By the 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory as people visited graves of deceased relatives in church cemeteries, whether they served in the military or not. It has also become a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, trips to the beach and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500, held since 1911 on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

The huge number of fallen Civil War soldiers meant that burial and memorialization would become important following the war. People in towns, particularly women, had buried the dead and decorated graves during the war. In 1865, the federal government began a program of creating national cemeteries for the Union dead.

According to historian, David Blight, the first Memorial Day was invented by the African Americans in Charleston, South Carolina. It is said that they were telling the world with their flowers, their feet and their songs this was the Independence Day of a Second American Revolution.

The Memorial Day speech became an occasion for veterans, politicians and ministers to commemorate the War - and at first to rehash the atrocities of the enemy. By the end of the 1870s much of the rancor was gone and the speeches praised the brave soldiers both Blue and Gray. By the 1950s, the theme was American exceptionalism and duty to uphold freedom in the world.

The preferred name for the holiday was gradually changed from “Decoration Day” to “Memorial Day”, which was first used in 1882. It became more common after World War II and was finally declared the official name in 1967. On June 28, 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day to its specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. The move changed Memorial Day from its traditional May 30th to its present last Monday in May.

Many Americans attend one of thousands parades held on Memorial Day that feature marching bands and has an overall military theme with National Guard and other servicemen participating with veterans and military vehicles from various wars. However you plan to spend your Memroal Day weekend, please take time to remember our fallen heroes.

Their ultimate sacrifice has made America the greatest country in the world!

• In 2009 5,474 people were killed on U.S. roadways and an estimated 448,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes that were reported to have involved “Distracted Driving”
• Of those killed in distracted driving related crashes, 995 involved reports of cell phone as a distraction (18% of fatalities in distraction-related crashes).
• Of those injured in distracted-driving crashes, 24,000 involved reports of a cell phone as a distractions (5% of injured people in distraction-related crashes).
• 16% of fatal crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving.
• 20% of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving.
• The age group with the greatest proportion of distracted drivers was the under-20 age group - 16 percent of all drivers younger than 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving.
• Of those drivers involved in fatal crashes who were reportedly distracted, the 30 to 39 year-olds had the highest proportion of cell phone involvement.

Most of the distracted-driving -related fatalities (84%) were associated with the general classification of operating the vehicle in a careless or inattentive manner (which could include cell phones, eating, talking to passengers, adjusting a radio, CD Player or MP3 player and looking outside, etc).

But because text messaging requires visual, manual and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction.  Others such as eating and drinking, using a GPS system, and watching a video contributes to distracted driving as well. One of the newest items to distract drivers are the LED billboards that really light up very brightly, especially at night an takes the driver’s focus off the road.

Bofore the next time you get in your vehicle, think about ways you can eliminate being distracted yourself. The best way to end distracted driving is to educate all Americans about the danger it poses. Together we can help save save lives. Remember, there’s no substitute for common sense so be sure to watch out for the other guy…

Jim Glover Chevrolet is excited to be sharing Chevrolet’s 100th Year all month long during November.

CHEVROLET TURNS 100 AND THE JOURNEY IS JUST BEGINNING

When the first Chevrolet was built in 1911 in a rented garage near downtown Detroit, it began a journey that has taken Chevrolet to every corner of the planet. A hundred years and more than 209 million cars and trucks later, Chevrolet is one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries.

“We have great plans for Chevrolet’s next 100 years,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global marketing and strategy for Chevrolet. “Chevrolet starts its second century with its best product lineup ever and strong growth in major markets in Asia, Europe, and South America.

“Our goal is to build on the foundation laid in our first hundred years to make Chevrolet a hometown brand in home towns around the world,” said Perry.

Global mainstream brand

Chevrolet is becoming GM’s global mainstream brand, the foundation of the company’s business in most major markets. In recent years, Chevrolet has expanded from its traditional markets in North and South America, and its list of Top 10 markets now includes China, Russia, Uzbekistan and India.

