profession. Check out her RioNews blog, Expert Advice on How to Become a Teacher.

Math Emporium + You = Success!

Having problems with math? Need help overcoming test anxiety?  We have a solution! Take advantage of the tutoring services at our Math Emporium in Phoenix! 

The Math Emporium is a free service available to all Maricopa Community Colleges students—offering customized learning solutions for you— at any stage of your educational journey.

Check out this Maricopa Now feature by MCTV reporter Dee Anne Kinkade to learn more.

Pictured here is Rio Salado's Faculty Chair of Mathematics John Jensen working with Shawnda Howerton, a Rio Salado adult re-entry student who is getting re-acquainted with math and having some fun along the way.

Financial Aid Closure June 17

Don't forget about Monday special hours!  

Take advantage of self-serve options at www.riosalado.edu/financial_aid.

Friday Summer Hours Reminder

As a reminder, the Maricopa Community Colleges and most Rio Salado locations and services are closed Fridays during the slower summer months, until Aug. 2.

Please also note, our Financial Aid Office will have special hours on Monday, June 17:
• Closed: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Open: 3:30-7 p.m.

Please take advantage of self-serve options at www.riosalado.edu/financial_aid.

The following services are available on Fridays:

• Testing Centers at Tempe, Northern, the Life Long Learning Center in Surprise and the Communiversity at Queen Creek
• Dental Clinic
• All services at the Communiversity at Queek Creek
• Division of Public Service operations: KJZZ 91.5 , K-BACH 89.5 , Sun Sounds of Arizona, SPOT 127 Youth Media Centers
• Rio National

Services normally available 24/7 such as RioLearn, Technology Support Helpdesk, Ask a Librarian and My.Maricopa.edu will remain available. Students are also encouraged to use self-serve enrollment options at My.Maricopa.edu.

The college will resume regular hours Aug. 5. Please visit our locations pages for details about hours of operation for each of our locations.

Go Back to Get Ahead with Adult Re-Entry!

Considering going back to school? You’re not alone! Many Rio Salado College students are parents, working full-time and returning to school to get ahead and to be good role models for their families.

This story featured in azcentral provides insights into the lives of three students who found a pathway to higher learning through Rio Salado programs and services designed to help non-traditional students succeed.

Ready to begin your journey? Get started now. Classes start most Mondays!

“One of the challenges I experienced after deciding to return to school was figuring out how to dedicate a sufficient amount of my time to my college courses. To my surprise, transitioning to the lifestyle of an employed college student was made easy through the help and support from my instructors, advisors and AACE classmates.”

Rio Salado Adult ACE student Amelia Speer,

Ask a Librarian! Free, 24/7 Help Online

You’re an online college student. Doesn’t it make sense you have an online library? 

Ask a Librarian is available ONLINE, 24/7 to help you with:

• Advice on how to start your research
• Tips on how to research topics
• Where to find examples of citations for different source types
• How to check for bias in the books, articles or web pages you’re reading

Even in the middle of the night!

Go ahead. Ask a Librarian now!

You’ll also find do-it-yourself resources like "How Do I?" video tutorials!

Explore a Career in Early Childhood Ed!

Enjoy the rewards and benefits of a career in Early Childhood Education! 

Rio Salado’s Early Childhood Education Program provides multiple opportunities for entry-level career seekers and professionals pursuing continuing education. Get started now on your career by visiting www.riosalado.edu/earlychildhood.

While you're there, check out this video, which shares insights from local industry professionals about the many opportunities in this field-- and how you can create a lasting impact on the lives of children, your community and your life.  

Pictured above is Arizona PBS Educational Outreach Regional Coordinator Instructional Specialist for the Arizona Early Childhood Workforce & Professional Development Registry Lisa Cobb who is featured in this video and has enjoyed a long-time career as an early childhood specialist.

“What we're doing in early childhood really sets the model for the kids to really advance when they get into kindergarten.” Lisa Cobb

This video was made possible by funds allocated by the U.S. Department of Education under the Carl D. Perkins Act.

Financial Aid Closed June 11, 9-11 a.m.

Our financial aid office will be closed 9-11 a.m., Tue., June 11. Please take advantage of self-serve options at www.riosalado.edu/financial_aid. 

We apologize for the inconvenience.

