Happy Memorial Day

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As we all celebrate Memorial Day today with our families, having picnics, swimming, laughing, playing and whatever else you may be doing, please remember to take the time to think about what today is really about.



Photo Credit

Please remember those who have fought and died for our freedom and those who continue to serve. Thank you!




BTW, if you have a moment, I found a wonderful site that speaks to the true meaning of the day and has some truly beautiful photos: Fallen Heroes.

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Happy Flag Day

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress proposed that the United States have a national flag instead of the British Union Jack. The 13 stars of the flag represented the 13 new states. There were few public ceremonies honoring the Stars and Stripes until 1877, when on, June 14, it was flown from every government building in honor of the centennial of the adoption of a national flag. Schools had unfurled American flags over their doors or outside the buildings long before this; but in 1890, North Dakota and New Jersey made a law that required their schools to fly the flag daily. The first official Flag Day was observed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1893. New York also proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day 1897. In August 1949, President Harry S. Truman proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day. Since then the President proclaims the commemoration yearly, and encourages all Americans in the country to display the Stars and Stripes outside their homes and businesses.


Please remember to fly your flag today..... Until next time..... Lorie

Information taken from About.com

A New Look at Our National Anthem

I wanted to share this video with you all because it moved me to tears.  Although the man in the video says it is the second verse of our National Anthem, it is actually the final verse, but it is still a truly wonderful moment.  I really wish I knew all the words to "The Star Spangled Banner" and I think I am going to try to learn them by the end of this year.  Please enjoy.....






Until next time..... Lorie

Memorial Day 2010 in Celebration, Florida

On Monday, May 31st our little community of Celebration had our Memorial Day festivities at Founders Park at the Veteran's Memorial. It was a wonderful celebration of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

There were veterans of all wars represented and families with members of all ages, decked out in their patriotic glory. All species were represented, also.

After the invocation and singing The National Anthem, there was a short moving speech by a member of Celebration's Veteran's Club thanking those who served in the past, those serving now, and those who paid the ultimate price. Then the Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and The Boy Scouts lowered the old, tattered flag and replace it with a new beautiful flag that will fly until next Memorial Day.

It was a very special, moving day, reminding us that we live in the greatest country in the world.

Old Glory flying proudly..... Thank you to the men and women who have served this country proudly so that we have the opportunity to gather together in freedom.

Until next time..... Lorie

Maxine Weighs In.....

We need to show more sympathy for these people.

* They travel miles in the heat.
* They risk their lives crossing a border.
* They don't get paid enough wages.
* They do jobs that others won't do or are afraid to do.
* They live in crowded conditions among a people who speak a different language.
* They rarely see their families, and they face adversity all day ~ every day.

I'm not talking about illegal Mexicans. I'm talking about our troops!

Until next time..... Lorie

Monochromatic Monday: Old Glory

Go over to Maria's Space to see her gorgeous photo this week and join Aileni on Monochrome Weekly and link your post here.

This is my contribution for the week:

Until next time..... Lorie

Something for our Troops

Me & My son Nikolaus

Taken from the USO Website https://www.uso.org/donate/custom.aspx?id=1295

Sweethearts - America's favorite way to show love at Valentine's Day - brings a new way to say thank you to America's troops this summer with the Red, White & You Sweethearts featuring 13 phrases like "Proud of You," "Home Safe", and "Miss You." These new red, white and blue hearts come in three flavors: Strawberry, Blueberry and Vanilla Creme and can be purchased at retail stores nationwide starting in June.

For the months of June and July this summer, troops both here and overseas will be treated to the new Red, White & You Sweethearts. Operation USO Care Package enables the public to express their support of our men and women in uniform. Sponsoring a care package and including a personal message provides individuals with a way to touch the lives of our deployed troops around the world. For every $25 donation you make, the USO will send a care package with both needed and requested items valued at

approximately $75 to a deployed service member.

To do your part, PLEASE, click on the USO website above and give what you can, I know the young men and women of our military will be so thankful.