American Flag

What Is Flag Day?

When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors. For some, this flag, which was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British. George Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely close to the British flag was not a great confidence-builder for the revolutionary effort, so he turned his efforts towards creating a new symbol of freedom for the soon-to-be fledgling nation. On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. As you celebrate the anniversary of the Stars and Stripes, please click here for some fast facts about “Old Glory.”

And, of course, please fly your American flag proudly today, and every day.  Our thanks to the folks at the History Channel for this piece.  Happy Flag Day!!       🙂

Father and sons build American flags for veterans and police officers

In 2018, Georgia native Tom Saccenti and his then-8-year-old son Micah decided to make an American Flag from leftover wood, something they had seen done in a YouTube video. After a few failed attempts they finally had an end product they loved and a new hobby to do together. “My dad and me thought it would be a good idea to do it as a father-son project. We loved it so much that we went to our church and we showed them how to do it for Veterans Day. We made about 20 flags before we got it right,” Micah told Fox News. Saccenti, a former police officer, goes around the country with his family teaching new safety techniques to local police departments, universities and churches. Two years later Micah, 10, is still making flags except now he makes them with his 8-year-old brother, James. The two brothers have continued to make flags for their community even while they traveled with their father to his educational conferences. During each of their father’s trips, the boys give a flag away to one lucky raffle winner. The flags are given out for free to veterans or officers, but conference attendees have the option to donate to the Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge, a Christian organization focused on educating children about religion in other parts of the world. Once coronavirus stay-at-home orders were put in place, Saccenti’s conferences were put on hold but that did not stop James and Micah from making flags. The boys had the idea to transition to making blue-line flags and delivering them to police officers in nearby police departments. “We thought what can we do at our home to kind of still honor people who are working during this time. And so we thought what a great way to honor some of our local heroes, police officers,” said Saccenti. So far, the Saccenti boys have given away 50 flags and have raised over $2,000 for the Boys and Girls Missionary Group, and they have no plans of stopping anytime soon. Their next step? Saving up for an engraver so they can put the hero’s name on the flag before giving it to them.

How great is this?!?  For more info, or to buy a flag from the Saccentis, click on the text above.  Outstanding!!      🙂

PHOTOS: Rioters Fly Mexican Flags as American Flags are Torched Across U.S.

Rioters across the United States have waved Mexican flags in various American cities to protest the death of George Floyd, allegedly at the hands of a Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officer. While rioters waved Mexican flags, American flags were routinely burned at riots in Los Angeles, California, Atlanta, Georgia, Portland, Oregon; and Chicago, Illinois. In one video posted online, a rioter with a Mexican flag can be seen helping beat a man who was carrying and waving an American flag. In another post, rioters in Los Angeles torched an American flag while rioters with Mexican flags attacked police vehicles. Click here to see these photos and videos.

Awful…

Americans Across Country Embrace Patriotism During Coronavirus: ‘Put the Flag Up’

Many Americans across the country are turning to patriotism to find hope during the coronavirus outbreak. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) called on his constituents to rally around Old Glory during a Friday press conference. “We’ve been attacked by this virus. We have to pull together,” DeWine said, according to WOWK. “Fly that flag every single day.” DeWine told the media about the act of one 7-year-old girl. The governor said he received an email from the girl’s mother which said, “Mr. DeWine, we do not have an American flag to hang outside our home. Today after your news conference, my 7-year-old daughter made this flag for our house in honor of your request.” “I would like to thank 7-year-old Elaina in Radnor, Ohio for the beautiful flag,” DeWine said. Cleveland.com reported there have been “lots of flags” put up around northeast Ohio in response to DeWine’s call. Others have done similar acts. The Buffalo (New York) News reported: ” Joe Riccio is the kind of person who, after a big storm, goes up and down much of his Town of Tonawanda street, snowblowing the sidewalks in front of his neighbors’ homes. So when he heard Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz on TV the other day urging people to put up an American flag in a show of Covid-19 inspired solidarity, he thought bigger than just his own lawn. Riccio on Thursday planted small flags in the front yards of every house on Kenton Road, a one-block street between Delaware Avenue and Delaware Road that runs into Kenmore West High School.” “I was just trying to show that we’re unified, we’re all in this together,” 70-year-old Riccio told the paper. Boy Scouts in Hamilton, Michigan, placed flags in front of area businesses. “You turn on the TV and people are talking about staying home, things shutting down, people are getting nervous,” scout master David Nevins told Fox 17. “There’s a lot of uncertainty and I think this is a way to make people feel better.”

