Don't forget - Flag Day is Saturday, June 14th!

           Red, white and blue — when we hear those words, we automatically think of our flag! It is a patriotic symbol of America, fought for and died for, cared for and appreciated. It is important that we continue to share this knowledge with generations to come, just as it was shared with us. This flag represents the people, places, beliefs, and ideals that this country was founded upon, and all that we aspire to. We need to remember what the flag represents and the people that have risked everything to keep it flying.

            What does your child know about the flag? Ask them before you begin this study and then ask them again after Flag Day! I hope that they learn about the history of the flag, Betsy Ross, and Francis Scott Key. Did you know that Mr. Key was an attorney and the father of eleven children? Does your child know why there are fifty stars, and can he or she say the Pledge of Allegiance? 

            As a child, I remember flags flying on most homes on Flag Day. Today, in many neighborhoods, Flag Day is forgotten. I would like to see that changed and raise the awareness of this holiday. Did you ever go to a parade as a child and receive a small flag to wave from the sideline? I remember seeing that field of flags being waved up and down the parade route — what a pretty site that was! That was a very special time, and we were very proud to hold those flags. If you haven’t done so yet, consider getting your own family flag and putting it on display as frequently as possible. Flag-flying in a neighborhood can be a contagious thing, and it is great to look down our neighborhood now and see Old Glory on many homes.

            With this holiday, let’s bring the flags out of the back of the coat closet. Let’s care for the flag and teach these same concepts to our children. Let’s make Flag Day a special day to remember how far this country has come — from thirteen stars to fifty stars, from an upstart young country to a world power. The flag has been there through it all, lifting the spirits of our soldiers and brightening our darkest days with hope. It is now the next generation’s responsibility and our patriotic duty to protect this flag. We should all fill with pride when our flag goes by! God bless America!

Blessings,
Amanda B.
Patriotic Holidays Unit Studies