Two Presidents Died on the Same July 4th : Coincidence or Something More?
Two Presidents Died on the Same July 4th : Coincidence or Something More?
Natasha Frost Original: Jul 3, 2018 Updated: Sep 4, 2018
On July 4, 1826, America celebrated 50 years of independence as, just a few hours apart, two of its Presidents took their final breaths. At the time of his death, Thomas Jefferson was 83, while John Adams had turned 90 the year before. Though both were unwell, their deaths came as a surprise to many—particularly as they coincided with one another on this very striking date.
In the weeks that followed, Americans offered a variety of explanations for the sudden loss of these two presidents. Though some likely wrote it off as coincidence, many saw evidence of divine design at work. In a eulogy delivered the following month, for instance, Daniel Webster wondered what this “striking and extraordinary” coincidence might suggest.
Two Presidents Died on the Same July 4th : Coincidence or Something More?
Natasha Frost Original: Jul 3, 2018 Updated: Sep 4, 2018
On July 4, 1826, America celebrated 50 years of independence as, just a few hours apart, two of its Presidents took their final breaths. At the time of his death, Thomas Jefferson was 83, while John Adams had turned 90 the year before. Though both were unwell, their deaths came as a surprise to many—particularly as they coincided with one another on this very striking date.
In the weeks that followed, Americans offered a variety of explanations for the sudden loss of these two presidents. Though some likely wrote it off as coincidence, many saw evidence of divine design at work. In a eulogy delivered the following month, for instance, Daniel Webster wondered what this “striking and extraordinary” coincidence might suggest.
The men’s lives had been gifts from Providence to the United States, he said. So too were their length and “happy termination,” which he saw as “proofs that our country and its benefactors are objects of His care.”
But if it wasn’t a coincidence or divine intervention, what other explanations might there be? Modern scholars have sometimes attempted to pinpoint why such a statistically unlikely event might have taken place.
After all, Jefferson and Adams didn’t only die on the same day, with an already low probability of 1 in 365. They died on the same significant date and historic anniversary. “When appeals to coincidence are insufficient,” writes Margaret P. Battin in a 2005 Bulletin of the Historic Society report, “we must look for explanations in common circumstance or common cause, or for causation from one case to the other.”
One possible explanation proposes that Jefferson and Adams deliberately “held on” for the anniversary. The phenomenon of people keeping themselves alive until they’ve said goodbye to a loved one or experienced a significant anniversary is well-documented: It’s entirely possible that Adams and Jefferson’s “will to live” kept them going through those final days ahead of July 4th—but wasn’t enough to keep them alive after that.
Benjamin Franklin and John Adams meeting with Thomas Jefferson, standing, to study a draft of the Declaration of Independence. (Credit: Universal History Archive/Getty Images) PICTURE
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
https://www.history.com/news/july-4-two-presidents-died-same-day-coincidence
Why Do We Celebrate July 4th With Fireworks?
.Why Do We Celebrate July 4 With Fireworks?
Sarah Pruitt Jul 3, 2019
It’s hard to imagine Independence Day without fireworks. But how did this tradition get started?
As it turns out, setting off mini-explosions of all shapes and colors (but particularly red, white and blue) on July 4 goes back almost as far as American independence itself.
Fireworks have a long and colorful history, but the story of how they became ubiquitous on July 4 dates to the summer of 1776, during the first months of the Revolutionary War. On July 1, delegates of the Continental Congress were in Philadelphia, debating over whether the 13 original colonies should declare their independence from Britain’s Parliament as well as King George III himself.
Why Do We Celebrate July 4th With Fireworks?
Sarah Pruitt Jul 3, 2019
It’s hard to imagine Independence Day without fireworks. But how did this tradition get started?
As it turns out, setting off mini-explosions of all shapes and colors (but particularly red, white and blue) on July 4 goes back almost as far as American independence itself.
Fireworks have a long and colorful history, but the story of how they became ubiquitous on July 4 dates to the summer of 1776, during the first months of the Revolutionary War. On July 1, delegates of the Continental Congress were in Philadelphia, debating over whether the 13 original colonies should declare their independence from Britain’s Parliament as well as King George III himself.
That night, news arrived that British ships had sailed into New York Harbor, posing an immediate threat to the Continental troops commanded by George Washington.
On July 2, delegates from 12 colonies voted in favor of independence (New York would follow suit on July 9) and the motion carried.