The IAAOC Educator Excellence Award Goes to…

Rio Salado's Faculty Chair for Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Kirk Bowden was awarded The International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors’ (IAAOC) Outstanding Addictions/Offender Educator Excellence Award for 2019. 

The award acknowledges a professional counselor educator who has demonstrated outstanding teaching and commitment in addictions/offender education.

Bowden has been a longtime advocate for continuing education and standardized training for addictions counselors and educators.

“Our role as counselors and educators is more important than ever before,” said Bowden. "Continuing education for counseling professionals is essential as our country grapples with this current opioid epidemic-- and is looking to our addictions and counseling profession for answers on how to resolve this national crisis.”

Bowden is a leader in the Addiction and Substance Use Disorders field who has received numerous awards and appointments for his outstanding achievements.

In addition to his work at Rio Salado College, Bowden serves as the Professor-in-Charge of the Ottawa University Addiction Counseling Program. Bowden is also a member of the American Psychological Association's Society of Addiction Psychology board of directors and past President of NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. He served as chair for the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AzBBHE); a member for the behavioral health licensing and disciplinary board for the state of Arizona and chair of the AzBBHE’s Substance Abuse Counselor and Professional Counselor Credentialing Committees. Learn more about Bowden’s credentials and contributions to the field.

The IAAOC is a division of the American Counseling Association; an organization for professional addictions and offender counselors and other individuals working in the addictions, forensics or criminal justice fields who advocate for appropriate treatments. Learn more at www.iaaoc.org. 

Rio Salado is one of Arizona’s top trainers of chemical dependency professionals among NAADAC approved colleges-- offering online classes, certificates, an associate degree and continuing education courses. Learn more at www.riosalado.edu/ASD.

Happy #WorldEnvironmentDay!

We encourage you to join our sustainability movement at the Maricopa Community Colleges and to think about ways you can help save the planet! 

Learn more at www.maricopa.edu/about/sustainability.

Be the You the World Needs Now as a Sustainability Superhero! 

Learn about our Sustainability Food Systems program-- it’s designed for people who have a passion for organic food, fair trade and sustainable practices!

Get cooking now!

Financial Aid Special Hours June 17

Please note, our Financial Aid Office will have special hours on Monday, June 17:

• Closed: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Open: 3:30-7 p.m.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Insurance Summer Camp Begins June 10!

You still have time to register for our Insurance Studies Summer Camp, June 10!

This is a chance for you to explore insurance jobs and career options, meet with industry professionals and learn about the ways you can help others when they need it most—while you earn 3 credits toward your Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Insurance Studies. 

Get Started Now:

• Enroll as a Rio Salado College student at www.riosalado.edu/StudentOrientation/Pages/Get-Admitted.aspx
• Add INS 100 Section #18821 to your summer schedule
• Apply for a scholarship at mcccdf.academicworks.com/opportunities/11686 and then email Dr. Lily Davidov with your information to let her know you’ve applied!

Get the latest updates about this summer camp option.

In the meantime, check out these Top 8 Benefits of an Insurance Industry Career in RioNews.

Free Dental Clinic for Kids 17 and Younger 6/22

The Rio Salado Dental Clinic will host a free clinic for children and teens ages 17 and younger on Saturday, June 22, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Students, instructors and support staff will volunteer their time and expertise to provide comprehensive dental hygiene care to more than 100 children at the free clinic.

Register now for guaranteed service by calling 480-377-4100 or emailing dental.hygiene@riosalado.edu. Appointments available on a first-come, first served basis.

Services Available

Services include exams, X-rays, cleaning, fluoride varnish, and educational tips on staying healthy. Each child will also receive a wellness goodie bag to take home. Walk-ins are welcome and will be accommodated if time and space permit.

This June 22 clinic is made possible in part by the Arizona Dental Foundation and American Dental Association.


Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children, but it is almost entirely preventable with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups!

Celebrate #PrideMonth with Us!

June is Pride Month, celebrating the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) communities-- and remembering the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan, which became a turning point in the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States.

Celebrate your Civil Rights pride with our Maricopa Community Colleges family this #PrideMonth! 

Learn more about the history of Pride Month with the Library of Congress.

Earn Credits with GED® College Ready+

This Chamber Business News story by Sierra Ciaramella provides insights into a new Maricopa Community Colleges and GED Testing Service initiative that provides students who earn a high score on their GED test an opportunity to bypass placement testing, remedial coursework and earn college credits.

