Today is a patriotism-inspiring day for Americans. Not only is it the 234th birthday of the U.S. Army ("born" in 1775, a year before our nation's independence was declared!), it is also Flag Day.Flag Day is the day when all Americans are encouraged to show the colors, honor their symbolism, and remember what our Constitution means.
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a Resolution which adopted an official flag for the United States. A Waukeba, Wisconsin, teacher is generally credited with beginning a formal observance in 1885 to commemorate that adoption. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day, and Congress established National Flag Day with legislation signed by President Harry Truman in 1949.
The AP reports that President Obama has followed tradition and issued the customary Proclamation that recognizes today as 2009's Flag Day. His Proclamation also declares the week to come as National Flag Week. He ordered flags to be displayed on all federal buildings and urged all Americans to demonstrate their pride in our flag by flying the colors at home and wherever suitable. Obama also calls upon Americans to celebrate the nation's heritage by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at public gatherings from Flag Day until Independence Day.
Hey! Now there's some change we can believe in!
So, Happy Flag Day, Happy Birthday to our Army, and a huge CONGRATULATIONS to my little cousin who, as a West Point Cadet, successfully completed paratrooper training last week at Ft. Benning and earned his wings! Way to go, Clayton!
Congrats to Clayton! That's a BIG accomplishment, to say the very least.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the Flag Day post, Moogie.