On July 3, even as Congress revised a draft of the declaration composed by Thomas Jefferson, an excited John Adams took up his pen to write to his wife, Abigail.
“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America,” Adams wrote. “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival…It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” Adams was off by a couple of days.
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
https://www.history.com/news/july-4-fireworks-independence-day-john-adams
Macy’s July 4th Fireworks Spectacular —See Pics From The Gorgeous Displays Across NYC:
https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/07/04/macys-2020-fourth-of-july-fireworks-photos/
View of fireworks from the National Mall KCTV5 News July 4 2020
50 Happy 4th Of July Quotes To Celebrate The American Dream
.50 Happy 4th Of July Quotes To Celebrate The American Dream
Roman Chiarello Author Quotes July 4, 2020
'We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.' — William Faulkner
Happy 4th of July! Celebrate the birth of the American dream with the collection below of the best Fourth of July quotes you can share with your friends and family.
On July 4, 1776, fifty-six leaders of the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. With this signing, our Founding Fathers declared themselves, along with the 2.5 million people living in the thirteen colonies, members of a new, independent nation: The United States of America.
This year's Independence Day — July 4, 2020 — marks the 244th anniversary of our country’s founding and the birth of the American dream. Every year, patriotic folks across the nation celebrate our freedom and this momentous occasion with firework displays, BBQ parties, parades, outdoor games and lots (and lots!) of American-made beer, as scores of American flags can be seen soaring across the nation.
50 Happy 4th Of July Quotes To Celebrate The American Dream
Roman Chiarello Author Quotes July 4, 2020
'We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.' — William Faulkner
Happy 4th of July! Celebrate the birth of the American dream with the collection below of the best Fourth of July quotes you can share with your friends and family.
On July 4, 1776, fifty-six leaders of the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. With this signing, our Founding Fathers declared themselves, along with the 2.5 million people living in the thirteen colonies, members of a new, independent nation: The United States of America.
This year's Independence Day — July 4, 2020 — marks the 244th anniversary of our country’s founding and the birth of the American dream. Every year, patriotic folks across the nation celebrate our freedom and this momentous occasion with firework displays, BBQ parties, parades, outdoor games and lots (and lots!) of American-made beer, as scores of American flags can be seen soaring across the nation.
In fact, The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that "Eighty-six percent of Americans plan to celebrate Independence Day this year, spending a total $6.7 billion on food items, according to NRF’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. Cookouts, barbecues and picnics continue to be the most popular activity (61%), followed by fireworks and community celebrations (40%)."
Some of the most popular menu items include hamburgers, ribs, potato salad, and hot dogs.
Meanwhile, U.S. Census Bureau data released by the Department of Commerce estimates that in 2012, $368.6 million worth of fireworks were purchased from retailers across the country.
Check out this spectacular display of fireworks in New York City that took place a few years ago (pretty impressive, huh?): Displays and events like these bring families, friends, and community members together to mark the day and put their American pride on full display.
And being able to celebrate this American pride and patriotism is one of this country’s greatest hallmarks.
Over the years, many have spoken out about what makes America such a remarkable country.
The following quotes and sayings from their statements are patriotic, inspiring, and thought-provoking. They reflect on our country’s long, unique history as the land of the free and home of the brave. And they show us what it means to be an American and have pride in this country’s values, including liberty, freedom, opportunity, and honesty.
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
https://www.yourtango.com/2018314492/fourth-of-july-quotes-independence-day
The Flag, The Fourth, and the Eye of the Beholder
The Flag, The Fourth, And The Eye Of The Beholder
By Ethan Bauer Jul 3, 2020, 10:00pm MD
Flags can both unify and divide. This July Fourth can the American flag play a unifying role and actually bring the country together during a divisive time?
SALT LAKE CITY — Less than an hour after Neil Armstrong took his “giant leap” in 1969, he and fellow Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin unveiled a plaque. “We came in peace for all mankind,” it proclaimed, alongside a photo showing all the continents of the Earth. Moments later, they planted an American flag into the lunar dust coating the Sea of Tranquility — a decision, in light of coming for “all mankind,” that was heavily discussed and contested.
In a post on writer Bruce Watson’s American history blog, “The Attic,” he explains that debate raged at NASA over whether to plant the American flag or the United Nations flag. Perhaps even no flag at all.