Rio Salado College is proud to serve as the principal provider of GED test prep programs for the Maricopa Community Colleges and the largest provider of adult basic education in Arizona. Learn more about our efforts in this RioNews story.

President Smith 

“This is just one more way we can help students make the most of their time and resources—and increase their opportunities for college completion.”

--Rio Salado Interim President Kate Smith.

KJZZ Arizona Story Fest June 1!

Join KJZZ 91.5 and the South Mountain Community College Storytelling Institute for an Arizona StoryFest and Authors Showcase, Saturday, June 1 at the Mesa Convention Center— it’s the ultimate celebration of classic storytelling!

🔊 Be Entertained - Hear from experienced Storytellers at Main Stage
🔊 Children’s Storyteller Stage - Interactive and creative area where little ones can enjoy stories, crafts, and more!
🔊 Meet Authors - Buy books and hear from some of Arizona's top talent at the Authors Showcase & Reading Stage
🔊 Author's Workshop - Hosted by the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing at ASU.
🔊 Arizona Expo - Learn more about the Grand Canyon State

This event is made possible by KJZZ 91.5, a community service of Rio Salado College.

Additional support is made possible by azcentral, The Storytellers Project, Arizona State University's Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing, Local First Arizona and South Mountain Community College.

Transfer to ASU, NAU and UofA-- Seamlessly!

At Rio Salado College, we offer transfer pathways to Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona that lay out specific courses toward bachelor’s degree completion. 

We’ve done the background work so you can focus on the learning.

No more excuses— and no need to wait until fall.

Get started now!

We remove the barriers to education! You can count on affordable tuition, 600+ online classes, flexible Monday starts, seamless university transfers and student support services from caring staff to help you succeed on your educational journey!

Register for June 10 GED® Classes by May 29

The next set of GED® test prep classes begin June 10. Apply by May 29 to get started. Call 480-517-8110, email gedinfo@riosalado.edu or visit www.riosalado.edu/ged.

Our adult re-entry programs are designed to help students learn the English language, prepare for GED® tests and transition to college.

Rio Salado College serves as the principal provider of GED test preparation programs for the Maricopa Community Colleges and the largest provider of adult basic education in the state of Arizona.

Bookstore Website Down for Maintenance 5/29-6/1

The Rio Salado College Follet Bookstore website will be down for maintenance beginning Wed., May 29 at 6 p.m., through Sat., June 1.

What does this mean to Rio Waves?

• Students will not be able to order books online from Follet during this time.
• The Rio Salado Bookstore at the Tempe headquarters will process in-store purchases, and students can place their orders by phone during normal business hours by calling (480) 517-8710.

Please note, no other Maricopa Community Colleges bookstores will be capable of taking phone orders.

We appreciate your patience during this time.

#RioGrad 2019 #GEDGradDay Photo Album

Enjoy photos from our 2019 High School Equivalency (HSE) graduation ceremony on May 17 by visiting this Facebook photo album.

Approximately 200 students who have successfully completed Rio Salado’s GED® test prep classes and passed the GED test took part in the ceremony at North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix.

The ceremony was held on #GEDGradDay—a nationwide celebration to recognize the accomplishments of new GED graduates-- and to inspire other adult re-entry students to fulfill their potential.

Learn more about the HSE Class of 2019 and student speaker Javier Cuevas in RioNews.

Learn more about Rio Salado’s GED test prep program by calling 480-517-8110 or visiting www.riosalado.edu/programs/abe.

Remember and Honor on Memorial Day, May 27

As a reminder, Rio Salado and the Maricopa Community Colleges will be closed on Monday, May 27 in honor of Memorial Day.

U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial

Arlington, Virginia.

Check out this azcentral feature about the meaning of Memorial Day and list of 14 things to do this weekend to honor and remember our fallen heroes.

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May to remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the armed forces. The National Moment of Remembrance Act was passed in 2,000 to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity.”

The Act encourages all Americans to pause at 3 p.m. for a minute of silence on Memorial Day.

There is a traditional way of displaying the U.S. flag on this special day. The flag is raised quickly to the top of the staff and then lowered slowly to the half-mast position, where it remains until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. At noon their memory is raised by the living.