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Wishing you all a nice Memorial Day weekend...
On this Memorial Day, we remember the brave men and women of our military who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
What a meaningful time it is, as our country approaches her 250th birthday, to proudly fly our American flags, to gather with dear family and friends for backyard barbecues, enjoy picnics in the park, and small-town parades. These simple moments are beautiful reminders of how precious our freedoms truly are.
If you have plans this weekend, you'll want to set your DVR now. Or if you plan to be home, then I hope you'll enjoy some patriotic programming, perhaps settle in for a new mystery, or watch the latest episode of County Rescue, which honors our military through the inspiring charitable work of Tunnel to Towers. I’ve included these programming highlights below.
Saturday, May 23, 2026:
Storyline: Our Warriors work to exonerate a mother wrongly accused of murdering another mother in the Parent School Coalition.
Premieres Saturday, May 23, 2026
at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel
Sunday, May 24, 2026:
Season 3 - Episode 2&3
Episode 2 - Somewhere Far More Beautiful:
The County Rescue team provides support for the Tunnels 2 Towers marathon as Andy meets the new team members.
Episode 3 - Rhythms:
On Andy's first day back, life-and-death calls force him and the team to confront grief, purpose, and the quiet strength that sustains them.
Season 3 - Episode 2&3
Premieres Sunday, May 24, 2026
at 8pm/7c on Great American Family
Sunday, May 24, 2026:
2026 National Memorial Day Concert
Live from the U.S. Capitol, the National Memorial Day Concert features stories, tributes, and musical performances by world-renowned artists and the National Symphony Orchestra, with a special tribute of the country’s 250th anniversary.
Hosted by Gary Sinise and Mary McCormack, with performances by Noah Wyle, Melissa Leo, Andy Grammer, Jonathan Banks, Mickey Guyton, Jamey Johnson, Alan Jackson, Mary McCormack, Laura Osnes, Blessing Offor and Maestro Jack Everly conducting the National Symphony Orchestra.
The 2026 National Memorial Day Concert
airs Sunday, May 24, 2026
at 8/7c. on PBS
on the eve of Memorial Day
(Please check your local listings.)
Monday, May 25, 2026
Memorial Day Marathons
Memorial Day Marathons / Patriotic Programming
Columbo - Great American Family
Reba - UPtv
Matlock (original series) - Hallmark Mystery
Wedding-themed movies - Hallmark Channel
Patriotic movies (For Love & Honor, Love and Sunshine) - Hallmark Family
Patriotic movies (including The Best Years of Our Lives) - FMC
Patriotic/Military movies (all weekend) - TCM
Monday, May 25, 2026
Marking the 25th as we
Countdown to Christmas!
This Monday, May 25th, also marks 7 months 'til Christmas Day!
We love celebrating every 25th day of the month here at It's a Wonderful Movie as part of our Countdown to Christmas tradition... and whether you join in every month or if you've never participated, you’re warmly invited to join along!
If you'll be watching something merry and Christmassy on the 25th (or anytime over this long weekend), please share with us in comments.
In honor of Memorial Day, I've decided to watch one of my favorites, The Christmas Card. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of this beloved Hallmark classic!
I’ve always appreciated how this patriotic film honors the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country, especially the heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice. And I just love the way the Spelman family works closely together in their family-owned lumber business. It truly is a wonderful film filled with comforting small-town charm, a lovely little country church, and a sweet romance that will always hold a special place in my heart!
If you happen to find a little quiet time during what may be a busy Memorial Day weekend, I’d love for you to join in the Christmas fun. And of course, please share which Christmas movie you chose in the comments below!
I pray you all have a peaceful, safe, and relaxing Memorial Day Weekend.
We are deeply blessed to live in a country where we can enjoy our freedoms, and we honor those courageous heroes who have fought to protect them!
God Bless America!!!❤️☆💙
Blessings to you all,
Net
SHINING HIS LIGHT:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
~ Joshua 1:9
3pm is when we remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
ReplyDeletedstoutholcomb, Thank you for sharing… God bless our veterans. 🙏🏻🇺🇸
DeleteNext up on my list will be "The Snow Must Go On" and will watch it for our special monthly "Mark the 25th".
