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July 2000 Issue
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, for liberty and justice for all.
What do the Red, White and Blue of the Flag represent?
The Continental Congress left no record to show why they chose the colors. However, in 1782, the Congress of the Confederation chose these same colors for the Great Seal of the United States, and listed their meanings as follows: RED for valor and hardiness, WHITE to mean purity and innocence, and BLUE for the vigilance, perseverance, and justice. According to the legend, George Washington interpreted the elements of the flag this way: the stars were taken from the sky, the red from the British colors, and the white stripes signified the secession from the home country. However, there is no official designation or meaning for the colors of the flag.
Who designed the flag?
Betsy Ross sewed it, but who designed it? The answer, according to the experts, is that it was possibly designed by Francis Hopkinson, a New Jersey delegate to the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Why are the stars in a circle?
The stars were in a circle so that no one colony would be viewed above another. It is reported that George Washington said, "Let the thirteen stars in a circle stand as a new constellation in the heavens."
THE FOURTH OF JULY
Independence Day, also commonly known as the Fourth of July is a day of celebration for all Americans. On this day I would like to suggest that you take the time to think what independence really means. Random House Dictionary defines it as follows: independence The quality or state of being independent.
Take a moment, if you will to think of all the people who are not truly independent.
By that I mean, having to depend on others to perform daily tasks that many of us take for granted. Perhaps you know someone who is physically challenged. These are the people who have given up more indepdence just to continue enjoying the freedom we take for granted.
With all the illness and disease out there, surely someone you know is not truly independent. The very things we take for granted, are out of reach of many of our friends and relatives, due to a physical or mental disability. These courageous individuals face each day with a prayer, and hope in their heart.
The Declaration of Independence was signed by a wide variety of individuals, ranging from lawyers, publishers, merchants, judges, and of course the famous signers we all remember. Thomas Jefferson, and Ben Franklin come to mind. A long and hard war was fought to gain our independence from England. Many lives were lost on both sides, but we prevailed.
When you celebrate this independence day, keep in mind the safety factors that can render you physically or mentally challenged. Fireworks while a spectacular site, can also become quite deadly if not done by professionals. One careless act can cause an awful lot of heartache. Fingers lost, eyes lost or damaged, and even the loss of a life.
We all take things for granted, like washing our face, getting dressed, and going on a picnic to have a good time. There is nothing wrong with that, as a matter of fact it is a tradition. However, what I am asking all of you to do, is take a moment or two to see if there is a loved one, relative, or friend, who is not as fortunate as the rest of us. If so, is there something you can do to help make this Fourth of July special for them also? Why not take someone with you who otherwise could not go on their own? If you can't do that, try to stop by and say hello, or bring somenice picnic items to them. I know they would appreciate it. The best gift of all comes from the heart.
Once again, enjoy your holiday, and try to make it a safe and joyful one, not only for yourself, but for someone who is less independent than you.
Everyone have a safe and happy Fourth of July.
Frank & Mary Lou Lunger
FireWorks Safety and your Children
Graphics and Animation Provided By: Duggan
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Doc
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Tigerlily
Rebel
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