Lifestyle
A Legacy of Service: How family stories shape service
Legacy of Service: Discover how military service creates lasting family legacies across generations. Explore powerful veteran stories from the Veterans History Project, including Pearl Harbor survivors and Code Talkers, and learn how to preserve your family’s service history.
Last Updated on February 6, 2026 by Daily News Staff
A Legacy of Service: How family stories shape service
(Family Features) Major historical events like war or military service make a lasting impact on family identity, values and traditions, often reverberating across multiple generations.
Veterans frequently speak about their military units as if they were family, given the unbreakable bonds that develop between comrades. However, for some veterans, “brothers in arms” is more than a figurative turn of phrase.
Throughout the 20th century, entire families felt the firsthand effects of war, with multiple generations serving. Brothers enlisted together. A father’s military legacy inspired his children to join up. Sweethearts met and married while in uniform. These stories not only illustrate the experiences of individual veterans but also provide an intimate glimpse into family legacies of military service.
Consider the Veterans History Project, a program overseen by the Library of Congress, which collects and preserves the firsthand remembrances of U.S. military veterans and makes them accessible for future generations to better understand veterans’ service and sacrifice. These personal stories encompass original correspondence, memoirs, diaries, photographs and oral history interviews, all offering deeper insight into the long-term impact of military service.
Veterans’ narratives are collected by volunteers, and anyone who served from World War I to today can submit their personal story, regardless of whether or not they saw combat. The collections frequently shed light on the importance of family in military experiences. Whether expressed through heartfelt letters home, enduring family legacies of service or the experience of serving alongside loved ones, these stories reflect profound connections.
Family Identity
During the Cold War, Jennifer McNeill rose from Army Dental Assistant to Command Sergeant Major at the Army Eisenhower Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Her collection includes a poignant photograph of her mother sharing images of her four military daughters in uniform, underscoring how family identity and military service are closely connected.
Values
Military service makes a lasting impression on veterans, shaping the experiences and the values that guide them through life. Ray Chavez is one such example. He was the oldest known Pearl Harbor survivor before his passing in 2018. For most of his life, he remained silent about his experiences, but in 1991, his daughter, Kathleen Chavez, who served in the U.S. Navy during Desert Storm, convinced him to return to Pearl Harbor. That trip marked the first time he spoke openly about his service. Kathleen shared their family’s deep military legacy in her oral history for the Veterans History Project.
Traditions Across Generations
Serving in the military is a deeply personal journey, but for many veterans, it’s an experience that transcends generations. Bill Toledo enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1942 at the age of 18. Along with his uncle, Frank Toledo, and cousin, Preston Toledo, he served as a Code Talker transmitting military messages through secret codes. In his oral history, Bill vividly recalled both the challenges of combat during the invasion of Iwo Jima in February 1945, and the treasured moments spent with his uncle.
These and many other family stories of military service and remembrance are available to the public at loc.gov/vets.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (men looking at scrapbook)
Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress (man and woman on park bench)
SOURCE:
Library of Congress
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Child Health
Your Child’s Oral Health: A Foundation for Better Overall Health
Good oral health is essential for children, and Medicaid and CHIP provide accessible dental coverage to eligible families, covering services like cleanings and fillings. Regular dental visits starting at age one can prevent cavities and build healthy habits. Families can check eligibility and find dentists through InsureKidsNow.gov.
(Feature Impact) Good oral health sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles and better overall health. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) help eligible families access affordable and comprehensive care for their children and teens, including regular cleanings, fillings, X-rays, and more to help ensure that eligible kids have access to essential dental services. By practicing good dental habits and seeing a dentist regularly, children can avoid dental problems and maintain healthy smiles as they grow.
Dental Coverage Available Through Medicaid and CHIP
If you’re looking for affordable dental coverage, your child may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid and CHIP. Together these programs cover more than 36 million children nationwide.
Enrollment is open year-round, and many families qualify even if they don’t realize it. Beyond dental care, Medicaid and CHIP also cover preventive health services, emergency care, vision care, prescriptions, and mental and behavioral health services for eligible children.
To see if your family is eligible and to find dentists in your area who accept Medicaid and CHIP, visit InsureKidsNow.gov and explore the “Find a Dentist” tool.
