3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

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Memorial Day Patriotism

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The Internet and Social Media Patriotism

I’m so glad to see Memorial Day patriotism spread all over the vast social media networks, including Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter. People may criticize social media, call it a waste of time, snippets of fluff, but I do think one positive aspect of short exchanges of sentiment can be a statement of not only what you had for breakfast, but a reminder of what really matters in life.

Memorial day photos, MEMEs, and military tributes are covering the internet, signs of patriotism, love of country, and respect for our military. This is a good thing. In these days of political squabbles and infighting let’s not forget our men and women in the armed forces:the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, who have given the ultimate price and died serving our country and freedom.

I have combined my three passions (Quarters) photography, graphic design, and the military to give you the image below. Please feel free to share with your friends and family this holiday weekend.

Memorial Day Patriotism
Let us not ever forget, but always remember the reason for Memorial Day.

“Memorial Day,” a poem by Wallace Bruce, is the source of this patriotic quote. The poem was first published in a book called Wanderers in 1907. The glorious men “who kept the faith and fought the fight” are the soldiers who fought and died for their country; the citizens who owe their freedom to these individuals now have the duty to uphold the values for which these soldiers fought. Specifically, the poem is about the soldiers who fought in the Civil War. source

So this weekend, go to your picnics, enjoy your barbecues, throw a steak on the grill, but also take time to visit a cemetery, attend a Memorial Day parade or ceremony. Just think and reflect that while you are enjoying your life and freedom soldiers, Marines, sailors, and airmen fought in many wars before your time to ensure the freedom and rights of the United States of America.

Memorial DayMemorial Day for KidsMemorial Day SurpriseThe Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans

After our annual trip to the town cemetery for a service and recognition I will head over to the senior center where lunch is served for the town and then to the GAR Hall to stroll through our Veterans Museum.

I’d like to know your holiday traditions and how you spend Memorial Day weekend, leave me a comment below and share how your town recognizes this patriotic holiday.

12 Interesting Facts About Flag Day

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Flag Day is rarely observed by a large population of the United States, but it is one of the oldest American Holidays dating back to 1861, in all places, my birth place, Hartford Connecticut. Today take time to celebrate Flag Day with a little flag history, a little patriotic music, and show your pride by waving or displaying an American flag not only today but everyday.

Interesting Facts About Flag Day

Facts About Flag Day

  1. George Morris held the first unofficial Flag Day in 1861, but the idea didn’t catch on. (source)
  2. In 1885 Bernard J Cigrand from Waubeka, Wisconson held the first recognized Flag Day
  3. The Flag Day Association was founded in 1888 in Western Pennsylvania.
  4. June 14 was proclaimed as the first Flag Day by President Woodrow Wilson.
  5. School teacher Bernard Cigrand is credited by the National Flag Day Foundation for leading the charge, resulting in a Congressional declaration in 1949 by President Harry Truman
  6. Pennsylvania is the only state to have Flag Day as a state holiday.
  7. Fairfield Washington has the longest running Flag Day Parade and has held it every year (but one) since 1909.
  8. Flag Day is also the birthday of the United States Army, founded on June 14, 1775.
  9. Only the president and governors of a state can order flags on government buildings to be flown at half staff (23 Facts About the Flag)
  10. The original American flag had 13 stars; there have been 27 additions between 1777 and 1960.
  11. According to the History Channel., the date was picked according to the date the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
  12. According to PBS: Red symbolizes hardiness and valor; white symbolizes purity and innocence; blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Flag Day (Holiday Histories)Flag Day (First Step Nonfiction – American Holidays)

While not necessarily a fact on the American flag I though it interesting that the study of flags is called vexillogy

There shouldn’t be a perfect day, or week, to fly the American flag and show patriotism in the United States. It should be a feeling of every American to show their pride in the country in which they live every day. I am proud to live in this great country of ours. We have freedom and opportunity around every corner if people would just take advantage of their own skills and talent.