Chevrolet today sells more than 60 percent of its vehicles outside the United States. Last year, Chevrolet sold a record 4.26 million cars and trucks, and was the only Top Five global auto brand to grow its market share. This year, Chevrolet is on track to post its best sales in its 100-year history.

Cars and trucks to enhance life’s journey

“Like many of the strongest global brands, Chevrolet is founded in American values that are admired around the world,” said Perry. “Chevrolets are built to enhance everyday life, and to enable people to do more and experience more as they travel through their life’s journey.”

Chevrolet’s deep roots in American culture resonate with many customers around the world, who share the belief that getting behind the wheel is as much about the drive as it is about the destination. This emotional connection between Chevrolet and its customers is so deep that more than 700 popular songs and dozens of films include Chevrolet in some way.

New global products fuel growth

New, globally designed-and-produced models are behind Chevrolet’s record growth. For example, the Chevrolet Cruze is on pace this year to mark 1 million in total sales since its launch. Cruze went on sale in the United States last year, and is now the nation’s best-selling compact car, surpassing all Asian, European and U.S. competitors.

An all-new Malibu sedan will launch this fall in South Korea, along with a global midsize Colorado pickup in Thailand. An all-new Sonic subcompact (Aveo in global markets) goes on sale this fall in the United States, followed by the Spark mini-car in 2012.

Chevrolet was founded on building affordable cars and trucks with style, value and features not offered by competitors. For example, in 1955, Chevrolet re-engineered the V-8 engine in a way that made performance accessible to millions of new customers. The result was the small-block V-8, named by WardsAuto as one of the 10 Best Engines of the 20th Century.

This spirit of innovation continues today. A new Malibu Eco model will include eAssist technology that improves fuel economy by approximately 25 percent. Last year, the first Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle rolled off an assembly line near Detroit, combining electric power and a small range-extending gas engine. The Volt and Malibu are part of Chevrolet’s global electrification strategy to reduce petroleum use and vehicle emissions.

Chevrolet was created in 1911 by auto pioneer and industrialist William C. Durant and Swiss-born race car driver Louis Chevrolet. Durant believed Chevrolet should produce cars offering more style and value than the volume leaders of the time, most notably the Model T.

“Although both men had left GM by 1920, Chevrolet has stayed true to this vision,” said Perry. “Chevrolet’s global presence as it enters its second century is a monument to its founders, and to the many others who have made Chevrolet one of the world’s great car brands.”

Courtesy: GM Media

Adventure can happen anywhere, and nothing gets you to more beaches, streams and vertical drops than a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. It’s rugged bed, AJUSTABLE TAILGATE, available VORTEC 5.3L V8 and AUTOMATIC LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL let you toss everything for your weekend escape into the bed and head out.

Come Monday morning, Colorado adapts to your professional demands with agility and unexpected highway fuel efficiency! Technologies like BLUETOOTH for select phones and available HEATED FRONT SEATS, as well as safety features like HEAD-CURTAIN SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAGS, remind you that some serious thought lies beneath that tough exterior. Then you’re back to thinking about the weekend and how your Colorado can extend it.

Build your own. Choose from THREE ENGINES: I-4, I-5 or V8. THREE CAB CONFIGURATIONS - and FOUR DIFFERENT EXTERIOR STYLES - WORK TRUCK, Z85, Z71 and SPORT - all engineered to balance your practical side against your heartfelt passion. To the relief of your wallet. The hardest choice you have to make is how you’re going to use your new Colorado for the weekend!

Thank you and God Bless all of you,”

John B.

On the afternoon of May 22nd, the deadliest tornado in 70 years struck our neighbors to the Northeast at Joplin, MO. This EF-5 with winds of up to 200 mph destroyed or mangled 6,000 homes and left over 600 animals still in limbo. This tornado killed almost 150 people and left thousands scrambling for shelter, food and clothing.

