God Bless the Usa Proud to be an American

In this American Patriotic Song blog, no doubt have to include this contemporary song, written in 1984 by
Lee Greenwood.
If this doesn't give you goosebumps, nothing will.  As we approach the Fourth of the July in the United States, we can appreciate and remember our freedom to enjoy those cookouts and backyard barbecues. 

The map of the United States is not colored with red and blue states, as this is not a political map, but rather a pictorial of the United States for patriotic purposes, that we are in fact united!

American Flag Color Meaning and the American Creed

There's so much to know about The United States of America and its flag. 
But, do you know the words to the American Creed?

The American Creed: (written by William Tyler Page of Friendship
Heights, Maryland in the course of a nationwide contest on the subject.
Page was a descendent of President Tyler, and Representative John Page,
who served in the Congress from 1789-97.) from 108th Congress, 1st Session H.Doc. 108-97,
Our Flag, Joint Committee on Printing United States Congress.

By U.S. Government [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

"I Believe In The United States Of America
As A Government Of The People, By The People,
For The People; Whose Just Powers Are
Derived From The Consent Of The Governed;
A Democracy In A Republic, A Sovereign
Nation Of Many Sovereign States; A Perfect
Union, One And Inseparable; Established
Upon Those Principles Of Freedom, Equality,
Justice, And Humanity For Which American
Patriots Sacrificed Their Lives And Fortunes.
I Therefore Believe It Is My Duty To My
Country To Love It; To Support Its Constitution;
To Obey Its Laws; To Respect Its Flag;
And To Defend It Against All Enemies."


"On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution authorizing a committee to devise a seal for the United States of America. This mission, designed to reflect the Founding Fathers' beliefs, values, and sovereignty of the new Nation, did not become a reality until June 20, 1782. In heraldic devices, such as seals, each element has a specific meaning. Even colors have specific meanings. The colors red, white, and blue did not have meanings for The Stars and Stripes when it was adopted in 1777. However, the colors in the Great Seal did have specific meanings. Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, reporting to Congress on the Seal, stated:

"The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice."

Also this from a book about the flag published in 1977 by the House of Representatives...
"The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun."

Fourth of July, Stars and Stripes Forever, John Phillip Sousa

Let Freedom Ring! 

The Fourth of July, is the day when all of America celebrates it's Independence.  Last year, I happened to be in Siena, Italy of the 4th.  It was a little different being away from home on such a festive day.  So, this year, I hope to hear all the patriotic songs of celebration.

As freedom rings across the United States, we may go to the fireworks,  band concerts, picnics, parties, the beach, cookouts and family reunions.  Some families do it up with an extravaganza and others will be more laid back.  Whether you are in the city or a sprawling landscape, you can't help but pass the day enjoying each other without listening to some patriotic songs. 

Who doesn't enjoy John Phillips Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever (The March King)


Let martial note in triumph float
And liberty extend its mighty hand
A flag appears 'mid thunderous cheers,
The banner of the Western land.
The emblem of the brave and true
Its folds protect no tyrant crew;
The red and white and starry blue
Is freedom's shield and hope.
Other nations may deem their flags the best
And cheer them with fervid elation
But the flag of the North and South and West
Is the flag of flags, the flag of Freedom's nation.


Hurrah for the flag of the free!
May it wave as our standard forever,
The gem of the land and the sea,
The banner of the right.
Let despots remember the day
When our fathers with mighty endeavor
Proclaimed as they marched to the fray
That by their might and by their right
It waves forever.


Let eagle shriek from lofty peak
The never-ending watchword of our land;
Let summer breeze waft through the trees
The echo of the chorus grand.
Sing out for liberty and light,
Sing out for freedom and the right.
Sing out for Union and its might,
O patriotic sons.
Other nations may deem their flags the best
And cheer them with fervid elation,
But the flag of the North and South and West
Is the flag of flags, the flag of Freedom's nation.


Hurrah for the flag of the free.
May it wave as our standard forever
The gem of the land and the sea,
The banner of the right.
Let despots remember the day
When our fathers with might endeavor
Proclaimed as they marched to the fray,
That by their might and by their right
It waves forever.

We are America, the Armed Forces, you and me

We are the United States of America, you, me and everyone.  Thank you to the Armed Forces.

As we approach Independence Day , listen to
the Boston Pops on the Esplanade, 2009 July 4th

Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture

 

The United States of America State Flags

We are The United States of America.  Do you know what your state flag looks like?

I tried to compile the fifty state flags here.  Hopefully, I got them all.  If you notice something incorrect, please let me know, so I can get the proper one in place.  Thanks!

a short video to accompany the US flags
is here on youtube.