GRASS ROOTS PATRIOTS, FROM LITTLE ON, AND STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER!!
1.The observance of Flag day as a national holiday did not begin as a proclamation by a president of the United States of America as one would expect would happen in any other country on the face of the earth, but in the truly American manner.It began as a patriotic movement,by a schoolteacher in 1885,arranged for the students to celebrate the 108th official adoption of the "Stars and Stripes". From there it was enthusiastically adopted by adults and children alike, as the idea swept across the country, being announced in resolutions by mayors and then governors that the flag should be displayed by all public buildings on that day.From there it became a national celebration, involving parades,Military heroes wore their uniforms, their medals proudly displayed on their chests, and addresses by those holding public office, and orchestral presentations of marches and other patriotic music was held in parks, town squares,and other public sites.Children were given little flags to wave,and citizens began to carry big flags,and hang them on every house,and at night, there were fireworks. Finally,President Woodrow Wilson established the proclamation of June 14th as national flag day, but only after decades of every day Americans, doing what they do best.Creating another piece of their free country, of the people, by the people,and for the people!
2.June 14th,1913,in Spirit Lake, Iowa,a big blond man and his little red-haired wife had a baby daughter,whose blond hair fell out,and grew back in red,and from the first birthday on, every cake,was a flag cake,and her birthday was celebrated with parades and marches,and fireworks,and until she was about six years old, she thought all the celebrations were for her birthday. She never got over it. And who could blame her for being a flag-waver? For adopting as her favorite song the "Stars And Stripes Forever!"
3.So, I'll be thinking of that grand and gallant lady today when I have my piece of flag cake,when I'm watching the Boston Pops playing " It's a Grand Old Flag." I will be hearing in my head her voice, that carried so,singing every word clearly, loudly...and I will get a misty eyed when I see that magnificent areal display of fireworks during "The 1812 Overture", and finally," The Stars And Stripes Forever"I'll whisper,I miss you,Mrs. McGillicuddy...but I know I will hear her responding..." I love you Mrs. McGerk."
SO,HAPPY FLAG DAY AMERICA! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!
OUI?
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