The Flag, The Fourth, And The Eye Of The Beholder
By Ethan Bauer Jul 3, 2020, 10:00 pm MD
Flags can both unify and divide. This July Fourth can the American flag play a unifying role and actually bring the country together during a divisive time?
SALT LAKE CITY — Less than an hour after Neil Armstrong took his “giant leap” in 1969, he and fellow Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin unveiled a plaque. “We came in peace for all mankind,” it proclaimed, alongside a photo showing all the continents of the Earth. Moments later, they planted an American flag into the lunar dust coating the Sea of Tranquility — a decision, in light of coming for “all mankind,” that was heavily discussed and contested.
In a post on writer Bruce Watson’s American history blog, “The Attic,” he explains that debate raged at NASA over whether to plant the American flag or the United Nations flag. Perhaps even no flag at all.
Richard Cross of Washington Terrace, Weber County, holds an American flag on the Capitol grounds in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Laura Seitz, Deseret News
The universe beyond our planet had been declared neutral, and Americans didn’t want to be viewed as colonizing the moon. But since the lunar landing was a distinctly American achievement, made possible by thousands of people of diverse backgrounds from across the country, NASA decided the plaque would “dilute any jingoism,” in Watson’s words, and chose to go ahead with planting the stars and stripes.
Long before and since, the American flag’s history is one of unifying and dividing people. Its meaning is up to individual and changing interpretations.
Post Civil War, the banner was used to signify what it meant to be an American. In the early 1940s, veneration of the flag conflicted with religious liberty in two landmark Supreme Court cases. It was coopted by liberal and conservative causes throughout the 20th century. And this year, ahead of a presidential election, flying the flag (or not) has been read by some as a signal of partisan loyalties.
“Flags have no intrinsic meaning,” flag expert Ted Kaye said. “They’re just pieces of cloth. They only have meaning that we attribute to them.”
Flags, he added, are supposed to be “for all.” They’re supposed to unify. But this July Fourth, questions about whether the American flag is a unifier — or can become one again — swirl throughout the country.
Why Flags Matter
Kaye’s office overflows with flags. As one of the world’s most prominent vexillologists — someone who studies flags — he boasts a collection of some 300-400. He also (literally) wrote the book on flag design, and he’s consulted on redesigns from Fiji to the ongoing process in Salt Lake City. There’s perhaps no one better equipped to explain the origins of flags — a story that begins in China.
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The Principles of the Founding Fathers Are Still Worth Emulating In Our Opinion
The Principles Of The Founding Fathers Are Still Worth Emulating In Our Opinion
By the Deseret News Editorial Board Jul 4, 2020, 6:00am MDT
John Trumbull’s “The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.”
Alex Contreras, Wikimedia Commons
Although it was only first declared a federal holiday in 1941, the Fourth of July has a long tradition of celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence since its signing in 1776.
Today America is in the midst of a historical time. The year has weathered attacks on health, economy and social change. For some, it’s hard to remember why the country is worth celebrating. Though the road may be rough, the principles of the Founding Fathers are worth keeping and emulating.
Perhaps the words of those who envisioned a free America can once again inspire us to study our history and use those lessons to move forward toward that higher goal of a more perfect union.
“Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature.” — Benjamin Franklin
The Principles Of The Founding Fathers Are Still Worth Emulating In Our Opinion
By the Deseret News Editorial Board Jul 4, 2020, 6:00 am MDT
John Trumbull’s “The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.”
Alex Contreras, Wikimedia Commons
Although it was only first declared a federal holiday in 1941, the Fourth of July has a long tradition of celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence since its signing in 1776.
Today America is in the midst of a historical time. The year has weathered attacks on health, economy and social change. For some, it’s hard to remember why the country is worth celebrating. Though the road may be rough, the principles of the Founding Fathers are worth keeping and emulating.
Perhaps the words of those who envisioned a free America can once again inspire us to study our history and use those lessons to move forward toward that higher goal of a more perfect union.
“Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature.” — Benjamin Franklin
“The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.” — James Madison
“There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.” — Alexander Hamilton
“We have all one common cause; let it, therefore, be our only contest, who shall most contribute to the security of the liberties of America.” — John Hancock
“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people. ... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.” — Thomas Jefferson
“The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.” — George Washington
“Hold on, my friends, to the Constitution and to the Republic for which it stands. Miracles do not cluster, and what has happened once in 6,000 years, may not happen again. Hold on to the Constitution, because if the American Constitution should fail, there will be anarchy throughout the world.” — Daniel Webster
“The foundations of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens, and command the respect of the world.” — George Washington
“It does not take a majority to prevail... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.” — Samuel Adams
“Freedom had been hunted round the globe; reason was considered as rebellion; and the slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing.” — Thomas Paine
“Posterity, you will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in heaven that ever I took half the pains to preserve it.” — John Adams
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
A father’s letter to his kid: The 9 Money and Life Lessons Most People Learn Too Late In Life
.A father’s letter to his kid: The 9 Money and Life Lessons Most People Learn Too Late In Life
Published Fri, Jun 19 2020 Morgan Housel, Contributor@MORGANHOUSEL
On June 3, 2019, my wife and I welcomed our daughter into the world. She’s barely old enough to walk, so her job (mostly eating and sleeping) hasn’t changed much. But, one day, she’ll need some money and life advice. As a father who has spent much of his career studying and writing about money, behavioral finance and business, this is what I’ll tell her:
1. Don’t underestimate the role of chance in life.
It’s easy to assume that wealth and poverty are caused by the choices we make, but it’s even easier to underestimate the role of chance in life. The families, values, countries and generations we’re born into, as well as the people we happen to meet along the way, all play a bigger role in our outcomes than most people want to admit.
While you should believe in the values and rewards of hard work, it’s also important to understand that not all success is a result of hard work, and that not all poverty is due to laziness. Keep this in mind when forming opinions about others, including yourself.
A father’s letter to his kid: The 9 Money and Life Lessons Most People Learn Too Late In Life
Jun 19 2020 By Morgan Housel, Contributor@MORGANHOUSEL
On June 3, 2019, my wife and I welcomed our daughter into the world. She’s barely old enough to walk, so her job (mostly eating and sleeping) hasn’t changed much. But, one day, she’ll need some money and life advice. As a father who has spent much of his career studying and writing about money, behavioral finance and business, this is what I’ll tell her:
1. Don’t underestimate the role of chance in life.
It’s easy to assume that wealth and poverty are caused by the choices we make, but it’s even easier to underestimate the role of chance in life. The families, values, countries and generations we’re born into, as well as the people we happen to meet along the way, all play a bigger role in our outcomes than most people want to admit.
While you should believe in the values and rewards of hard work, it’s also important to understand that not all success is a result of hard work, and that not all poverty is due to laziness. Keep this in mind when forming opinions about others, including yourself.
2. The highest dividend money pays is the ability to control time.
Being able to do what you want, when you want, where you want, with who you want and for as long as you want provides a lasting level of happiness that no amount of “fancy stuff” can ever offer.
The thrill of having fancy stuff wears off quickly. But a job with flexible hours and a short commute will never get old. Having enough savings to give you time and options during an emergency will never get old. Being able to retire when you want to will never get old. Achieving independence is our ultimate goal in life. But independence isn’t an “all-or-nothing” — every dollar you save is like owning a slice of your future that might otherwise be managed by someone else, based on their priorities.
3. Don’t count on getting spoiled.
No one can grasp the value of a dollar without experiencing its scarcity, so while your mother and I will always do our best to support you, we’re not going to spoil you. Learning that you can’t have everything you want is the only way to understand needs versus desires. This in turn will teach you about budgeting, saving, and valuing what you already have.
Knowing how to be frugal — without it hurting you — is an essential life skill that will come in handy during life’s inevitable ups and downs.
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
The Awesome Dad Cheat Sheet: 18 Fatherhood Tips They Should’ve Handed Out at the Delivery Room
.The Awesome Dad Cheat Sheet: 18 Fatherhood Tips They Should’ve Handed Out at the Delivery Room
Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Leo Babauta of Zen Habits, a father of six children.
Being a father can be a wonderful thing, once you get past all the gross stuff, all the stressful events, the loss of privacy, and the bewildering numbers of ways you can screw it up.
But other than those few things, fatherhood is wonderful.
Every dad has fears that he won’t be a great dad, that he’ll mess up, that he’ll be a failure. It comes with the job. Unfortunately, what doesn’t come with the job is a simple set of instructions. As guys, we often will skip the manual, figuring we can wing it … but when things go wrong, it’s nice to have that manual to go back to. Fatherhood needs that manual.