Since then, hundreds, if not thousands of volunteers have shown up to assist in the clean-up effort. Thousands have donated to the Relief Effort. Organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and others have been in Joplin since Day One. You can help in various ways such as making a donation on your Cell Phone. You can text the word JOPLIN to 80888 to donate $10 to the Salvation Army or CONVOY to 50555 to the Convoy of Hope.

We at Jim Glover Chevrolet have been blessed with the good people of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and even Missouri for making Jim Glover Chevrolet one the largest Chevrolet Dealers in the four state region. We want to share our blessings with those affected by the Joplin tornado and you can help too. So with every NEW Chevrolet sold, Jim Glover Chevrolet will donate $200 in the name of the buyer to the Joplin Tornado Relief Efforts. If you would like to drop off a cash donation, we have setup a Donation Box at the Receptionist’s Desk. Also, items such as Personal Hygiene Products, Paper Products and Cleaning Products are still needed. You may drop them off as well at the Receptionist’s Desk - please NO GLASS. It seems the Heartland of the Country always comes together in time of need and this is no exception. Please help us help those in need with your generosity.

No purchase necessary, all you have to do to win is “Like” us, post a picture, share our page with your friends and get them to “Like” your picture!! Winner must pick up the Gas Card from Jim Glover Chevrolet at 31st and Memorial in Tulsa on or after Friday May 27, 2011.

Jim Glover Chevrolet Employees are not eligible to win.

Chevrolet will honor National Military Appreciation Month by expanding the industry-leading GM Military Discount  to military spouses and retirees; offering an exclusive “Honor” badge to anyone who buys an eligible Chevrolet through the program, and by donating $100 to Cell Phones for Soldiers for each eligible vehicle sold with a military discount.
 

Jim Glover Chevrolet holds the highest regard for the men and women of our Armed Forces – past and present – who help keep our country safe and preserve our precious liberties. 
 

During May, the GM Military Discount program – already recognized as the best program in the industry – will be extended to spouses of Active and Reserve members, as well as retirees, of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard. The discount is available on most Chevrolet models with discounts typically ranging between $500 and $4,000 off the suggested retail price of the vehicle purchased.

In addition, the GM Military Discount offers a $750 discount on selected Chevrolet vehicles to eligible members of USAA, a financial services provider for the military community.

In 2010 alone, the GM Military Discount program provided more than 70,000 discounts to military personnel and their families with a cumulative value of more than $60 million.

For every person who purchases, leases or orders a new Chevrolet using the GM Military Discount in May, Chevrolet will provide an exclusive set of “Honor” vehicle badges as well as contributing $100 to Cell Phones for Soldiers, a non-profit group that provides free communication tools to troops serving overseas.

Since May 2010, Chevrolet and its dealers have collected more than 50,000 cell phones. Since the program began, proceeds from phone collections have provided more than 114 million minutes – or more than 200 years – of free calls home for U.S. troops.  

At the customer’s request, dealers will install the badges on their new Chevrolet at no additional charge. The badge features a yellow ribbon and “Honor” script, a subtle recognition of their service.

The Military Appreciation Month program will conclude with 99 “Honor & Valor” Limited Edition 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS vehicles, which will debut during the Indianapolis 500 military personnel parade on May 28. The limited-edition Camaro will be available to order through www.gmmilitarydiscount.com, beginning in May.

Come see why so many Military Personnel and their families help make Jim Glover Chevrolet Oklahoma’s #1 Chevrolet Dealer. Here’s a Big Salute to all past and present Military Men and Women and their families for the enormous sacrifices you make every day to make sure we enjoy the American way of life!

Chevy’s all-new Volt is electric, in more ways than one. It’s the most groundbreaking vehicle to ever roll off the automaker’s assembly line.

