lovin' summer #7

Scientists make precise calculations to determine the summer solstice  and autumnal equinox - or the first day of summer and the first day of fall for us lay persons. In 2013, summer began on June 21st and autumn begins on September 22nd. But conventional wisdom has summer beginning on Memorial Day and ending on Labor Day. And using that definition of summer, there are four official (according to the United States Flag Code) summer flag-flying days.

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, is a day for remembering the men and women who died while serving in the US Armed Forces. Once known as Decoration Day, it began after the Civil War to commemorate Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that war as a means to unify the nation. Later, all Americans who died while serving their country were included.

Flag Day, June 14th, commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916 establishing June 14th as Flag Day.

Independence Day, July 4th, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 declaring independence from Great Britain.

And finally, Labor Day, the first Monday in September, celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.

Businesses and government buildings, of course, fly their flags every day. We fly our flag almost every day as do a few people in our neighborhood. But most people fly their flags only on the official flag-flying days. I love driving through our neighborhood and seeing so many flags flying. It is a visible sign that although we may differ in many things (race, ethnicity, politics, religion, age, moral beliefs and income to name a few), we are united in our love for our country. And I get to witness it four times in just over three months during the summer!

I  LOVE  SUMMER!!!