A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
From our Nation's earliest days, Old Glory has stood for America's strength, unity, and liberty. During Flag Day and National Flag Week, we honor this enduring American symbol and celebrate the hope and ideals that it embodies.
In 1777, the Second Continental Congress established the flag of a young Nation, whose 13 original states were represented in the flag's 13 stars and 13 alternating red and white stripes. Today, the Stars and Stripes commemorate the revolutionary truths of our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. As Americans, we revere freedom and equality, the rights and dignity of every individual, and the supremacy of the rule of law. These fundamental beliefs have guided our country and lifted the fortunes of all Americans, and we have seen their power to transform other nations and deliver hope to people around the world.
During Flag Day and National Flag Week, we also honor the men and women who carry our flag into battle. Through their bravery and sacrifice, they help keep America safe and advance peace and freedom around the globe. By flying the flag, we express our gratitude to these heroes and all those who help ensure that the many blessings of our great country continue for generations to come.
To commemorate the adoption of our flag, the Congress, by joint resolution approved August 3, 1949, as amended (63 Stat. 492), designated June 14 of each year as "Flag Day" and requested that the President issue an annual proclamation calling for its observance and for the display of the flag of the United States on all Federal Government buildings. The Congress also requested, by joint resolution approved June 9, 1966, as amended (80 Stat. 194), that the President issue annually a proclamation designating the week in which June 14 occurs as "National Flag Week" and calling upon all citizens of the United States to display the flag during that week.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2006, as Flag Day and the week beginning June 11, 2006, as National Flag Week. I direct the appropriate officials to display the flag on all Federal Government buildings during that week, and I urge all Americans to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by flying the Stars and Stripes from their homes and other suitable places. I also call upon the people of the United States to observe with pride and all due ceremony those days from Flag Day through Independence Day, also set aside by the Congress (89 Stat. 211), as a time to honor America, to celebrate our heritage in public gatherings and activities, and to publicly recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Faded Flags
There are a lot of faded flags. They’ve grown a tattered gray,
That were so bright and vibrant when we hung them on that day.
The fresh pain now has faded, and control is grimly kept.
The hurt that washed into our soul made furrows as we wept.
Faded too is memory, perhaps a blessed thing,
Except we get reminders of the terror that they bring.
They think they can deflect us. They hope they can prevail.
I have a bit of news for them, WE ARE NOT GOING TO FAIL.
We showed our children Peace and Love, they turned a little green,
And found compelling entertainment in a video machine.
We watched in horror as they chortled at the gore,
We hardly knew that they were hardening for War.
Our enemies underestimate the ease with which we cringe,
For they haven’t seen our kids go on a video killing binge.
They are prepared for battle, all we need to say is go,
“Game over”’s when they’ll note the scores belonging to the foe.
We didn’t want them trained this way, but since it’s come about,
I think we ought to let the kids just let their feelings out.
They’ll vent a lot of anger, and we’ll cheer them from the side,
And they’ll sweep away the flaming horde just like a rising tide.
And faded colors of the flag will gain a brighter gleam,
As the new recruits are added to the old part of the team.
Some may return with wounds and mental hurt that keep them blue,
While others will be stellar in the things they have to do.
The purest of their valor will be shown within the fight,
And white will represent them in the dawn’s approaching light.
And yes, we will have casualties. Many smiles will end up dead.
And we’ll sew the bravest color in their shroud in brightest red.
NicknamedBob . . . . . . . . . . May 19, 2004
I Am Still The Same Old Flag
Hello, remember me? Some people call me Old Glory, others call me Stars and Stripes; I have been referred to as the Star Spangled Banner. But whatever they call me, I am your Flag, or as I proudly state ....the Flag of the United States of America.
There is something that has been bothering me, so I thought I might talk it over with you.... because it's about you and me. I remember some time ago, I think it was Memorial Day, people were lined up on both sides of the street to watch the parade. The town's high school band was behind me, and naturally, I was leading the parade. When your Daddy saw me coming along, waving in the breeze, he immediately removed his hat and placed it against his left shoulder so that his right hand was directly over his heart. Remember? And you, Yes, I remember you. Standing there straight as a soldier. You didn't have a hat, but you were giving the correct salute. They taught you in school to place your right hand over your heart. Remember little sister? Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as you. Oh, I was very proud as I came down your street.
There were some soldiers home on leave and they were standing at attention giving their military salute. Also, some V.F.W. veterans with their caps at jaunty angles were saluting smartly. Ladies as well as men, paid me the reverence I deserve. Now, I may sound a little conceited. Well, I am. I have a right to be, because I represent the finest country in the world.... the United States of America. More than one aggressive nation has tried to haul me down, but they all felt the fury of this freedom loving country. Remember...many of you had to go overseas to defend me.
What has happened? I'm still the same old Flag. Oh, I've had a couple more stars added since you were a boy. A lot more blood has been shed since that Memorial Day parade long ago. Dad is gone now, The home town has a new look.
The last time I came down your street, I saw that some of the old landmarks were gone, but in their place, shinning majestically in the sun, were a number of new buildings and homes. Yes sir, the old home town has changed.
But now....I don't feel as proud as I used to. When I came down your street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets and give me a small glance, then look or turn away.
When I think of all the places I've been... Ansio, Guadalcanal, Battle of the Bulge, Korea, and Vietnam I wonder what's happened? I'm still the same old Flag.
But now I see children running around and shouting as I pass by. They don't seem to know who I am. I saw an old man take his hat off, and then look around. He didn't see anybody else with theirs off, so he quickly put his back on. Is it a sin to be an American anymore?
Have you forgotten what I stand for? Have you forgotten all the battlefields where men fought and died to keep this nation, your nation, free? When you salute me, you are actually saluting them.
Take a look at the Memorial Honor Rolls sometime. Look at the names of those who never came back, and are resting 'neath white crosses on a far away shore.
Some of them were friends or relatives of yours, maybe even went to school with you. That's who you're saluting....when you revere me. Well, it won't be long until I come down your street again. So when you see me, stand straight, place your hand over your heart, and you'll see me waving back. My salute to you, I'll show you that I too, remember!
~~~ Author Unknown ~~~
OUR DUTY TO OUR FLAG
Edgar Guest
Less hate and greed
Is what we need
And more of service true;
More men to love
The flag above
And keep it first in view.
Less boast and brag
About the flag,
More faith in what it means;
More heads erect,
More self-respect,
Less talk of war machines.
The time to fight
To keep it bright
Is not along the way,
Nor 'cross the foam,
But here at home
Within ourselves — today.
'Tis we must love
That flag above
With all our might and main;
For from our hands,
Not distant lands,
Shall come dishonor's stain.
If that flag be
Dishonored, we
Have done it, not the foe;
If it shall fall
We first of all
Shall be to strike a blow.
FRiends, let's celebrate Warm Fuzzy Wednesday by filling the Finest with flags today! Share a picture of your flag; or use one of your favorite flag graphics.
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