And while, as the father of six children, you might say that I’m qualified to write such a manual, it’s not true — I’m winging it like everyone else. However, I’ve been a father for more than 15 years, and with six kids I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t, what’s important and what you can safely ignore (unlike that odd grating sound coming from your engine).
The Awesome Dad Cheat Sheet: 18 Fatherhood Tips They Should’ve Handed Out at the Delivery Room
Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Leo Babauta of Zen Habits, a father of six children.
Being a father can be a wonderful thing, once you get past all the gross stuff, all the stressful events, the loss of privacy, and the bewildering numbers of ways you can screw it up.
But other than those few things, fatherhood is wonderful.
Every dad has fears that he won’t be a great dad, that he’ll mess up, that he’ll be a failure. It comes with the job. Unfortunately, what doesn’t come with the job is a simple set of instructions. As guys, we often will skip the manual, figuring we can wing it … but when things go wrong, it’s nice to have that manual to go back to. Fatherhood needs that manual.
And while, as the father of six children, you might say that I’m qualified to write such a manual, it’s not true — I’m winging it like everyone else. However, I’ve been a father for more than 15 years, and with six kids I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t, what’s important and what you can safely ignore (unlike that odd grating sound coming from your engine).
What follows are the fatherhood tips I wish they’d passed out to me upon the delivery of my first child. It would have helped a ton. I hope they’ll help you become an even more awesome dad than you already are — feel free to refer back to them as a cheat sheet, anytime you need some help.
Cherish your time with them. One thing that will amaze you is how quickly the years will fly. My oldest daughter is 15, which means I have three short years with her before she leaves the nest.
That’s not enough time! The time you have with them is short and precious — make the most of it. Spend as much time as you can with them, and make it quality, loving time. Try to be present as much as possible while you’re with them too — don’t let your mind drift away, as they can sense that.
It gets easier. Others may have different experiences, but I’ve always found the first couple of months the most difficult, when the baby is brand new and wants to feed at all hours of the night and you often have sleepless nights and walk around all day like zombies. It gets easier, as they get a regular sleeping pattern.
The first couple of years are also a lot more demanding than later years, and as they hit middle school they become almost functioning, independent adults. It gets easier, trust me.
Don’t look at anything as “mom” duties — share responsibilities. While there are a lot of good things from our grandparents’ day that we should bring back, the traditional dad/mom split of parenting duties isn’t one of them. Some men still look at certain duties as “mom” duties, but don’t be one of those dads.
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/18-tips-for-being-a-great-dad/
History of Flag Day
.Flag Day is June 14
History of Flag Day
Flag Day is a celebration of the adoption of the American flag by Continental Congress in the First Flag Resolution of June 14, 1777. Although the 200-year anniversary of this date was celebrated by flying flags on public buildings and holding remembrances in several cities, Flag Day wasn’t officially recognized until President Harry Truman signed it into law in 1949.
Bernard J. Cigrand, known to the general public as the "Father of Flag Day," worked as a school teacher at Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wisconsin. He held the first unofficial observance for Flag Day at that school in 1885, and today a bust of Cigrand stands in Waubeka at the National Flag Day Americanism Center.
Flag Day is June 14
History of Flag Day
Flag Day is a celebration of the adoption of the American flag by Continental Congress in the First Flag Resolution of June 14, 1777. Although the 200-year anniversary of this date was celebrated by flying flags on public buildings and holding remembrances in several cities, Flag Day wasn’t officially recognized until President Harry Truman signed it into law in 1949.
Bernard J. Cigrand, known to the general public as the "Father of Flag Day," worked as a school teacher at Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wisconsin. He held the first unofficial observance for Flag Day at that school in 1885, and today a bust of Cigrand stands in Waubeka at the National Flag Day Americanism Center.
Cigrand delivered speeches around the country about patriotism and holding an observance for the flag on June 14. He later became the president of the American Flag Day Association and the National Flag Day Society. He continued to promote his cause with backing from those organizations.
According to amateur historian James L. Brown who wrote the booklet, "The Real Bernard J. Cigrand: Father of Flag Day," Cigrand once claimed he had given 2,188 speeches on the flag and patriotism. The Chicago Tribune noted that Cigrand "almost single-handedly" established Flag Day.
Although Cigrand is perhaps the most recognized candidate, several others have also claimed to be founders of Flag Day. In 1889 the principal of a free kindergarten, George Bolch, celebrated the anniversary of the Flag resolution at his New York City school. Soon the State Board of Education of New York, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia and the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution celebrated Flag Day too.