ReplyDelete"The Christmas Card" is still in my top 3 favorites of all time. Nothing in years can seem to overtake "Let it Snow", "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year", and "The Christmas Card" in my top 3. Beyond the top 3 there are many special ones but my top 3 is pretty unbreakable. Maybe it is one of those nostalgic sentimental feelings keeping me from accepting any other top 3 but be that as it may.
Jim, oh my goodness! You just named my favorite Christmas movies except I have them in a different order. I have The Christmas Card as #1, The most Wonderful Time of The Year #2 and Let It Snow #3. Just goes to show great mind think a like! Lol! :)
DeleteJim & Joyce, I love those movies, too! The Christmas Card and The Most Wonderful Time of the Year are also in my top favorites of movies… along with The Christmas Secret, A Biltmore Christmas, and Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade!!!
DeleteEven with all the many Christmas movies we get each year, it’s amazing that those favorites just can’t be beat. It must be, as you said Jim, due to our “nostalgic sentimental feelings,” but I also think the stories, characters, & actors are all fantastic, too!!!
Hi Joyce...I just listed my top 3 in that order. There really isn't an order for me when it comes to those top 3 though. They are all even, so I really don't have a 1,2, or 3. They have equal value for me. That is so great that we have the same top 3!
DeleteNet, Oohhh yes, "Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade" is another of my favorites. It is not in my top 3 but definitely somewhere in my top 10.
When I mention these top movies, this is just for the Hallmark, (M&M), GAF, Lifetime, UpTv type of Christmas movies. These don't include the older classics Like "It's a Wonderful Life" type of movies. Those are in a totally different category.
Jim, Joyce and Net - Great choices all around! I've mentioned before that The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is my #1 favorite non-classic Christmas movie, although now I go back and forth between that and Once Upon a Christmas Miracle. It depends on my mood I guess. And Net, The Christmas Secret is definitely among my top ones too!
DeleteAs for my "Mark the 25th" movie, since we're talking favorites, I'm going with my favorite Lifetime Christmas movie, Snowed-Inn Christmas. I missed watching that one this past season.
I also hope everyone here has a relaxing Memorial Day weekend. I have The Christmas Card on DVD so I’ll pull that out on Monday to watch. Christie
ReplyDeleteChristie, Blessings on your Memorial Day weekend! Enjoy watching The Christmas Card again.
DeleteThere's 2 episodes of County Rescue: Season 3 Episode 2 & 3 on May 24, 2026 according TV Guide
ReplyDeleteCounty Rescue: Season 3: Episode 2
Somewhere Far More Beautiful
May 24, 2026
8pm-8:40pm ET/5pm-5:40pm PT = 40mins
GAFAM
The County Rescue team provides support for the Tunnels 2 Towers marathon as Andy meets the new team members
County Rescue: Season 3 Episode 3
Rhythms
May 24, 2026
8:40pm-9:20pm ET/5:40pm-6:20pm PT GAFAM = 40mins
GAFAM
On Andy's first day back, life-and-death calls force him & the team to confront grief, purpose, & the quiet strength that sustains them
Thank you so much for sharing this information. I have added details for episode 3 above.
DeleteUpdate: County Rescue will be airing 2 episodes back to back Sunday night. I've included the story details for both episodes above.
ReplyDeleteI can’t wait to watch the True Justice 2! I rewatched the first one last night and it was soooo good!!
ReplyDeleteHmmm? I’m not sure yet which movie yet for Memorial Day, probably sometime like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. And then when I’m by myself that Danica McKeller Love and Sunshine!!☀️
Abigail, hope you enjoy the new mystery! The promos I’ve seen look very intriguing! 🧐 🔎
DeleteAlso, great movie choices for Memorial Day. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, but my… what an excellent movie… Jimmy Stewart’s performance is truly phenomenal!!!
Yay for another mystery! I’ll be recording this one to watch at a later date. Love the scripture Net, thank you for the encouragement. I love how it begins- “Have I not commanded you?” May we all remember this when doubt or fear tries to creep in. We are children of God, blessed, favored & loved by Him. Have a blessed weekend everyone!
ReplyDelete~Paula
Paula, Hope you like the new True Justice movie, too. I’m so excited that we are finally getting another movie in this series.
DeleteAnd thank you for your sweet, encouraging words on the scripture. You are always so uplifting and thoughtful. Your kindness always shines through in the way you encourage others, and it means more than you know.
