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03/22/11
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04/15/11
June 14, 2012
It’s not an official federal holiday. No day off. No gifts. The Fourth of July gets the glamour, picnics and fireworks.
A schoolteacher had the idea first. BJ Cigrand, in the aptly named Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, threw an impromptu celebration June 14th (then, the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) for 'Flag Birthday.'
It seemed like a good idea at the time and Flag Day became a true grassroots movement, if not exactly a national holiday. By the turn of the 20th century, children in Philadelphia were gathering at Independence Square to celebrate the birth of the flag.
Flags few informally throughout the country on its birthday, and we finally got the hint. With President Truman, on Aug, 3 1949, formally designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.
Whether it was Betsy Ross or the unsung Frances Hopkinson or George Washington who designed the first flag, we’re still not sure. We do know that there was no prouder moment in our history than when it was raised to commemorate the birth of a new nation.
The flag, then with 14 stars, inspired Francis Scott Key to compose our national anthem, after his relief at seeing the banner flying at dawn over Fort McHenry, following the battle of Baltimore — during the almost forgotten War of 1812.
Then, adorned with 48 stars, a nation cheered when we saw the unforgettable picture of the flag raised by four Marines of Easy Company. Where almost a quarter of the 23,000 American troops died on a tiny island one-third the size of Manhattan, defending our way of life.
And following Sept. 11, 2001, when flags flew, all across America, we remembered again the principles for which we stand.
Thirteen horizontal stripes for the original 13 colonies, 50 Stars for each state of the Union. Red for valor, White for purity and innocence, and Blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice. Liberty and freedom.
Some, maybe, think it’s a bit corny to fly our flag. Even worse, hypocritical. Who can live up to those ideals?
We’ve seen the flag abused; used by too many people that wrap themselves in it and call themselves patriots.
Maybe in our quest to be right, we haven’t always been right.
But, also, June 14 is a day to remember that under this flag, we are free to express our thoughts; we can change and we can be better.
Woodrow Wilson said:
“This flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation. It has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours. It floats in majestic silence above the hosts that execute those choices, whether in peace or in war. And yet, though silent, it speaks to us — speaks to us of the past, or the men and women who went before us, and of the records they wrote upon it.”
The American flag represents the best in us; it’s for us to live up to it.
still thinking about today...
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03/27/11
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04/12/11
and long may it wave
oh, and they have red,white,and blue ravioli at Costco...
I put my M.B.T. Masai warrior shoes back on this evening. They have this strange rounded bottom that really gives you a work-out when you walk. I wore them too much,a few weeks ago, and bruised (abused)the tendons..I hurt....but let me tell you, I have them on again, pain be da*ned, and it already feels good to walk to the wine cabinet....
The star-spangled banner. It seems to exert a strange power over Americans. Do any of you fly the flag on special days?
I have a choice of flags - I could go for the Welsh one, a big red dragon on a half and half horizontal green and white background - makes a great bedcover, or I could go for the Union Jack/Union Flag, an amalgamation of the flags of England (Saint George) Scotland (Saint Andrew) and Ireland (Saint Patrick) The Welsh were displeased at being unrepresented as it was assumed at the time that they were English! Or I could go for the English flag - just a red vertical cross on a white background. As a last resort, Uganda, the land of my birth has a flag and to my shame, I have no idea what it looks like.
Director Clint Eastwood's "Flags of our Fathers" is a movie worth seeing. Much less bravado than Eastwood is stereotypically assumed to espouse thanks to his "Dirty Harry" character from the 1970's, and a lot more thoughtful reflection. Got to head outside, time to raise the colors.....
... JUNE 14, 1775 ... The Official Birthday of The United States Army .......
We salute All who came and Served before, and All who Serve today ... May God Bless them and mske them invincible ... May our enemies be doomed and damn'd ... May our Soldiers be all the Better for it .......
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOGFACES !!!
Well said Peterman!!
I have seen the picture in person... It took my breath away And made me cry.