In 1893 Elizabeth Duane Gillespie, a descendant of Benjamin Franklin and the president of the Colonial Dames of Pennsylvania, attempted to have a resolution passed deeming June 14 as Flag Day. That same year the Colonial Dames of Pennsylvania were responsible for a resolution passed requiring the American flag to be displayed on all Philadelphia’s public buildings. In 1937 Pennsylvania was the first state to make Flag Day a legal holiday.
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
What Are the Rules of American Flag Etiquette?
.What Are the Rules of American Flag Etiquette?
American Flag
Do you know the rules of American flag etiquette? There are rules dictating flying at half-staff, when to fly the flag, carrying the flag, folding the flag, and displaying with other flags. I do realize the rules of etiquette for an American flag may seem complicated, but they are quite simple to follow.
Flying at Half-Staff
“Half-staff” means the position of the American flag is halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. Flag etiquette dictates the flag to be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day until noon, then raise it back to the top, Patriot Day (September 11), Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7), and death of a government official.
What Are the Rules of American Flag Etiquette?
American Flag
Do you know the rules of American flag etiquette? There are rules dictating flying at half-staff, when to fly the flag, carrying the flag, folding the flag, and displaying with other flags. I do realize the rules of etiquette for an American flag may seem complicated, but they are quite simple to follow.
Flying at Half-Staff
“Half-staff” means the position of the American flag is halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. Flag etiquette dictates the flag to be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day until noon, then raise it back to the top, Patriot Day (September 11), Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7), and death of a government official.
When to Fly the American Flag
There are several designated dates to fly an American flag throughout the year. The most noted are Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day. In addition, to specific days of the year is time of day constraints. For flags that are stationary on a building or a flagpole it is customary to fly them from sunrise to sunset. American flags can be flown at night provided it is properly illuminated. This means the flag must have its own dedicated spotlight and then it can be flown twenty-hours per day if desired.
Now that you know the rules of flag etiquette go ahead and proudly display your American patri
Carrying the American Flag
The American Flag should never be carried flat. An exception to this rule is if it is draped over a casket a funeral. Unless the flag is folded, it is to be carried on a hand held staff to displayed flying freely. Do not allow the American flag to touch the ground or any other object below it.
From John: There is one exception to the flag flying rules you state. Although all true, the exception is that the Flag of the State of Texas may be flown at an equal height with the U.S. Flag. All others must be flown at a lower level. This stems from the time when Texas was admitted to the Union. It was negotiated that since Texas was a Republic and its own country at the time it had equal standing with the United States and therefore would be allowed to fly its flag at an equal height.
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
https://flags.me/2009/02/12/what-are-the-rules-of-american-flag-etiquette/
Flag Day - Today In History
.Flag Day
Today In History June 14 – From The Library of Congress
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress approved the design of a national flag.
Since 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14, Americans have commemorated the adoption of the Stars and Stripes in many ways–displaying the flag in the front of their homes, parades, and other patriotic observances.
Prior to 1916, many localities and a few states had been celebrating the day for years. Congressional legislation designating that date as the national Flag Day was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1949; the legislation also called upon the president to issue a flag day proclamation every year.
Flag Day
Today In History June 14 – From The Library of Congress
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress approved the design of a national flag.
Since 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14, Americans have commemorated the adoption of the Stars and Stripes in many ways–displaying the flag in the front of their homes, parades, and other patriotic observances.
Prior to 1916, many localities and a few states had been celebrating the day for years. Congressional legislation designating that date as the national Flag Day was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1949; the legislation also called upon the president to issue a flag day proclamation every year.
![3g02791u[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d5222a44813620001d89582/1592154927333-7YLXI7TTBDBIPF7LNVG7/3g02791u%5B1%5D.jpg)
The Birth of Old Glory from Painting by Moran. Percy Moran, artist; photomechanical print, [Red Oak, Iowa]: Thomas D. Murphy, Co., c1917. Prints & Photograph Division
Resolved, that the Flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.
Saturday, June 14, 1777. In Journals of the Continental Congress. p. 464. A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
According to legend, in 1776, George Washington commissioned Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross to create a flag for the new nation. Scholars, however, credit the flag’s design to Francis Hopkinson, who also designed the Great Seal and first coin of the United States. Even so, Ross most likely met Washington and certainly sewed early American flags in her family’s Philadelphia upholstery shop.
