Patriotic Facts-Under God

Did you know that the original Pledge of Allegiance didn't have the words "under God" until 1954?

Knowing this has changed my view point. I am a deeply religious person and, after reading about our country's history and founding fathers, I do believe that we are a nation "under God". When I teach it to my preschoolers (in a state funded program) I do keep "under God" in it. I don't want it dropped, but I do see other arguments now.

Patriotic Facts-Population

On this day (July 4th if you don't know) back in 1776, many of you know (if you don't you should be ashamed of yourself) that a Declaration of Independence was approved; this started what was to become this great country.

Now, for the interesting fact: In the 13 colonies, there were 2.5 million citizens living in those 13 colonies!

I don't know why, but I never imagined it to be such a big number...I don't know what I thought it would be, but 2.5 million is a lot of people!

Patriotic Facts-Signatures

Did you know that the Declaration of Independence was signed August 2, 1776 (it took time to get copies made back then and distributed); it was signed by 56 delegates. However, when it came to signing it, the delegates signed in geographic order of their colonies from north to south. There were some delegates that were not present at the time and had to sign later.

Some others who were new delegates were allowed to sign later and three original delegates never signed (one because he had left before it was ready, one was opposed, and one was too ill).

Patriotic Week-A bit morbid?

Calvin Coolidge is the only President to have been born on July 4th. But did you know that three Presidents have died on this day: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe

A bit appropriate

Patriotic Week-First Celebrations

Okay, it was celebrated quite grandly from the beginning. But, did you know that it didn't become a legal holiday until 1941?

Interesting to me. But I am betting because up until then people just naturally shut down and celebrated, this just made it so they had to.

Patriotic Facts-Uncle Same

Uncle Sam became popular during the War of 1812 when the term was on supply containers. He wasn't officially adopted as a national symbol until 1961.

Warning, I'm going on a short bandwagon trip here: Uncle Sam is a symbol of this country. You may not like some of the things that our government has or is doing. However, when I see images of Uncle Sam bloody and mutilated, I only think how anti-American that person or people must be. He represents our COUNTRY not our GOVERNMENT. And, just as desecrating a flag shows disdain for this country, so does desecrating Uncle Sam's image. Before you go and make your "free speech" statements by destroying these images, think about what these images represent and how your actions aren't just showing your right to free speech. No, your actions are telling me that you have no respect for this country and you aren't just being UN-American, you are being ANTI-American, and that is so much worse.

Go ahead and have your free speech demonstrations; but remember why you are allowed to have them: you live in the great country called the United States of America!

Patriotic Facts-Statue of Liberty

I am so sorry I was away for a week. It has just been so hot around here I think my brain literally was fried. I couldn't think straight and had no stamina to sit at the computer for more than a few minutes at a time. However, I am back! So, this is a week of Patriotic Facts (since it does end in the fourth of July). Let's start off with the Statue of Liberty:

Most people know that this was a gift to us from France. But, did you know that there are 7 spikes on her crown? Each spike represents the 7 seas and the 7 continents.