I have a cling-on flag in my window 24/7, 365(366) days a year. The neighbor has the real one flying. I have a real folded one from honoring my grandfather. He did not die in world war 1 or we all would not be here.
Who would have thought that the Battle of the Bulge where my father lost his best friend would be an acronym for American maladies...
Korea (wait for it.......
The year I was born!) is still a hot spot.
Viet Nam...the first time I saw a hammer & sycle was not on a flag but on an ocean going vessels stacks. Scared me to my toes.
The desert wars seem to go in cycles fighting for the ones who seem most innocent and put upon in any given year.
If we are to become as children (bible)... Can't we give up the childhood game of capture the flag?
Hazel ~
Yes
http://www.petermanseye.com/photos/539321
I proudly echo the words and sentiments of Command Master Chief Warrant Officer, CWO-5 Jalopkin. I salute you, Sir! And all who have served...some in peace,some in war, some who left all they held dear and passed from the sight of man and some who were/are left behind to worry/support/love and keep the homefires burning. Freedom isn't free!
Dear hazel,Yes, my American flag is our proudly flying today. Actually I bought a new flag and pole yesterday. The red/white stripes on our flad (13) represent the 13 original colonies. The 50 stars represent our 50 states of the United States. But the red of the flag bespeaks of the courage of those who bled and those who died so we could be free. I cannot speak for all Americans, but to me, when the Pledge of Alligeance is spoken, we are reminding ourselves of those who loved freedom more than life itself. We remember our founding fathers who were willing to risk their lives, their fourtunes, and their sacred honor to be free. My great-grandmother's sister lost three of her four sons in World War II. I specifically think of their (and her) sacrifice for freedom when the flag flies.
George Hall said it perfectly.
and yes, I fly a flag. In fact the flagpole in the front yard was one of the reasons I wanted to buy it.
Spring Rain~ Bravo! Well said!
Amen and well said. Happy Flag Day!
Old Glory, long may she wave and meaning no disrespect or maybe even more respect for those who have fought and died for her, it would be a nice change if it were over a peaceful, non-boastful nation tending to her own business for a few decades.
We could heal in her shadow.
http://youtu.be/E7mEC-vAewg
I'm so pleased to hear that some of you are flying the flag.
Haze
We fly our flag, attached to the garage in the front of the house and lit from underneath, 24/7.
Spring Rain
Excellent post
HAPPY FLAG DAY ALL
TG ~
I'm laughing… a college creative writing prof mocked "underneath." but then, he's dead and we're not.
GIRAFFE, my flag is also lit and flys 24/7. I'm proud to be an American and proud to fly our flag everyday.
Thank you. We are blessed.
I am truly lucky to have a town street light a few feet away from my flag so I too am able to fly it 24/7.
Spring Rain--excellent post
Stoney---thanks was wishing for that link. Been in my head since first glance at the topic! Do you also have "psychic" on your resume?
To all who should wonder, the picture at the top of the page is of the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial just outside Arlington Cemetary VA. The sculpure is by Felix de Weldon based on a photo by Joe Rosenthal oft the flagraising on Iwo Jima in WW II.
Dedicated in 1954, I was in boot camp at Parris Island SC just in time to 'voluntarily' contribute to the cost...as did every Marine who could fog a mirror btw.
Hazel, i often fly our flag from the front porch. Always on Holidays and sometimes just 'cos I feel the need to be part of something greater and more meaningful than myself.
I do envy the dragon on your flag. My humble home would feel like my castle if we had one.
Spring rain....... Very nice post. Well said!
My flag is up and flying -- every day. It is a sunny day here in N. GA, and my yard is colorful with over 20 blooming daylilies, as well as the colorful US flag.
For our birthplace, Hazel, check out the flag of Uganda....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Uganda
Ditto to Springrain's fine post.
Here is a memorable rendition of the national anthem tribute to our flag.....
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=vocal+versions%2c+the+star+spangled+banner&mid=B4011C2D993A986C4607B4011C2D993A986C4607&view=detail&FORM=VIRE1
That should be "for your birthplace" -- not "our." Mea culpa .....