As Chevy’s first ever mass produced extended range plug-in electric vehicle, the 2011 Volt (starting MSRP $40,280 with an available federal tax credit of up to $7,500 that drops that figure to as low as $32,780), delivers a smart, fun-to-drive, and practical-to-own car that’s neither perpetually tethered to a power outlet, nor limited by low maximum distance barriers (like Nissan’s Leaf).

Chevy’s newest spurns bland, predictable styling in favor of sleek, aerodynamic modernism (in fact, with a drag coefficient of just 0.287, it’s one of the most aerodynamic Chevys ever built). Sophistication reigns in the Volt’s well-sculpted hatchback design, infused with attractive chrome pieces, standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, heated side mirrors and a rear spoiler.

But it’s the vehicle’s advanced powertrain, and the promise of never-before-seen fuel economy that makes the Volt so appealing. And rightly so; Chevy’s brainchild breaks the mold with an incredibly unique and versatile Voltec propulsion system, consisting primarily of a long-life battery and electric drive unit, and backed occasionally by a 1.4-liter gas engine.

Though remarkably complex and technically advanced, the fundamental workings of Chevy’s system are actually quite simple. Under normal circumstances, the Volt’s state-of-the-art, T-shaped, 16-kWh lithium-ion battery (backed by an eight-year/100,000-mile limited warranty) sends juice to a 111-kW electric drive unit, which generates 149 hp and anywhere from 25-50 miles of pure electric power. Essentially, depending on the manner and conditions in which you drive, the Volt is capable of traveling up to 50 miles, and up to 100 mph without using a single drop of fuel or expelling a single molecule of exhaust.

Should your daily driving needs exceed that, or if the massive battery’s energy reserves are sufficiently depleted, the Volt extends its range with the help of a 1.4-liter gas generator, which kicks in another 84 hp and, working in tandem with the electric drive unit, up to another 310 miles of range. While regenerative braking helps to recharge some of the battery’s depleted juice, primary recharging is completed through a dedicated 240V charging station (a full charge takes just four hours) or through a normal 120V outlet, (which takes about 10-12 hours, and can be performed on a schedule of your choosing). So, while the Volt doesn’t necessarily eliminate trips to the gas station entirely, Chevy’s convenient and practical system should allow most Americans to drastically lower their fuel expenditures, and easily fully recharge for as little as $1.50 per day (depending on your electric rates).

The Volt runs smooth and quiet no matter where its power derives from. Chevy’s standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system joins with a rock-solid body structure (composed of advanced steel), low center of gravity and MacPherson strut-type suspension setup to deliver a ride that’s as enjoyable as it is efficient. And with standard antilock brakes, eight standard airbags, OnStar (with automatic crash response) and safety belts with a pair of pretensioners, the Volt is one of the safest rides in its class (though, realistically, it’s in something of a class by itself).

The Volt’s sizeable battery runs straight through the middle of its rear seats, making the plug-in a comfortable four-seater instead of the prototypical five. In terms of interior amenities, what you see is predominantly what you get (the Volt is offered in a single trim level), though what you get is an impressive array of standard features right off the bat. An available Premium Trim Package adds everything from heated leather seats (with different, selectable color combinations of trim and accents) to a leather-wrapped steering wheel, but generally, the Volt is well equipped with power options, climate control, a remote starter and XM Satellite Radio.

The technologically advanced cockpit houses a pair of seven-inch color LCD screens, the first of which sits in front of the steering wheel in place of a conventional gauge setup, and a second that sits prominently atop the attractive and intuitive center stack, (which itself resembles an oversized MP3 player with touch-sensitive controls). In addition to graphic readouts on your vehicle’s status, performance and efficiency, the stack’s touch-screen also houses the Volt’s standard navigation system. The integrated Bose audio system, (which uses 50 percent less power to operate than conventional systems) is backed by 30GB of internal music storage, as well as USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Through OnStar MyLink™, the Volt’s systems and status can even be checked and changed through a special app on your smartphone.

Electric. There are few better words to describe the innovative new 2011 Chevy Volt.
Source: IMN