God bless you, my sweet friend!!!
Blessings on your Memorial Day weekend!!! ✨🙏🏻🇺🇸
Paula & Net...I forgot to mention earlier about how powerful this scripture was for me when I read it. This is a scripture verse that I need to keep in mind at all times or darn near all times. I so often let fear control me. You are right tough Paula when you really pointed out the beginning of that scripture, "Have I not COMMANDED You?". Wow! I never really focused on that part until you highlighted it so strongly. It's not a suggestion. It is a command. So powerful!
DeleteI know how you feel Jim, I think we all go through that at times. That’s one of the reasons I don’t watch the news or have social media. I feel so much of it is triggering for me, especially as a mom of small children. And I feel I need to actively do my best to protect my mind, as it really affects how I feel physically. I do keep up with current events at church though, and here on this site as well as my mom will keep me updated of anything she thinks I should know as she does watch the news. I always remind myself- God gives me His peace 😊 I’m happy we can all encourage each other friend!
Delete~Paula
Paula...This is so true what you said!..." And I feel I need to actively do my best to protect my mind, as it really affects how I feel physically"...It amazes me how my anxious mind can cause REAL physical bodily afflictions. Like you, I try to not spoon feed myself any extra outside horror. It's hard enough to just deal with the fear of what is going on inside my over thinking worrying mind.
DeleteAlso, like you said, the only TRUE peace I get comes from God. It is something mystical and supernatural and transcendent. When I get those powerful moments, I never want them to end. I often have asked God if I could bottle what I am feeling so that I can take another drink as needed. However, the fight between the flesh and the spirt rages on.
That is also why I love this place so much. There is something mystical about this website. There is something so much deeper going on here beyond the surface of just a movie guide list. It is hard to put into words, but I am sure that you understand what I am saying. God is here and you can actually feel His presence and feel His Spirit blowing through everything like a warm summer wind caressing your face.
Paula-your words here "We are children of God, blessed, favored & loved by Him" were a balm to my soul today. I still struggle in my 50s to really remember this beautiful truth, but it has the power to change everything! And like you, I try to really protect my mind. That's part of why I appreciate Net and you all and this site so much, I think it honors Phil. 4:8-"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
DeleteLizzy, Awww.... your words truly touched my heart. I think so many of us need continual reminders that we are deeply loved by God and precious in His sight. I often feel that it's hard to feel worthy of the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. His incredible love for us is beyond my imagination.
DeleteThe world can so easily pull our minds toward worry and negativity. The scripture you shared, Philippians 4:8, is such a beautiful and important verse to hold onto.
Thank you for sharing so honestly and beautifully. I have a feeling your words will encourage others today, too.
Paula, Bless you, my sweet friend... I'm so glad your heartfelt response sparked this beautiful conversation about God, peace, and trusting in Him!!!
DeleteIt's beautiful to see how God has used our friendships here to encourage us and touch hearts in meaningful ways.
Jim, Your words, as always, are truly beautiful, deep, and heartfelt.
DeleteI also believe that when we focus on God’s light instead of fear and worry, His peace begins to calm our hearts and guide our steps... we are never walking alone.
What a joy it is to know that God wants us to feel and receive that gentle peace and courageous strength in Him in whatever we do... wherever we go!!!
Your comment was such a blessing to read. I'm so glad this conversation touched your heart and spirit.
I was able to watch the new Hannah Swenson mystery: this one was so good!
ReplyDeleteWhile I really miss Norman, I’m happy at least that Chad is showing his true feelings for Hannah. He was so visibly annoyed by her for so long, it was kind of hard to watch their interactions. The mystery itself was great, I enjoyed the missing person and murder, it was like having to solve 2 at the same time. The scene at the end where Hannah finally realizes why Chad never eats her baked goods was so sweet/sad at the same time, made me tear up for him. Now Iv been feeling this way and this movie finally made it clear- I think the sister Michelle needs to go, she’s just kind of boring to me. She didn’t even really assist Hannah in anything this movie, she was kind of just there. I would much rather see Hannah’s employee Lisa join in more- like going on stakeouts & sleuthing. I think that Hannah, Delores & Lisa would make a great trio.
~Paula
Paula, I’m loving your review for the new Hannah. I just watched it, too, and I had lots of the same thoughts on this mystery.
