Showing posts with label Patriotic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Patriotic. Show all posts

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Review of Patriotic Photographs

American Flag
I love to capture images of the American flag in my photographs.  The photograph above shows the flag flying on my house on Memorial Day.  The photo is taken from my front porch where I was sitting and enjoying the beautiful day.  The flag always gives me a feeling of patriotism and thankfulness for the freedoms we enjoy in the USA.

On this page I will share with you my photographs of the flag and other images that remind me of our freedom as Americans.

The Flag is a Symbol of Patriotism

Here are some interesting facts I found about the American Flag when searching online.

  • The American Flag, as it is called today was first called the "Stars and Stripes" when it was  approved in 1777.
  • The original flag had 13 stripes and 13 stars.  One for each of the 13 colonies.
  • Today's flag still carries the 13 stripes for the original colonies but it now has 50 stars.  One for each state in the union.
  • There are several myths about the designer of the American flag.  The journals of the Continental congress show that the designer was Francis Hopkinson, a Congressman and patriot.
  • Today the original flag can be found at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D. C.

The Flag Used as a 9/11 Remembrance

9/11 remembrance day in St. Louis, American flags flying with never forget banner
The flags in the photo above were part of a remembrance display that the city of St. Louis hosted on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy.  The hill below the St. Louis Art Museum was covered with flags.  One flag for each person that lost their life in the 9/11 attacks.

I visited the display with a few friends and was moved by the solemn beauty of the flags flying in remembrance of those who lost their lives.  
Flags of Valor display in St. Louis photo by mbgphoto
American Flags of Valor photo by mbgphoto

Flags Flying in Public Places

The American flag is flown in many public and private places.  It is a symbol of our country that I enjoy photographing.  The photograph below was taken at Tawas Point lighthouse in Michigan.  It was a slightly windy day and I moved around and took several shots to capture the flag in front of the lighthouse.
Tawas Point Lighthouse photo by mbgphoto
Tawas Point Lighthouse

Canadian Flag flying alongside the American flag photo by mbgphoto
The above photo was taken in Canada just across the St. Clair river from Ft.  Gratiot, Michigan.  I had crossed the river to get a better view of the lighthouse and found these two flags one Canadian and one American on the boardwalk along the river.  I love the way the seem to symbolize a sense of unity between the countries.

O'Fallon, Missouri Veterans Memorial

Another symbol of patriotism is the many veterans memorials found throughout our land.  They show the honor and respect we have those who sacrificed themselves for our county.  We have a unique memorial in the town that I live in, O'Fallon.  It depicts pairs of cast bronze boots positioned as though marching.  Called the Veterans Memorial Walk it was dedicated in 2001 as a place to honor soldiers both past and present.  
veteran memorial boots photo by mbgphoto

Veterans Memorial Walk photo by mbgphoto

Monuments are Symbols of Patriotism

There are many monuments throughout the country that are seen as symbols of our history and patriotism.  This is a photo I took of the Washington Monument in Washington D. C.  Note the circle of flags at the base of the monument.
Washington Monument photo by mbgphoto

Enjoy Patriotic Gifts from my Photographs


Celebrate Card
Celebrate Card by mbgphoto
Look at American flag Cards online at Zazzle.com



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, June 29, 2014

Patriotic Party Time

red, white, and blue fireworks
Happy Independence Day! 
As Independence Day approaches, I am both excited and a bit sad. It's always been sort of the halfway point for summer and I am NOT ready for Summertime to end. So, I am choosing to focus on the holiday and summer parties instead. Come along for some great ideas and suggestions from our Squidoo lensmasters.

Patriotic Parties Rock!

A patriotic theme is perfect for Memorial Day, Labor Day, and of course, Independence Day. However, it's also perfect for almost any summer celebration. You could use a patriotic theme for events like:
  • Family Reunions
  • Graduations
  • Retirement Parties
  • Picnics
  • School Reunions and so much more.
It really is a perfect theme all summer long. Let's look at some ideas for patriotic parties from lensmasters. 

