Posted by
Katy Grimes on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 7:21:23 PM
June 14th - every year - is Flag Day. But this year I heard nothing about it.
During the recent Memorial Day weekend, in Sacramento, CA our City Council allowed war protestors to line Capitol Mall with tiny red and white flags, signifying Iraqi deaths (implying "thanks to our military"). The one man who tried to add 200 of his own tiny American Flags was met with resistance - physical, he was yelled at and threatened, as well as city police telling him that he had to remove them at the end of the day. Thank you Mayor Fargo and Councilman Ray Trethaway. I plan on making sure the Sacramento residents don't forget who made this possible.
Over this past weekend, I heard nothing, and read nothing about Flag Day in Sacramento. It just passed without anyone acknowledging the special day.
Bernard J. Cigrand, a grade school teacher in Waubeka, Wisc., is credited with creating Flag Day in 1885. President Woodrow Wilson made the first official Flag Day proclamation in 1916. In 1949, President Harry Truman signed a bill into law designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.
In his Flag Day proclamation, President Bush wrote, "On Flag Day, we remember those in uniform whose courage and sacrifice inspire us here at home. We also remember the rich history of one of our oldest national symbols and reflect on our duty to carry our heritage of freedom into the future."
There were Flag Day observances planned for several cities in Southern California. But I heard nothing from our city.
Anaheim's Flag Day celebration, included free flags, cake and ice cream, music and entertainment. Sounded like fun.
In my city (run by self-absorbed, anti-American, anti-war liberals), there was no parade, no ice cream and no flags.
Flag Day was first observed in 1877 on the 100th anniversary of the Continental Congress' adoption of the
Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. In that year, Congress asked that all public buildings fly the flag on June 14. The idea quickly caught on and many people wanted to participate in waving the flag. One early supporter was B. J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher who wanted June 14 to be known as "Flag Birthday."
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Flag Day as a national celebration. However, the holiday was not officially recognized until 1949 when President Harry Truman signed the National Flag Day Bill. In 1996, President Bill Clinton issued the following proclamation:
By The President
Of The
United States Of America
A Proclamation
There is no better symbol of our country's values and traditions than the Flag of the United States of America. Chosen by the Continental Congress in 1777, it continues to exemplify the profound commitment to freedom, equality, and opportunity made by our founders more than two centuries ago. Our flag's proud stars and stripes have long inspired our people, and its beautiful red, white, and blue design is known around the world as a beacon of liberty and justice.
Today, America's Flag graces classrooms, statehouses, courtrooms, and churches, serving as a daily reminder of this Nation's past accomplishments and ongoing dedication to safeguarding individual rights. The brave members of our Armed Forces carry "Old Glory" with them as they fulfill their mission to defend the blessings of democracy and peace across the globe; our banner flies from public buildings as a sign of our national community; and its folds drape the tombs of our distinguished dead. The Flag is a badge of honor to all -- a sign of our citizens' common purpose.
...Another reason to get rid of the communists running our city.