Agreed!!  And well said, David!  If ever there was a time to put your flag out, it’s now.  And hey, if you don’t have one or the one you have needs replacing, here is a url of a place where you can order a new one:   www.ahouseofflags.com   🙂

 

National Anthem Day — 5 things that might surprise you about the Star-Spangled Banner

It’s rare that a song that is so ubiquitous and connected to American culture (and its corresponding patriotism) would be so steeped in both controversy and intrigue. Most of us are aware of the basic history behind the “Star-Spangled Banner” – our national anthem, which was codified into law on March 3, 1931. Trapped aboard the British ship HMS Tonnant during Great Britain’s attack on Baltimore’s Fort McHenry in September of 1814, Francis Scott Key witnessed the relentless overnight bombardment of the American garrison on September 13-14, 1814. He was so moved by the experience – and so relieved to see “through the night that our flag was still there,” that the struggling poet penned the song’s (originally titled, “Defense of Fort McHenry”) now immortal lyrics. But why did it take over a century to be canonized into law as our national anthem and how did it all happen? Like America’s history itself, the song’s triumphant rise was dependent on both providence and the persistence and talent of many people. Click here to learn five things that might surprise you about the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Even though the media is focusing on today being “Super Tuesday,” we’re proud to wish you a very Happy National Anthem Day!!  Thanks to Paul J. Batura for that outstanding piece!  Paul is a writer and the author of seven books, including, “GOOD DAY! The Paul Harvey Story.” He can be reached on Twitter @PaulBatura or by email at Paul@PaulBatura.com     🙂

Betsy Ross flag now decried by 2020 Dems, pundits was flown during Obama’s 2nd inauguration

While Democrats and media pundits pounce to decry the Betsy Ross flag as racially problematic — with one even likening the symbol to Nazi swastikas — the very same flag flew prominently during then-President Barack Obama’s second inauguration ceremony in 2013. The reminder that the flag was displayed during Obama’s inauguration came amid the controversy from Nike halting the release of shoes bearing the flag, which flew during the Revolutionary War. The company worried that the flag could “unintentionally offend” people, after controversial football player Colin Kaepernick expressed concern over the design, claiming it recalled the slavery era and has been appropriated by white nationalists. The controversy quickly worked its way into the national political bloodstream, with some Democratic presidential candidates siding with Nike. President Trump’s campaign fired back by noting the flag’s otherwise broad appeal. “Democrats running for president have officially lost it. Beto & Castro strongly imply that the Betsy Ross flag is a symbol of hatred. Do the rest of the Dems agree? Pictured here, of course, is the notorious flag prominently featured at President Obama’s 2nd inauguration,” tweeted Tim Murtaugh, director of communications for Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign. Donald Trump Jr., the president’s son, also mocked those suddenly criticizing the flag, tweeting that “weird that no one had a problem with The Betsy Ross Flag when it flew over Obama’s inauguration.” Liberal pundits and 2020 presidential candidates alike jumped on the controversy, with former HUD Secretary Julián Castro saying he was “glad to see” Nike removed the shoes over the “painful” symbol that he compared to the Confederate flag. “There are a lot of things in our history that are still very painful,” Castro told CBS News. As an example, he cited “the Confederate flag that still flies in some places and is used as a symbol.” Former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, meanwhile, also gave thumbs up for Nike’s decision, noting that “white nationalist groups” have “appropriated” the Betsy Ross flag, without providing evidence.

One thing we love to do here at The Daily Buzz is to show the brazen hypocrisy of the left.  This story is an example of that.  Colin K., and all of these Dems never had any problem with the so-called “Betsy Ross” American flag when it hung behind then-President Obama at his 2nd inaugural in two prominent positions.  in fact, it’s never been an issue at all!  But, when Trump became President, suddenly it became a symbol of slavery and white supremacy; both of which are factually, historically inaccurate and  simply ridiculous.  Then again, the left isn’t interested in facts or history.  They’re just interested in dividing America, and history revisionism to serve their liberal, anti-America agenda.

Texas city to fly 40,000 American flags, one at every home, on 4th of July

A North Texas city will proudly display its patriotism by flying more than 40,000 American flags that will be displayed in front of every home, business and place of worship on the Fourth of July. About 300 volunteers are hitting the streets of Irving, Texas this weekend to place thousands of flags around town. Nell Anne Hunt, founder of The Great Flag Caper, who is responsible for the patriotic display, told Fox 4 that it all began when she started putting some flags in front of her neighbor’s homes shortly after she moved to the area. “So I bought 200 flags and went in a concentric circle around my house and put flags in everybody’s yards,” Hunt said. “Well, the next year everybody liked it so much I bought 400 flags so it went a little further.” “And then before we know it, the whole city said, ‘Count us in. We want to do it, too,’” she said. The idea, she said, is to bring the community together – regardless of background – and remember their common values. “We all want the same thing for our country and our families,” Hunt said. “We want safe neighborhoods and we want children to be educated properly and so we’re all alike under the flag. And so we come and celebrate that.” For more information, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/Great-Flag-Caper-87306023868/

