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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.

“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

Patriotic Video: America, I Love You

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This patriotic video might just make you forget the recent government scandals so prevalent right now. Although it seems patriotism and confidence in the United States is waning or lacking. I don’t think it’s true. Yes, if you listen to talk radio, or watch CNN or other news channels you might be depressed and discouraged. But I tell you, there are good people all across this country doing good things, helping out neighbors, serving in the military because they love where they live.

Keep Us Safe because Freedome is Not Free
Korean War Memorial: Washington DC on Memorial Day

When American citizens are left alone, without government intervention we help each other out and stand side by side during tragedies such as the recent Oklahoma tornadoes.

In this week leading up to Memorial Day, I want to remind people the greatness of the American people outside the Washington Beltway. Memorial Day is not only a day to remember our veterans and those who died serving our country but to gather together as families worship and celebrate life, and remember those who have died and left an impact on our lives.

America I love YouMarine Corps Graduation, San Diego CA I’ve wanted to create a patriotic video that includes the many photographs I’ve taken over the years that have a military theme, or veterans theme, but didn’t have the appropriate music. This song “America, I Love You” was written by my friend Steve Raybine, a jazz musician in Omaha, Nebraska. I first heard it last fall and fell in love with it and he graciously allowed me to use it for the video.

Veterans of all our wars deserve our thanks for making the sacrifice and serving their country. This includes not only the modern wars in Afghanistan and Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom, Desert Shield, and Storm but the often forgotten Vietnam and Korean Veterans, along with those veterans from WWII and WWI.

It is the men and women of the Marine Corps, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and our National Guard that spend days away from family and friends, whether abroad or stationed in the United States, that serve to protect our freedom. We owe them our thanks for volunteering for a job many would never consider.The Flag Still Stands For Freedom

As you participate in Memorial Day celebrations, parades and picnics, stop by a cemetery and read the inscriptions on the War Memorials of soldiers from the French Indian War and even the Civil War. If you are lucky enough to live in New England search out the Revolutionary War cemeteries. Those soldiers truly fought for our freedom and Independence. They are the reason we celebrate the 4th of July.

If you recognize some of the photos it’s because they are some of my favorites from my Washington DC trip when my kids marched in the Memorial Day Parade and include the World War II Memorial, United States Marine Corps Memorial, Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial and other images of freedom and sacrifice.

I was really quite surprised I had so many photographs of the American Flag and color guards taken at various parades. It never fails to give me a chill when the American Legion leads a parade with the flags and people stand to applaud, salute or put their hand over their heart.
My goal is to create a national sensation with this song. Patriotic pride needs to once again resonate through the land. So reblog this post, tweet it, post it to your Facebook page and PIN it on PINTEREST, let’s see how far this video and song can spread.

So post this for Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Veterans Day and all other patriotic holidays.

Thank you and God Bless.

A Letter From a Marine Mom to the United States Marines

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Happy Birthday Marine Corps

November 10th, 2012 is the 237th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. So as a Marine Mom with two sons in the Marines I say “Happy Birthday United States Marine Corp and may you continue to turn out men of character, honor, dedication and bravery.”

Proud Mom of two US Marines

CafePress USMC Coin Greeting Cards - 4x5.6 Multi-color MatteCafePress USMC Coin Greeting Cards – 4×5.6 Multi-color MatteCafePress - (Single)Happy Birthday Marine Corps - Greeting Card GlossyCafePress – (Single)Happy Birthday Marine Corps – Greeting Card GlossyMarine Corps 2008 Birthday CoinMarine Corps 2008 Birthday Coin1/2 Sheet U.S. Marine Corps Edible Image® Cake Topper1/2 Sheet U.S. Marine Corps Edible Image® Cake Topper

If I could send a letter to the Marine Corps on their birthday this is what I would send.

A Letter From a Marine Mom

“Dear United States Marine Corps,

I give you my sons, knowing they will be Marines for life, as becoming Marines is not a part time endeavor but a pride and family bond that carries through to civilian life. So in essence I am also welcoming the Marine Corps into my family. 

I have seen the result of your training, how you have built them up not just physically  but mentally, and with a sense of honor and commitment. It is the goal of the Corps to  strengthen their character, instill a sense of pride of country and service to others.  The training and discipline instilled into these young men and women is beyond any other branch of the military. The sense of pride in being a Marine is evident.

I place my trust in their commanders, sergeants, and their fellow Marines to make wise decisions and to act promptly in times of adversity. May they always  take the title US Marine seriously and not disgrace themselves, their company, or their country., always remembering that the person beside them has a Mother at home with a prayer and love in her heart for her Marine.

God please protect them in harms way, watch over them, guide them, and lead now and forever.

With Love, 

A Marine Mom”

Every year I try and write a letter to the USMC, below are two of them, I don’t know if anyone in the Marine Corps ever sees them, but it’s nice to know other Marine families do and appreciate the thought. I hope to always speak the truth, relay hope, and express my pride and thankfulness in our military.

A letter from a Marine Mom to the USMC. This Mother of two Marines writes a letter to the Marine Corps as a way of gratitude for her Marine sons.2015 Marine Mom Letter to the USMC Commandant on the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps

Related Marine Corps Articles

Bring on the Marines, Bayonets, and the Cavalry

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Bring on the Marines

As a Mom of two Marines, I was appalled at President Obama’s lack of knowledge, understanding and his utter contempt for our military during the 2012 third presidential debate. His condescending attitude and rude responses was not at all presidential and did little to bring honor to the presidency, or our country.

I totally agree with the other Marine Mom @SpunkyBraun who recently posted what could be the “Tweet of the Year”

Dear Mr. Obama, Amb. Stevens would have loved a horse or a bayonette or a 
Marine with either one. Sincerely, mom of 2/Marines #debate

Marines, Bayonets, and the Cavalry
Buy this T-Shirt on CafePress

So, in honor of @SpunkyBraun and all Marine Moms who are proud of their sons and daughters I created this T-Shirt design as a reminder there Americans who support our military.

This design was found in my CafePress Military and Marine store, but for some reason they took it down. I spent a lot of time on it and was pretty proud of how it turned out. Click on the images to take you to my store for other designs.

Marines, Bayonets, and the Cavalry
Marines, Bayonets, and the Cavalry

FACT: There are more bayonets used now than in 1917.

FACT: The military still utilizes the Cavalry, although the last time the Cavalry invaded was in 2001 to invade Afghanistan.

FACT:  Bayonets are standard issue in the Marine Corps

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