Born in the USA!

.......................
.......................

The 4Th of July. One of America's favorite holidays. The birth of our country. Life, liberty and the freedom to pursue happiness. We the people......"Let Freedom Ring." On Friday we will celebrate our country's birthday with family and friends. Watermelons, hamburgers, sunburns and fireworks signify Independence Day for most Americans. It's a holiday that does not involve shopping, complicated baking or extensive decorating. It's just being together with people we love and doing all those wonderful summery things.

Another popular tradition is to display the Stars and Stripes. The American flag is probably the most recognizable metaphor for the United States of America and all she stands for. The flag is a symbol of the sacrifice and service of a few for the freedom and privileges of many. She should wave properly and with reverence. Our children should learn flag etiquette early and be reminded often of it's significance.

Here are some tips to make sure your tribute is a respectful one:
Display the flag only between sunrise and sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs. The flag may be displayed for twenty-four hours if illuminated in darkness.
Do not display the flag in inclement weather.
Whether displaying the flag vertically or horizontally, make sure the canton of stars is visible on the upper left-hand side.
Do not let the flag touch the ground.
An unusable flag that is damaged and worn should be destroyed in a dignified way by burning.
When not on display, the flag should be respectfully folded into a triangle, symbolizing the tricorn hats worn by colonial soldiers in the Revolutionary War.

Flag Facts
*Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag. It is not clear who actually designed it, but the experts at the Betsy Ross House suggest it was Francis Hopkinson, a New Jersey delegate to the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
*The flag has 13 stripes representing the original 13 colonies (7 red and 6 white).
* In the upper left corner is a navy blue field with 50 white stars that represents the states.
*It is interesting that there is no official designation or meaning for the colors of the flag. There is no record stating why red, white, and blue where chosen for the flag. However, when the Great Seal of the United States was chosen the colors were designated as white for purity and innocence, red for valor and hardiness and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
(Folktales says that George Washington interpreted the flag in this way: the stars were taken from the sky, the red from the British colors,and the white stripes signified the secession from the home country.)
*If the flag is flown upside down it signals distress. It means "I need help, I'm in trouble" .
*Worn out flags are destroyed, usually by burning.
*When flown at half-staff, the flag is raised to the top of the flag pole then lowered to half-staff. *When taken down, the flag is again raised to the top and then brought down.
*The flag should never touch the ground, the floor, or water.

Have a wonderful holiday from Mel and me! Happy 4th of July!

..........................
..........................