Start Good Dental Habits Early
Regular dental visits are an important part of your child’s oral health routine. Children should see a dentist by the age of 1 and continue with visits twice a year (every six months) as they get older. Going to checkups on a regular schedule can help catch problems early or before they even start. Cavities (also known as tooth decay) are the most common preventable chronic disease among children in the United States, and more than half of all children have cavities by the time they’re 6 to 8 years old. When left untreated, cavities can cause pain and infections that may affect eating, speaking, playing, learning – and even mental health.
The dental visit will vary depending on your child’s age and milestones, but it can include cleanings, full teeth and gum exams, treatments, and guidance on caring for your child’s teeth. Dental visits also help children become comfortable with the dentist, reducing anxiety, and building a positive relationship with oral health care that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Enrolling in CHIP and Medicaid
Medicaid and CHIP provide free or low-cost health coverage to eligible families and children. You can apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person directly at your state’s Medicaid agency. Learn more at InsureKidsNow.gov.
Provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at U.S. taxpayer expense.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Family
Discord Launches Teen-by-Default Settings Globally: What’s Changing (and Why It Matters)
Discord is launching teen-by-default settings globally in early March, adding privacy-forward age assurance, tighter access to age-gated spaces, and new default messaging and content filters.
Discord is rolling out a major shift in how its platform handles teen safety: teen-appropriate settings will become the default experience for all new and existing users worldwide, with age verification required to unlock certain settings and access sensitive or age-gated spaces.
The update is set to begin as a phased global rollout in early March, and Discord says the goal is to strengthen age-appropriate protections while still preserving the privacy, community, and meaningful connection that have made the platform a go-to for gaming and interest-based groups.
Teen-by-default, globally (starting in March)
Discord says the new defaults will apply to all users, not just new signups. In practice, that means accounts will start with a more protective baseline, and verified adults will have more flexibility to adjust settings or access age-restricted content.
Discord is also introducing an age-verification (age assurance) step that may be required to:
- Change certain communication settings
- Access sensitive content
- Enter age-restricted channels, servers, or commands
- Use select message request features
“Nowhere is our safety work more important than when it comes to teen users,” said Savannah Badalich, Head of Product Policy at Discord, adding that the company is building on its existing safety architecture with teen safety principles at the core.
Privacy-forward age assurance: how Discord says it will work
A big part of the announcement is Discord’s attempt to thread the needle between safety and privacy.
Users will be able to choose from multiple methods, including:
- Facial age estimation (video selfie)
- Submitting identification to vendor partners
Discord also says it will implement its age inference model, a background system designed to help determine whether an account belongs to an adult without always requiring users to verify their age. Some users may be asked to use multiple methods if more information is needed to assign an age group.
Discord highlighted several privacy protections in its approach:
- On-device processing: Video selfies for facial age estimation never leave a user’s device.
- Quick deletion: Identity documents submitted to vendor partners are deleted quickly (in most cases, immediately after age confirmation).
- Straightforward verification: In most cases, users complete the process once and their Discord experience adapts to their verified age group.
- Private status: A user’s age verification status cannot be seen by other users.
After completing a chosen method, Discord says users will receive confirmation via a direct message from Discord’s official account. A user’s assigned age group can also be viewed in My Account settings, and users can appeal by retrying the process.
Discord also notes it prompts users to age-assure only within Discord and currently does not send emails or text messages about its age assurance process or results.
What’s changing in the default safety settings
Starting in early March, Discord says it will assign new default settings designed to support age-appropriate experiences while keeping privacy front and center. Highlights include:
- Content filters: Users must be age-assured as adults to unblur sensitive content or turn the setting off.
- Age-gated spaces: Only age-assured adults can access age-restricted channels, servers, and app commands.
- Message Request Inbox: DMs from people a user may not know are routed to a separate inbox by default; only age-assured adults can modify this setting.
- Friend request alerts: People will receive warning prompts for friend requests from users they may not know.
- Stage restrictions: Only age-assured adults may speak on stage in servers.
Discord notes it previously launched a teen-by-default experience in the UK and Australia last year, and says this global rollout builds on that approach to deliver consistent protections worldwide.