Another great version of the anthem's tribute to the flag with lyrics....
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=vocal+versions%2c+the+star+spangled+banner&mid=B4011C2D993A986C4607B4011C2D993A986C4607&view=detail&FORM=VIRE1
We're American flag flyers and yellow ribbon tie-ers (?) from way back. And parade watchers, where there's more flags than I can count, the more the better though...And I've got blue and white china (Hazel, remember? we talked elsewhere about this, and Oscar Wilde's "I find it harder and harder every day to live up to my blue china."- which is me all the way) - anyhow, where was I? Oh, I have this blue and white china, and way long ago when I married I balked tradition once again by eschewing traditional clear and etched crystal, for red heavy goblets. So when it came to decorating, the dining room at least, is always ready to greet the founding fathers in good red white and blue style................But it's the flag outside that I love, and if I look at it for too long I hear in my head the strains of "I'm a Yankee doodle dandy" and Jimmy Cagney appears tapping his way across the stage of my mind. It's definitely a grand old flag, .... I bet if you stop what you're doing for a moment, you'll hear, too, Cagney singing about what a grand old flag it is. Have a good old high flying flag day, Village!
Anyone recall the days when it was illegal to wear the flag in any form, or wear tee shirts etcetera with the flag on them - or am I making this up? Meaning, was it urban legend from the late 1960's on college campuses? Now the flag is on everything. Wasn't it once considered wrong?
RoadYacht said it for me, "long may it wave."
And Spring rain, you're right. It is important to remember the sacrifices men and women have made and are making to keep this nation free. That includes those who went to war and those who kept the homefires burning. The flag can bring to mind so many different things for people but of all the feelings we have one should be thankfulness.
Park, I'm with you girl.
I believe it was illegal to make any article of clothing, etc out of an actual flag, not to wear something with a representation of it. I could be mistaken.
My flag only came down when I was away for 6 months and could not check on it daily, and once when stolen (I love our village police, they had TWO squad cars out looking for it because I was upset it might be on the ground). We take our old ones properly to the Fire Dept when retired for a new one and both my husband and myself will be draped in one when we say final goodbyes.
I don't expect others to feel or react similarly, for me it's honoring those behind it not the fabric.
Hazel I do love the Welsh flag. It was the one thing my grown daughter wanted when we visited Wales.
I read an article yesterday written by a Brit living in NYC concerning her pet peeves about Americans. Our "overuse" of our flag was one of them. We did win that particular war didn't we? And helped them out with a couple of others. ;)
Northside Paula, being as we were born within the same fortnight and and grew up in different neighborhoods and went to different schools together.....I share those same memories of it being if not illegal, then at least disrespectful, to be wearing the flag.....but i think that invloved the wearing of real flags that had been destroyed which became dejure during the war protest days of the late '60's and 70's. Jerry Rubin of the Chicago Eight fame was infamous for it.
As far as today and the prevelance of non-flag, flag clothing..... i think it is more of a 'I purchased this shirt and matching shorts for the Fourth of July parade and fire works and I'm gonna get my money's worth. Same thing with the flag ties in businesses. I think it is born of good intent and once again, a feeling of being part of something good.
Remember the day that the Cubs center fielder Rick Monday won the hearts of both Northsiders and Southsiders. A.k.a...Sox fans, by racing across the field to prevent some whacko from the stands who ran out and tried to burn the flag on the playing field?
Anyroads, one of the elements I enjoyed watching the Queen's Jubilee was the sea of folks putting all else aside and uniting themselves wearing the Union Jack in all shapes and forns.
Whatever you do, don't forget to let your 'freak fly' once in a while too! Peace out
PL, I keep tucking it in but it's usually flapping in the breeze.
For you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_-2X4LNDH0
Hey Jax, I tried to order one but it is, alas, on backorder.
Don't bother tucking in your freak flag.....'cos if you gots one, then you gots to flaunt it!
I do think of you, PARK4, when I take my blue & whites off the dresser for a wash.
Thanks, moose for the Ugandan flag. Nice one!
