Posted on 10/25/2001 12:53:07 PM PDT by Mark was here
We Must Put America First….
I have an American Citizenship Book
Published by Legal Aid Bureau (Detroit MI)
( fourteenth edition 1941)
(please note this is an outline of the book I found interesting.)
Our Flag
General George Washington raised the first American flag on the 1st of January, 1776, on Prospect Hill, near Boston, while the Americans were besieging the British who occupied the city. This flag had seven red and six white stripes, and the British crosses in the blue field where the stars now are. In the next year, by order of the Continental Congress, the British cross was replaced by the white stars in the blue field. The thirteen stripes represent the original thirteen states, and one new star is added on July 4 of any year for each new state admitted during the preceding year. There are now 48 stars in the flag, representing the 48 states of the Union. Our flag is called the Stars and Stripes. In our flag the red represents courage, and the white is for purity. The blue represents loyalty, which is the foundation upon which our country is built. The states rest upon this foundation of loyalty as truly as the whit stars rest on the blue foundation.
The well-known story of Betsy Ross making the first truly American flag at the behest of George Washington, Robert Morris and George Ross is based on a family tradition. However, her home, on Arch Street, in Philadelphia, where she supposedly made the flag, still stands and is preserved as the birthplace of the American Flag.
Qualifications for Citizenship
Because the United States wants good citizens, our laws require that all seeking citizenship must prepare themselves. They must speak the English language; be able to write their full and true mane in their won handwriting; know enough about the principles and history of our government to appreciate the full value of being a citizen and to be able properly to perform the duties and exercise the rights of a citizen. Every citizen should be able to read and rite the language of America, which is the English language. Persons who cannot satisfactorily show that they are of good metal character, or that they have been consistently loyal to our government, or who believe in anarchy or polygamy, or who are not of the white or black races, or who are not legally admitted to the country as immigrants, are not entitled to citizenship. Most cities in the United States, through public night schools, conduct classes in co-operation with the Naturalization Service, to prepare for citizenship.
People seeking citizenship were required to take History test about the United States and the Government.
A list of our Holidays and Observances
Washington’s Birthday, February 22
This holiday is observed in every state of the union. It celebrates the birth, February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, of the father of our Country, our first President.
George Washington. By his able leadership, the thirteen colonies succeeded in casting off the English authority and establishing the government of the United States of America. Independence Day, July 4
The birth of our Nation
This is America’s greatest holiday. It celebrates the birth of this nation. On the fourth of July, 1776 the adoption of the Declaration of Independence proclaimed to the world that “These united Colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent States” The day is usually celebrated by parades, ceremonies, and gathering that have their purpose the education of the people to greater appreciation of the significance of American Independence
New Year’s Day January 1
A celebration of the beginning of a New Year.
Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12
In honor of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, Born February 12, 1809. 16th president of United States. He is noted for the saving the Union in the battle of the civil war, when the Northern states fought against the Southern States, in 1860’s. Also know as the great Emancipator.
Thanksgiving Day November
A day we give our thanks for the benefits of the closing year. It is celebrated the last Thursday in November. Washington appointed such a day in 1789, after the adoption of the Constitution, and in 1795 for the general benefits and welfare of the nation.
Christmas Day, December 25
Christmas the feast of Christ’s birth, is observed by the Christian Church the world over. The custom of making presents at Christmas Day antedates, however, the Christmas in the United States is what is known as the “Goodfellow” Movement, which aims to encourage the giving to the less fortunate of means whereby they, too, will have a “Merry Christmas”. Many cities set up and load with gifts a huge Christmas tree.
Memorial Day, May 30
Also known as Decoration Day. A occasion for decorating the graves of soldiers killed in our wars. The custom of “Decoration Day originated with the Southern states. And was copied by some in Northern states. In 1868, General John A. Logan, then Commander and Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued an order appointing May 30 of that year for Grand Army services to be held in conjunction with the decoration of the graves of soldiers. This date has never been changed.
(until now) Labor Day, September
The celebration of Labor Day was begun in the United States by the Knights of Labor, who in 1882 held a parade in New York City In 1884 resolutions were passed to hold all parades in the interests of Labor on that day. Since that time, workingmen celebrate the first Monday in September of each year with parades and meeting address prominent labor leaders.
Flag Day June 14
It was during the administration of President McKinley (1897 – 1901) that Flag Day became a holiday. On this day we put out flags and recall the meaning , history and use of the national emblem.
Constitution Day September 17
The purpose of this holiday is to develop a greater knowledge of and respect for the Constitution of the United States. This was the day which the finished Constitution was signed by its framers.
Columbus Day October 12
Which celebrates the discovery of this country, by the great Italian navigator, Christopher Columbus, in 1492. is observed in many states as a legal holiday.
Election Day, November This day is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November is also a legal holiday. In many states all election days are legal holidays.
Armistice Day November 11
Armistice day is a legal holiday in the State of Michigan. This is in honor of the American boys who lost their lives in the World War, which commenced in 1914 and ended November 11th, 1918. On that day the people of all nationalities prayed and rejoiced because the warring powers agreed to peace mediations. In many localities the day is celebrated by civic parades and decoration of the graves of our solders.
(Sadly they left out Easter Sunday)
THE AMERICAN
HE BELIEVES- in liberty- and has a fine regard for the liberties of others. He believes in laws for the mutual benefit of all people. He believes in humanity, and will fight, if necessary, to maintain the humane principles by which he lives and lets others live.
HE BELIEVES –in the destiny of his country, a great world power, in her high ideals, her broad vision and her unswerving sense of right.
HE BELIEVES –in the American people, folk of many lands united in one common brotherhood, and owing allegiance and loyalty to but one flag, the Stars and Stripes.
HE PLEDGES- his support to those leaders chosen by the American people who are endeavoring to solve great problems with wisdom and foresight, and for the good of all of his fellowman.
HE COUNTS-politics. creeds and ancestry as nothing beside the one great fact----
HE IS AN AMERICAN
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