What Say You, Squidoo? 

Starting with lensmaster angelastvs, we get a great overview and party suggestions. From decorations to games to food, she has included lots of ideas in her lens titled: Patriotic Party Planning

Partybuzz has some great ideas for a budget-friendly party. In her lens, How to Plan a July 4th Party on a Budget, she shares some of the ideas she uses with her own family parties. From centerpieces and decorations on through activity ideas -- all are easy on the wallet. 

Finally, Michelle_L shares ideas from her own 4th of July party. Grilling out, crafts and more food and decorations are suggested in this fun lens titled: 4th of July Party Ideas -- Recipes, Crafts and Decorations.

What About You? 

Do you have some summer fun family traditions incorporating a patriotic theme? For example, I shared my family's patriotic buffet at the beginning of summer. We'd love to hear about them! Join Squidoo and write your own suggestions and recommendations for free! As the Party Planning Contributor on Squidoo, I'll help you anyway I can as well as promote your party lens(es). 

It's all about sharing and helping. Happy Independence Day, America! 



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, May 25, 2014

Kick off the Summer with a Party!

waterfall in historic falls park in pendleton indiana
Historic Falls Park, Pendleton, IN
I do love the summer! Here in the Midwest, we might not have a gorgeous ocean and beach but we do have our own great summer sights. The flowers, the creek falls, the kelly green grass, the blue sky, the vitamin D filled sunshine and 3 fun holidays to boot wrap up our summer season!

Memorial Day starts everything in late May, Independence Day is midway and the end of summer is signified by Labor Day every year.

Memorial Day/Weekend Party or Get-Together

Since we are smack in the middle of Memorial Weekend today, I thought I would take you through our celebration last year (this year's is tomorrow.)  Each year, my family gets together for and on Memorial Day. It's our "Kick Off to Summer Party" and one of my favorites.

I know I have mentioned it before but here I go again... I am a military brat -- specifically the U.S. Navy. My dad was career Navy. My parents actually met when both were stationed at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. Both my grandfathers were U.S. Navy veterans as is my only brother.

Suffice is to say, we are a patriotic bunch! So, because the Memorial, Independence and Labor Day holidays are patriotic in nature, that's the theme we use for all three. It's a lot of fun and we leave some of the decor up all summer -- red, white and blue is very appropriate for a summer season boasting 3 patriotic holidays.

Stars & Stripes -- Red, White & Blue

The color combination is timeless. The primary color scheme is used by Countries for their flag, sports teams and schools for their colors, in home decorating (especially in the cottage, vintage and nautical decor themes) and so much more.

Last year, I decided to use a "vintage feel" with the patriotic theme and loved the way it turned out. I wrote about it here: My Patriotic Buffet Table for our Summer party. Burlap, baskets, bandanas and mini flags come together to create a festive, fun and whimsical buffet table for our party. What do you think?
buffet table set up outside for a summer party
My Patriotic Summer Buffet Party


Summer Parties

The summer is filled with parties, occasions and get togethers in addition to the holidays mentioned above. Do you have a traditional get-together each summer or a special occasion you'll celebrate this year? Could be anything, like:

  • Graduation Party
  • Neighborhood Block Party
  • Birthday
  • Wedding
  • Baby or Bridal Shower
  • Class Reunion
  • Family Reunion
  • Annual Luau Party 
  • Summer Picnics

Think about sharing your ideas and experiences with others that want to hold a successful event. Do you have a favorite pot luck dish you always make or take? Are you throwing a shindig to celebrate your daughter's graduation or your son's wedding rehearsal dinner? Are you the "Picnic King/Queen"?

Being the Party Planning Contributor on Squidoo, I can point you to a great outlet for sharing your experiences with others here on the world wide web. Best of all -- Squidoo is FREE!!! You might even earn a little you can put towards your next big party!

Let me know (in the comments) if you write an article about a party so I can help you promote it! Most of all, have a wonderful summertime!



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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