Hazel, I'm still struggling like Oscar to keep up with that china - keepin up appearances gets harder and harder as time goes by...;) JAX, you're here, how great is that, along with Southside John who I bet saw his share of protests good and bad... and I do remember the incident with the burning flag on the field - god bless him. I'm remembering an Olympic hockey game "The Game" when the United States won the gold against all odds, and the Mike - I forget his last name - the team captain? - how his eyes scoured the stands for his Dad, and how he was draped in the flag, he and his teammates, just a minute later - I think that's good use of the flag, certainly not a bad thing..................And then there was the Spring of Kent State, when Jerry Rubin and friends, including Abby Hoffman "blessed" the campus of the University of Illinois, and the flag was burned by several, and worn by many - it wasn't good. It evolved into a riot, that lasted into the night. They were idiots. I knew it then, so did most people, but if your not inclined to be hostile or destructive, you don't stand much chance against a mob the likes of which those guys could create -- Anyway, it's just a matter of good and common sense as to what's appropriate re: wearing of the flag. Most of us seem to get it right.
MIKE ERUZIONE ??
God Bless America. Amen.
The flag of Wales is lovely, Hazel. I have one in my possession.
For PL and Jax, a little David Crosby lettin it fly. I was thinking of getting a trim today but this changed my mine...Must be because I had the flu for Christmas and I'm not feeling up to par..http://youtu.be/2Yb00UmUqLI
That was nice, Tommy T!
At Scout camp I always enjoyed being a part of the color guard and playing To The Colors. I found a version of it that still sends chills up my spine and can see my old buddies unfolding the flag and running it up the pole; and like blessing the food before you ate and calling your elders Ma'am or Sir. it was what I did. Later I came to understand the material manifestations would always remain important to me but I found being American is not just about symbols or a place as much as it is about the unique torch that burns in your soul to be free and alive and owning & sharing your life and in doing so helping others own and share theirs. I prefer to not be one of the American People who moves in a collective as much as an independent soul joining hundreds of millions of other souls as living banners gallantly streaming. http://youtu.be/6EsUvNz_i60
Thank you Tommy T.
After spending some time with you fine folks, reflecting on the flag and many of the virtues it has achieved as well as those that are still a dream that is not yet within reach, but hey.......we are still relatively a young nation by comparison to those who are so quick to point out our short commings
I found myself in line to pick up what I call the evil twins....... A grande-bone-dry capucino and an upside-diwn dopio con pana with extra pana when I spotted a coffee mug with the word INDIVISIBLE etched on to it and that led me down the path of thinking we seemed to have backslid a bit from that one. Not that we should all be dissentless clones and forgo state's rights...... But just find out what happened to some of our common ground, the glue that holds it all together.
That would be in my eyes a noble goal of our incumbent and would be leaders. Where are these folks hiding. The nation is calling, but no one is answering.
Now I am all caffienated with no place to go...........
Love that Barbara Jordan PL-
"My faith in the Constitution is whole, it is complete, it is total and I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminuation, the subversion, the destruction of the Constitution.... It is reason and not passion which must guide our deliberations, guide our debate, and guide our decision."
- Testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, July 25, 1974
Yeppers to that TT. It's all right there in the constitution, it's a map, for when we got off the path we were set on, for when we stumbled and fell and hit our heads and lost our good sense for a while, there it is, there it's always been. It's just not all that complicated, "reason...must guide our debate" - how fortunate we are to have this well crafted map that's adapted itself to well to change, and wears its age so well, each year better...........We are a fortunate country. I'll say though that as far as indivisible, I think we can find our common souls much faster if our President didn't choose to run his campaign for re-election based on divisiveness and class warfare. We're thinking "indivisible" and he's talking "never the twains shall meet." I do hope he gets derailed in November. I pray he gets derailed in November, and that means a lot, because as a rule I don't pray for anything....
When caffeinated, dance, PeterLake. When very caffeinated, dance faster...I dare you. ;)
Turned the spotlight on, so that Old Glory will be displayed according to protocol.....