The below video includes my photography of average Americans celebrating their pride and patriotism in America. The song was written by my friend Steve Raybine, a jazz musician from Omaha Nebraska.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmZG1AR5FEo]

“America, how I love you, long may our flag ever wave..”

Americans are a gracious and generous people. We are proud of our country and the ideals for which we were founded. Religious freedom, freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms, freedom to congregate, and freedom of free press. The internet and technology has given millions of people a vehicle to exercise that freedom and this is my platform.

Where to Buy American Made Flags

American Flag 3×5 ft. Nylon SolarGuard Nyl-Glo by Annin Flagmakers, 100% Made in USA with Sewn Stripes,Flag Pole Kit: Includes Tangle Free pole – Bracket and American Flag Made in USAHEAVY-DUTY American Flag 4×6′ – 100% Made in the USA – Durable, Long Lasting, Rich Polyester MaterialValley Forge Flag 3-Feet by 5-Feet Nylon Kit with 20-Foot Aluminum In-Ground Pole and Hardware

History of Flag Day

Flag Day: What it means

WASHINGTON — What’s Flag Day? It’s the American celebration of the birthday of the Stars and Stripes. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed a resolution “that the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes of alternate …

A brief history of Flag Day

In the late 19th century, schoolteachers all over the United States began conducting patriotic ceremonies commemorating Flag Day as a way to teach children about history. One such schoolteacher, Bernard J. Cigrand, is often referred to as the “Father …

Flag Day 2015: Top 3 Historical Facts to Help You Understand Why This is a Thing

It is Flag Day 2015, folks! How excited are you?! Or, are you just discovering that it’s Flag Day because we just told you? Well, don’t worry – you’re in the same boat as so many people across this great land. Therefore, MStars News has grabbed a few …

Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the U.S. flag …

WAUBEKA — Flag Day is celebrated on June 14th — and it commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened on June 14th, 1777. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that …

American Flag Day – Tis the Star Spangled Banner | www …

Did you ever see the Movie “Not without my Daughter”? It is based on a true story about an American woman who marries an Iranian who convinces her and their daughter to visit his family in Iran. Once there, he refuses to let …

Placing Flags For Memorial Day

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In cemeteries all over the country flags are placed on the graves of veterans for Memorial Day. Have you ever wondered how they suddenly appear, who places them, and how long it takes?

In Elmwood Nebraska, a town of just slightly over 800 people, we celebrate Memorial Day like many towns across the country. The local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) coordinates volunteers to met in the cemetery to place flags on the memorial crosses and markers. I’ve learned this event is often called “Flaging In”

Community helps place flags
Community helps place flags

A time of 7 o’clock pm was sent out for anyone who wanted to help decorate the cemetery. I got there about 7:05 and the people were already milling about with bundles of flags. All of the small flags had already been taken so a friend and I were given a basket of large flags to raise on the poles.

Boy Scout placing flags on Memorial Day
Boy Scout placing flags on Memorial Day

Each pole was at least a two person job, one to hold the flag to make sure it didn’t touch the ground, and the other to raise the pole. The flag wanted to fly free in the wind and I can’t describe the feeling I had as I released the flag into the wind and watch it unfurl. Maybe a sense of pride crept over my face along with a smile. It felt good.

Raising the flag on Memorial Day
Raising the flag on Memorial Day
Raising flags on Memorial Day
Raising flags on Memorial Day
American Flag Ready to fly on Memorial Day
American Flag Ready to fly

This was truly a community event with people of all ages helping.

American unfurls at half staff
American flag unfurls at half staff

It’s pretty amazing to gather with a group of people who feel the same way. Who want to remember veterans and those that died serving their country. People need to remember, never forget what makes the United States great.

Take time out this weekend from your barbecues, family get togethers and shopping to visit a military museum, take part in a Memorial Day ceremony at a church or cemetery. Look at the names and dates on the headstones and remember.

Where to Buy American Flags Made in America

Valley Forge Flag 3-Feet by 5-Feet Nylon USBulk American Flags for Cemeteries3′ X 5′ Flag Display Case

Recognizing Memorial Day