To those who served the United States of America and our citizens, thank you from the bottom of my heart. We in America live the good lives we do because of your sacrifice and your patriotism.
If you see a Veteran today, thank him or her.
Tag: United States of America
You’re a Grand Old Flag
You’re a grand old flag,
You’re a high flying flag,
And forever in peace may you wave,
You’re the emblem of the Land I love,
The home of the free and the brave.
Every heart beats true
‘Neath the red, white, and blue,
Where there’s never a boast or brag,
But should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.
American flag photograph by Erin O'Shea.
Happy Flag Day! Who else remembers Flag Day in elementary school? We’d all dress up in red, white, and blue, answer questions about the flag, and have a ceremony outside around the flag pole. One of my teachers had us sing “You’re a Grand Old Flag” after reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, every single day. Though, until recently, I hadn’t realized that those verses above are only the chorus of a song.
“You’re a Grand Old Flag” was written by George M. Cohan in 1906. He wrote it for his stage musical, George Washington, Jr. Find out more at the Library of Congress song collection.
Eternally Grateful
Dear Veterans of the United States Military,
It always seems as though a thank you is not enough to express my gratitude and my respect for your commitment to the United States of America; but, I am going to say it over and over. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your selflessness. Thank you for your sacrifices. Thank you for everything – things that we civilians cannot fathom and horrors that we cannot face. You are the reason we live in such a wonderful country and have the freedom that we do. You are the reason we can continue to study and practice our passionate pursuits such as historic preservation. You make us proud and your story is an important, collective, intertwined chapter in our American history. I cannot imagine another life than the one I have. Thank you for fighting for and securing my freedom, my free will, my life and the life of every citizen. Thank you for fighting battles that we all cannot fight.
I am always proud to be an American citizen.
Thank you.
Love, Kaitlin
Independence Day
Point Lookout, NY
Happy 4th of July! Whether you’re at a barbecue, watching fireworks, spending the day at the beach, enjoying a parade, or enjoying a nice day, remember that July 4th celebrates July 4, 1776 for the signing of the Declaration of Independence – when the colonies adopted independence (declared July 2) and freedom from Great Britain.
Point Lookout, NY
Port Jefferson Station, NY
The beginning of the Declaration of Independence:
When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Read the rest here and read about the 56 signers. You can view the Declaration of Independence in person at the National Archives in Washington D.C. (It’s free to visit!) Did you know that the printing you see most often is a copy of the engraving made by William J. Stone in 1823? According the National Archives, the original document is in poor condition due to previous conservation (or lack thereof) techniques.
Charlottesville, VA
Port Jefferson, NY
Whatever you are doing for the long weekend, be sure to be grateful for your freedom and the opportunities afforded to us in the United States of America. Wear your red, white, and blue and be proud! Consider all of the characteristics that define America – from our melting pot culture, our architecture, our traditions, our cities, our celebrations, our people, our government, our freedom. Enjoy the fourth!
Preservation in Pink 