Giving teens a seat at the table: Discord Teen Council
Along with the safety updates, Discord also announced recruitment for its inaugural Discord Teen Council, a teen advisory body intended to bring authentic teen perspectives into how Discord shapes their experience.
Discord says the Teen Council will consist of 10–12 teens and will help inform future product features, policies, and educational resources.
- Who can apply: Teens ages 13–17
- Apply by: May 1, 2026
The bigger picture
Discord says these updates build on its broader safety ecosystem, including tools and resources such as Family Center, Teen Safety Assist, a Warning System, and more.
Whether you’re a parent, a teen user, or an adult who uses Discord for gaming communities and group chats, the headline is simple: the default experience is becoming more restrictive, and adult access will increasingly depend on age assurance.
Source: PRNewswire
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Travel
What’s Trending in Travel in 2026
In 2026, travelers are prioritizing immersive experiences over quick vacations, with a strong demand for personalized, intentional trips. Despite economic concerns, a survey reveals nearly all respondents plan to travel, often seeking the guidance of travel advisors. Trends include spacious accommodations, cultural immersion, wellness experiences, and multi-generational travel.
What’s Trending in Travel in 2026
(Feature Impact) After years of fast-paced itineraries and social media-inspired vacations, travelers are looking to slow down in 2026, instead focusing on more personal, immersive experiences.
That’s not to say Americans will be looking to travel any less – just more intentionally. Despite economic, political and cultural shifts, travel shows no signs of slowing down this year. In fact, according to a survey conducted on behalf of ALG Vacations, 100% of respondents plan to take a vacation in the next year, with 97% likely to travel for leisure in the next 6 months despite those concerns.
Even with tightened budgets, 95% of those surveyed would still travel – even if it meant scaling back. To help travelers zero in on what they’re looking to experience in 2026, working with a travel advisor when starting to plan that annual getaway can make the process easier.
Additional survey data shows 7 in 10 travelers are turning to professionals to plan their next trips with the younger generations leading the way; 83% of Gen Z and 78% of Millennials are likely to turn to a travel advisor for help with planning and booking.
“What’s really interesting is that travel advisors are resonating with a new wave of travelers,” said ALG Vacations’ Travel Advisor Champion Carson Kressley, the renowned style expert and world traveler best known for his role on “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and his current Emmy Award-winning judge role on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” “They want help uncovering hidden-gem destinations and great-value packages, and a new generation of advisors is meeting them exactly where they are.”
In addition to booking your next excursion with the assistance of a travel advisor, consider these trends Kressley identified for the year ahead.
Space and Privacy
In 2026, spaciousness is an expression of luxury – private villas, low-density boutique resorts and nature-framed hideaways where quiet feels curated and beauty isn’t shared with the masses. As travelers prioritize serenity over scene, this trend reflects an emotional need for clarity as they look for time to reset and environments that support genuine presence.
Immersion in Culture and Hyper-Local
Travelers desire authentic experiences shaped by local chefs, artisans and storytellers who bring a destination’s heritage to life. It’s no longer about observing culture from a distance; it’s about actively participating in it with the destination’s native citizens, reflecting a desire for meaning and perspective.
Longer, More Intentional Vacations
Instead of rushing through multiple destinations, travelers are embracing itineraries that allow them to breathe through longer stays and experiences that unfold naturally. From a lingering lunch to an unstructured afternoon, this shift toward savoring prioritizes depth and connection.
Transformational Wellness
As wellness continues to evolve into deeply personal territory, travelers seek experiences that restore mind, body and perspective such as sunrise rituals, nature-led healing, cultural wellness traditions and programs designed for renewal.
Screen-Inspired Destinations
Pop culture continues to influence travel, but today’s travelers seek more than filming locations. In 2026, they’re searching for dramatic landscapes, atmospheric architecture, richly layered cultures and experiences that evoke emotion and capture the feeling of their favorite cinematic worlds. This evolution of set-jetting is about stepping into a story rather than tracing its steps.
Shared Multi-Generational Moments
Multi-generational travel is shifting toward more purpose-driven experiences – milestone celebrations, cultural reconnection trips and meaningful moments together. The emphasis is on togetherness, personalization and experiences that feel like legacy.
To learn more and start booking your next adventure, visit traveladvisorsgetyouthere.com.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
Source: ALG Vacations
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
