As week three of my "52 Week Challenge to Patriotism" rolls around, I had many things I wanted to write about, but because June 14 is Flag Day, what better opportunity to talk about the most beautiful symbol in the world - our American Flag!
This year it will become part of my personal challenge to learn more about each of our various holidays. My friends and I always wonder if, when children have a holiday, they really know why they have the day off. Then again, I wonder how many of us know much about it either? To that end , I will become a student and explore/research each of those days as they roll around. Heck, I might even write a little school paper...since I won't be graded. I've always said, "Learning is more important than grades"!
Flag Day has officially been attributed to Bertrand Cigrand, a school teacher in Fredonia, Wis., in 1885 (the 108th anniversary of The Stars and Stripes). It was officially established on May 30, 1916 by the presidential proclamation of Woodrow Wilson. However, it wasn't until Aug. 3, 1949 that it was signed into law by an Act of Congress designating June 14 each year as National Flag Day.
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Of interest is that Bertrand Cigrand lived in Batavia, Illinois from 1913-1932 and worked in Chicago as a dentist. He is credited with giving over 2,188 speeches about patriotism and the flag.
Did you know: A Vexillogist is a person who studies flags? A Vexillographer is a person who designs flags? And, a Vexillophile is a person who collects flags!
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I think one of the poems from my newly released book, "So Gallantly Waving - Words of Patriotism and Gratitude" best sums up how I feel about our flag. Read on....
Our Glorious Flag
Our flag is more than fifty stars backed by navy blue.
It's more than stripes of red and white, the symbol waves so true.
Our history is woven within each star and stripe.
Because of brave patriots who weren't afraid to fight.
The flag has gone to jungles and deserts far away.
And covered fallen heroes as they met their last day.
It's proudly waved at our parades and held in youngsters' hands.
Even planted next to graves when the brave no longer stand.
The blood and tears of patriots are stored within our flag.
They knew the fear, but persevered and never tried to brag.
So, when I see our flag unfurled and clutched in someone's hand.
I stand in silent reverence because I understand.
A lump wells up within my throat as a silent tear rolls down.
I know my freedom is a gift and liberty the crown.
Give a prayer of gratitude for the price those brave souls paid.
Heroes all who did their best as freedom's cause was made.
The flag is oh so beautiful and such a lovely sight.
So, stand up straight, salute the flag, revere the stars and stripes.
It's time to proudly fly our American Flag. So, if you don't have one, why not purchase one now? Oh, and by the way, please be sure it was Made in America!
Have an inspiring and patriotic week!