Flag Day facts: 10 things you didn’t know about the American flag

In honor of Flag Day, we’ve decided to take a break from our normal Flag Day traditions (flagpole-sitting, bobbing for flag-shaped apples, etc.) to take a closer look at Old Glory herself. Not surprisingly, there are a lot of fun facts surrounding the Stars and Stripes — but most of the coolest stuff isn’t found in any of our history books. A lot of it is interesting, some of it is surprising, and the one tidbit about “Gilligan’s Island” is downright haunting. Bone up on your American Flag trivia by clicking here, and use it to impress your friends and neighbors during the weekend’s backyard barbecues!

Happy Flag Day!!!

Hampshire College relents after veterans protest, raises American flag on campus

The American flag once again flies over Hampshire College. A tumultuous November in Amherst, Massachusetts, that involved stolen and burned American flags may be followed by a calmer December. Hampshire College President Jonathan Lash announced Friday that a moratorium on flying the flag has ended. The decision comes less than one week since roughly 1,000 veterans descended upon the campus to protest the flag’s absence. “This morning we raised the United States flag to full staff at Hampshire College after a two-week discussion period about what the flag means to members of the Hampshire community,” Mr. Lash said on the school’s website. “College leadership, including the board of trustees, had decided on November 18 to lower the flag for a time to encourage uninhibited expression of deeply held viewpoints.” “We are alarmed by the overt hate and threats, especially toward people in marginalized communities, which have escalated in recent weeks. We did not lower the flag to make a political statement. Nor did we intend to cause offense to veterans, military families, or others for whom the flag represents service and sacrifice. We acted solely to facilitate much-needed dialogue on our campus about how to dismantle the bigotry that is prevalent in our society. We understand that many who hold the flag as a powerful symbol of national ideals and their highest aspirations for the country — including members of our own community — felt hurt by our decisions, and that we deeply regret.” Hampshire College attracted national attention earlier this month after Republican Donald Trump’s presidential election victory on Nov. 8. The school’s flag was stolen and a replacement was burned before dawn on Veterans Day. The situation spiraled completely out of control when administrators decided to fly the flag at half-staff as “an expression of grief over the violent deaths being suffered in this country and globally.” A throng of veterans arrived on campus Nov. 27 to condemn the school’s actions. “I was in Iraq 18 months. I got hurt, spent time at Walter Reed. I came home and there’s no way I’ll let anyone take down the flag, no way. It means a lot to me and my brothers,” veteran David Soucy told a local NBC affiliate. Mr. Lash said Friday that he would continue to have “multiple focus group sessions” with students, faculty, and staff who have questions about the flag.

If you haven’t seen the Water’s World episode about this, Google it.  This town is SO liberal, that city hall has flying on the flagpole outside….the United Nations flag.  And, no I’m not making that up, and no this isn’t the Onion.  So, this bed-wetting, thumb-sucking extreme liberal college president doesn’t surprise us one bit.  He probably didn’t envision the kind of backlash he’d get for taking down Old Glory like that.  In the end, he made the right decision after enough pressure from vets, and probably many alums.

 

Starnes: Military Academy: Don’t disrespect the American flag on our football field

The young men who attend St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Wisconsin know the names of the fallen. Their names are recited every spring — young men, alumni, who gave their lives defending America. Jack Albert, the president the military academy, believes the blood shed by his cadets make their campus sacred ground. So when Albert learned that some of the high schools in their athletic conference were allowing students to disrespect the National Anthem, he decided to draw a line in the sand. “To dishonor those men and their families by permitting any disrespect of the country they defended, especially on the Academy’s time honored fields of friendly strife, is in my opinion, unacceptable,” Albert wrote in a letter to parents and alumni. “It is our expectation when teams visit our campus, proper etiquette and respect is rendered to the nation’s colors and the national anthem,” he added. And then – the military academy president dropped the bombshell: “It is my intention to halt any game with any team whose players or coaches decide to disrespect the colors of our nation or the national anthem of our country in any way,” he informed the Academy family. Finally! A school that’s willing to take a stand for the red, white and blue!

No kidding!!  It’s about time!!  Thanks to Todd Starnes for bringing us this uplifting piece.  To read the rest, click on the text above.  Excellent!   🙂