DeleteThank you so much for sharing!
I will be watching The Christmas Card along with you Net!! As I stated above it's my all time favorite Christmas movie above all others! I have so many I love but this one is still the top!!
ReplyDeleteJoyce, Happy watching The Christmas Card again! I bet it would be a very high number if we only knew the number of times we’ve rewatched it. Even still, I find myself glued to it every time, especially when Cody arrives into town, the accident, the “mistaken” kiss, the dance, sleigh ride, the church scene, and the end at the Vietnam memorial!!! It’s all beautiful and mesmerizing!!! Enjoy!!!
DeleteI hope you have a relaxing Memorial Day weekend! ✨🇺🇸⭐️
Same to you Net! And your description of The Christmas Card is spot on! It's a perfect movie!
Delete🎄Christmas in July Movie Update:
ReplyDeleteSome of you may have seen - that I posted a new Christmas in July movie premiere for Great American Family late last night / early this morning. The announcement was made on Great American Family’s social media at that time, but has since been taken down.
Due to this, I took my post down, as well. I don’t know if the timing for this announcement was wrong or if plans for premiering this particular movie in July have been changed.
Please stay tuned for future updates and movie announcements.
Bill Abbott's latest email is asking us if the movie should premiere on either the 4th or the 11th. I personally believe it should be on the 11th, as the 4th should be reserved for patriotic movies or programs. -Maria
DeleteMaria, I emailed Bill and put my request in for the 11th, as well. Like you, I also prefer patriotic movies on the 4th, and I think most people will be away from home watching fireworks displays at the time the movie would be premiering.
DeleteUpdate to my comment above -
DeleteGreat American Family reposted their social media posting for the Christmas in July movie many hours later, so I reposted my blog post, as well.
See here:
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2026/05/christmas-in-july-2026-movie-premiere.html
I’m gonna watching 4th of July movies & then watch fireworks on TV
DeleteEncore on July 11, 2026 for The Trouble With Mistletoe on GAFAM
I hope Hallmark Family or Hallmark Channel gonna air Sister of the Bride, Kiss at the Pine Lake, Banner 4th of July, and Love & Sunshine on July 4, 2026
Delete
ReplyDeleteIf Jen Lilley no longer has a contract with GAF and does Hallmark movies again, can she still do movies with GAF? How does this work? I am dreaming of Marc Blucas doing a 4th of July or Fall themed movie for GAF and I don't think he's ever been paired with Jen. ;)
Grace, At this point, Jen Lilley is free to work with whoever, so yes, it is possible that she might get a call from GAF again.
DeleteI, too, would love to see Marc Blucas on Great American Family again. He's such a wonderful actor! I've always loved his patriotic movies, would love to see him do another!!!
County Rescue: Season 3
ReplyDeleteThe eight-episode third season follows a weekly release schedule.
Below is the remaining premiere schedule:
May 17: Episode 1
May 24: Episodes 2 & 3
May 31: Episodes 4 & 5
June 7: Episode 6
County Rescue: S3 E3
ReplyDeleteLet us RUN with perseverance the race marked out for us
Hebrews 12:1
County Rescue: S3 E3
ReplyDeleteProverbs 11:25 teaches that generosity is reciprocal: those who give freely and uplift others will themselves be blessed, enriched, & refreshed
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong - 1 Corinthians 16:13
ReplyDeleteBlessed are the pacemakers, for they shall be called Sons of God
ReplyDelete- Matthew 5:9
Thank you for sharing all of these beautiful, meaningful scriptures. God bless you!!!
DeleteYou're Welcome!!!!
DeleteWhile I was watching County Rescue: S3 E2&3
I missed other ones scriptures
Whether there's 3 of them or 2 - Memorial Day
A wonderful night of patriotism and honor.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful concert and 2 marvelous episodes of County Rescue.
Plus, CIJ on GAF will begin on June 26th! -Maria
Maria, I agree... it certainly was a wonderful night of patriotic programming! Wasn't Laura Osnes so beautiful and classy!?!?! Her rendition of "My Country Tis of Thee" gave me chills.
DeleteAnd Yeeessss!!!! Super excited to see that new promo for Christmas in July!!! Love that it said the movies on GAF will air 24/7!!! 🎄🎄🎄