Today is Flag Day!

Happy Flag Day!

 

One of the fun things about being a parent is making conscious choices about the traditions we focus on with our boy.  This year, I’m really feeling called to make Flag Day special.  My flag is going out in the morning light, and we’ll be talking about everything it represents.

 

Did you know that flag days goes back quite a way, commemorating the day in 1777 that the continental congress approved our flag?  There is a nice article on Wikipedia (Wikipedia,

the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.  Or as I call it – lots of information, occasionally researched, sometimes requiring a grain of salt, and good critical thinking skills.  Still and all, a fun site.)

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_Day_in_the_United_States

 

I know that some of you receiving this have concerns about what our flag represents.  I’d encourage you to take this day to remember the best of what makes being American special, and bring to it your own hopes for what you’d like it to be.  Perhaps this is a good time to reflect on what you might do to make it more what you’d hope.  Would this be a good week to call or write your congress critters, volunteer for a city commission or otherwise take action?

 

This has been a really interesting year, which a lot more political engagement than I can remember for a long time.  I think that’s a good thing.  So I had another idea you might enjoy.  Since this isn’t the 4^th of July, and it’s not a TEA party, why not make it a movie night.  Spend some time with friends and family and watch something patriotic.  A few of my personal favorites that I’d recommend include:

 

Mr. Smith Goes To Washington

Meet John Doe (Aw Heck!  Anything by Frank Capra would do)

1776

Top Gun

The Right Stuff

 

I’m sure you get the  idea.  I’m a silly, romantic, populist at heart, and anything that shows regular folk taking on something bigger than themselves, growing in the process, and has the underdog winning in the end is just my cup of … oops, wrong beverage.  Just floats my boat! 

 

Have a happy Flag Day – long may it wave!

 

Nick