Today, June 14th, is "Flag Day" in the USA. In simple terms, Flag Day commemorates the "birthday" of the United States Flag.
Although we traditionally celebrate July 4th as the birthday of the United States itself, it was many years after 1776 that the idea of a special day to celebrate our Flag came about. A history of Flag Day may be found here.
The anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 was established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, and in 1949 President Harry S Truman designated June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
Each year since 1980, the National Flag Day Foundation has asked all American citizens everywhere, both native-born and naturalized, to take a brief, thoughtful pause in their day at 7:00 PM (Eastern Daylight Time) to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. This concept transcends age, race, religion, political and geographical differences, and momentarily unites Americans in tribute to the symbol of our unity. (Those who find the Pledge's mention of God distressing may, of course, recite the earlier version which does not mention His name.)
The late Red Skelton, one of our most gifted comedians, was renowned for being funny without relying on off-color or offensive humor. This great man also made some profound statements, one of which was his "Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance." You can visit this site to read Red's stirring essay.
The site also has a link which will allow you to hear the words exactly as Red Skelton spoke them on his television show (click on the image of an old-time radio. "RealAudio" is required.)
I do not weep easily. But listening to Red Skelton's heartfelt, earnest voice today brought me to tears immediately. His words are as meaningful now as they were so many years ago. In today's cynical age, it is still possible (if no longer 'politically correct') to feel a deep love for one's country and for its national symbol, the American Flag.
Although we traditionally celebrate July 4th as the birthday of the United States itself, it was many years after 1776 that the idea of a special day to celebrate our Flag came about. A history of Flag Day may be found here.
The anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 was established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, and in 1949 President Harry S Truman designated June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
Each year since 1980, the National Flag Day Foundation has asked all American citizens everywhere, both native-born and naturalized, to take a brief, thoughtful pause in their day at 7:00 PM (Eastern Daylight Time) to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. This concept transcends age, race, religion, political and geographical differences, and momentarily unites Americans in tribute to the symbol of our unity. (Those who find the Pledge's mention of God distressing may, of course, recite the earlier version which does not mention His name.)
The late Red Skelton, one of our most gifted comedians, was renowned for being funny without relying on off-color or offensive humor. This great man also made some profound statements, one of which was his "Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance." You can visit this site to read Red's stirring essay.
The site also has a link which will allow you to hear the words exactly as Red Skelton spoke them on his television show (click on the image of an old-time radio. "RealAudio" is required.)
I do not weep easily. But listening to Red Skelton's heartfelt, earnest voice today brought me to tears immediately. His words are as meaningful now as they were so many years ago. In today's cynical age, it is still possible (if no longer 'politically correct') to feel a deep love for one's country and for its national symbol, the American Flag.
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