To date, there have been twenty-seven official versions of the flag, but the arrangement of the stars varied according to the flag-makers’ preferences until 1912 when President Taft standardized the then-new flag’s forty-eight stars into six rows of eight.
The forty-nine-star flag (1959-60), as well as the fifty-star flag, also have standardized star patterns. The current version of the flag dates to July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the fiftieth state on August 21, 1959.
![5a49237u[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d5222a44813620001d89582/1592154982416-XXEFCD9835G8YLGNKQG5/5a49237u%5B1%5D.jpg)
Central High School. School children at Central High III. [Prince George’s County, Maryland]. Theodor Horydczak, photographer, ca. 1920-50. Horydczak Collection. Prints & Photographs Division
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Freedom and Patriotism Quotes On Memorial Day
.Freedom & Patriotism Quotes On Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day to remember those who gave their lives in defense of the country.
Here are a few quotes about patriotism and freedom.
137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy. Doc Hastings
Who sows virtue reaps honor. -- Leonardo da Vinci
"Only the dead have seen the end of war." -- Plato
On what rests the hope of the republic? One country, one language, one flag! -- Alexander Henry
The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission. -- John F. Kennedy
Freedom & Patriotism Quotes On Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day to remember those who gave their lives in defense of the country.
Here are a few quotes about patriotism and freedom.
137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy. Doc Hastings
Who sows virtue reaps honor. -- Leonardo da Vinci
"Only the dead have seen the end of war." -- Plato
On what rests the hope of the republic? One country, one language, one flag! -- Alexander Henry
The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission. -- John F. Kennedy
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. Ronald Reagan
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thomas Jefferson
"A hero is someone who has given his of her life to something bigger than oneself." -- Joesph Campbell
This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. – Elmer Davis
Our soldiers have nobly fought to protect freedom since our country's birth, and have fought to protect those that could not protect themselves, even in foreign lands when called upon. -- John Linder
"A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers and woods, it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle." -- George William Curtis
"All you have to do is hold your first soldier who is dying in your arms, and have that terribly futile feeling that I can't do anything about it... Then you understand the horror of war." -- Norman Schwarzkopf
"Anyone who has ever looked into the glazed eyes of a soldier dying on the battlefield will think hard before starting a war." -- Otto von Bismarck
"I have long believed that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism." -- Bob Riley
Patriotism was a living fire of unquestioned belief and purpose. -- Frank Knox
"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." -- Mark Twain
"The highest patriotism is not a blind acceptance of official policy, but a love of one's country deep enough to call her to a higher plain." -- George McGovern
"The patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights, makes the most reliable soldier on earth." -- Stonewall Jackson
"The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's Tree." -- Thomas Campbell
"These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor - and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror." -- Michael N. Castle
"They hover as a cloud of witnesses above this nation." -- Henry Ward Beecher
Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism. -- George Washington
I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. -- Nathan Hale
True patriotism isn't cheap. It's about taking on a fair share of the burden of keeping America going. Robert Reich
Over all our happy country - over all our Nation spread, Is a band of noble heroes - is our Army of the Dead. Will Carleton
The heroes of Flight 93 won the first battle in the War on Terror, and they should never be forgotten. Jim Ramstad
Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. -- James Bryce
America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. -- Abraham Lincoln
A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom. -- Bob Dyla
Every human has four endowments - self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom... The power to choose, to respond, to change. Stephen Covey
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it. --Abraham Lincoln
Since the Revolution, eight generations of America's veterans have established an unbroken commitment to freedom. -- Steve Buyer
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility - I welcome it. -- John F. Kennedy
Liberty has never come from Government. Liberty has always come from the subjects of it. The history of liberty is a history of limitations of governmental power, not the increase of it. -- Woodrow Wilson
The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom. For in all the states of created beings capable of law, where there is no law, there is no freedom. -- John Locke
America's Veterans have served their country with the belief that democracy and freedom are ideals to be upheld around the world. -- John Doolittle
The travail of freedom and justice is not easy, but nothing serious and important in life is easy. The history of humanity has been a continuing struggle against temptation and tyranny - and very little worthwhile has ever been achieved without pain. -- Robert Kennedy
We will not waver; we will not tire; we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and Freedom will prevail. George W. Bush
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