Tag Archives: patriotic

The Patriotic Tourist – A Walking Tour of Washington, DC

03 Thursday Jul 2014

Posted by in Travel Destinations

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Independence Day reminds us that a visit to our nation’s capital is something that every American should experience. There are several ways to see the city, but a walking tour of Washington, DC is one of the best ways to get a true feel of the history.

The Georgetown neighborhood is a great place to start your walking tour of Washington, DC. Dumbarton Oaks, Forrest-Marbury House, and Tudor Place are all museum houses open to visits from the public and have incredible historical relevance. The gardens around Dumbarton Oaks are listed along with Versailles in National Geographic’s Top 10 Gardens of the World. The Tudor House was originally owned by direct descendants of George and Martha Washington and holds a collection of items that spans 300 years.

Georgetown Washington DC

The Forrest-Marbury House is where George Washington met with landowners from Georgetown and Carrollsburg and agreed to the location of the District of Columbia. The City Tavern Club is a must-see if you have an interest in the founding fathers.  George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams all frequented this 1796 tavern. There are also several historic churches that are well worth a visit as you walk through the neighborhood.

Dumbarton Oaks Fountain

No trip to DC is complete without visiting the monuments. A walking tour of the National Mall lets you appreciate the historical importance of Washington D.C. You can start the tour by walking through the park and noting the impressive cherry blossom trees, which are quite the sight when they are in season.

National Mall

The following monuments should be on your to-see list:

Extend your tour a few more days and visit war memorials and the 19 museums of the Smithsonian.

Our nation’s capitol is a city rich in history so make the most of your time there and enjoy the awe-inspiring sites. Think of it as your patriotic duty to do so.

Resources:

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/washington-dc-walking-tour-1/

http://files.meetup.com/432942/CrossKey.pdf

 

Hurray for the Red, White, and Blue

13 Friday Jun 2014

Posted by in Tips & Tricks

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Hooray for the Red, White and Blue

Old Glory, Stars and Stripes, Red, White and Blue, and the Star Spangled Banner are the nicknames used in reference to the flag of the United States of America. Regardless of what nickname you may call her, we’re sure your heart, like ours, swells with pride each time you see her unfurled.  The American flag represents a living country and as such, considered a living symbol deserving of respect. It represents the honor, courage, and sacrifice of those who have struggled to preserve the ideals upon which our country was founded: freedom, justice and opportunity for all.


 “Throughout the history of our nation, the flag has evoked intense, sincere feelings of patriotism.”
~ Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States

 

There are many holidays within the calendar year where the display of the American flag is observed.  Among them is Flag Day, which is observed on June 14th as a result of a 1916 presidential proclamation. This special day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777.

I pledge allegiance to the flag
In 1942, Congress set forth guidelines for the proper use and care of the U.S. flag known as the Flag Code.  Here are a few examples of proper etiquette as outlined in the Code:

  • The flag of the United States is the emblem of our identity as a separate nation. Therefore, citizens should stand at attention and salute when their flag is passing in a parade or being hoisted or lowered.
  • The custom is to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on flagstaffs in the open, but it may be displayed at night with proper illumination to produce a patriotic effect on special occasions.
  • The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing.
  • It should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, or water.
  • The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
  • It should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement.

Proper flag etiquette and care of our nation’s symbol will ensure you wave your flag proudly and with the patriotism she deserves.

How to Fold the Flag

How to fold the flag

Why 13 folds?  The American flag isn’t deliberately folded this way because of special symbolic meaning. It is folded in this manner to distinguish folding a flag from folding another ordinary object such as a bed sheet and because it results in a visual pleasing, easy-to-handle shape. This folding method was practiced long before any ceremonial meaning was applied to each of the steps. Although there is no “official” meaning of each of the 13 ceremonious folds, many flag-folding ceremonies incorporate special scripts or meanings to each of the 13 folds symbolically significant to those who participate in the ceremony. Here are a few examples of those scripts:
http://www.americanflags.com/whywefofl13t.html
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/folds.htm