Jul 1, 2014

Our Flag and What it Means


Click highlighted words in the post for even more historical information

 Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain (now officially known as the United Kingdom). Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the National Day of the United States.   credit

During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United States independent from Great Britain.  After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:
The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.


 Originally entitled Yankee Doodle, this is one of several versions of a scene painted by A. M. Willard that came to be known as The Spirit of '76. Often imitated or parodied, it is a familiar symbol of American patriotism

Yankee Doodle click link below to play:

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History and Words to this song can be found HERE


Did You Know?

In a remarkable coincidence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. Although not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but another Founding Father who became a President, James Monroe, died on July 4, 1831, thus becoming the third President in a row who died on this memorable day. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, was born on July 4, 1872, and, so far, is the only President to have been born on Independence Day.

 

Flag Etiquette STANDARDS of RESPECT can be found HERE


The Smithsonian: The Star Spangled Banner, The Flag That Inspired The National Anthem HERE  

and For More Interesting Facts HERE
The words to our national anthem have nothing to do with consumption of alcohol, but the melody that Francis Scott Key had in mind when he wrote those words did originate decades earlier as the melody for a song in praise of wine.  



When celebrating our National Holiday let's all keep in mind what others have done to make this day possible.  What does the flag mean to you?  Does it have any meaning?  I sure hope so!  I know this post is a history lesson but one that maybe we all need to be reminded of.  I know I needed it.  Respect this great country of ours.  Do nothing to harm her.  Be proud!  Be grateful to God because He has and continues to bless us even in our disrespect.  
We are truly blessed aren't we?
Pray for our leaders!  Really pray.  That is what we are supposed to do.
Join together as one great nation.  We are not two, three or many different countries!  We are ONE Country the UNITED STATES of AMERICA!  Remember that.
God Bless America
Kate Smith Singing  Happy 4th of July to you all!
Be safe and enjoy!

The Star Spangled Banner
The Gaither Vocal Band





4 comments:

  1. LOVE IT!!!
    Happy 4th of July Dolly

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  2. This is a great post Dolly! We do need to be reminded of the meaning of this holiday! I am praying very hard for our country and it's leaders too!
    Keep on shining your light! Love, Linda

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    1. Hi Linda, Yes prayers are needed. You've put a smile on my face. Thank you!

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