​​"When we honor our flag we honor what we stand for as a Nation --
freedom, equality, justice, and hope."  ~Ronald Reagan
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Americans celebrate Flag Day on June 14th to commemorate the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777 -- 240 years ago! 

Below are some good ways to teach our children the history and meaning of the flag and to help them appreciate our unique and precious heritage. Choose a few of the activities for your family to enjoy. Invite friends to join you if you'd like, and create happy, meaningful memories together.

*  Display the flag.  Talk about what it represents, what it means to you, and any family flag
   traditions you may want to create.

*  Say the Pledge of Allegiance and discuss what it means. (Try saying it in sign language.)  

*  Read the inspiring 2017 Presidential Flag Day Proclamation. Discuss why Flag Day matters.
   Learn the history of Flag Day. 
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*  Learn flag etiquette, how to fold the flag, and why the way it's folded is significant.

*  Read books with your family that help you "appreciate our flag and the sacrifices it has
   motivated." This article has some helpful suggestions for adults and older children.

*  Learn about and sing our national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner."

*  Sing or listen to patriotic songs. Great songs about our flag include:
    -  The Star Spangled Banner.
    -  You’re a Grand Old Flag   
    -  There are Many Flags
    -  When the Flag Goes By
    -  Take Your Hat Off When the Flag Goes By
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*  Make patriotic crafts.  Here are more ideas.  You could use the crafts as part of a family parade
​   with young children, or to decorate for the 4th of July.

*  Serve patriotic treats, or keep it simple with watermelon or root beer floats. 

Whether you celebrate alone, or with family or friends, I hope you have a meaningful and fun time!

Beautiful medley about the flag and what it represents...

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Thirty years ago, on June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan gave one of the most important speeches of this century.

As he stood by the Berlin Wall, that ugly reminder that a once free and prosperous city was now divided and conquered, President Reagan sought to give hope to those suffering under Communist oppression.

Several of Reagan's trusted advisors counseled him to change his intended remarks.  

They told him the words were inflammatory and provocative.  

Still, Reagan persisted. He gave his speech as it was written because it was, “the right thing to do.”

Against the historic backdrop of the Brandenburg Gate, President Reagan issued a challenge to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev:  "If you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

President Reagan was criticized at the time, but to the astonishment of most of the experts, less than three years later the wall did come down.  

Today may be a good time to tell our children the story of this speech and to teach them that sometimes it takes courage to stand alone. Sometimes it's hard to do the right thing.  But nothing is more important than doing the right thing. Nothing.   

The first video is of President Reagan's speech that changed the course of history.

In the second video Peter Robinson, the man who wrote the speech, tells the fascinating story behind President Reagan's historic Berlin Wall speech.  

The third video is a five minute highlight from the speech.

Links to the text of the speech and other great resources are listed after the videos.

President Reagan Gives Historic "Tear Down This Wall" Speech at the Brandenburg Gate.
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To Celebrate President Reagan's 100th Birthday,
Speechwriter Peter Robinson Recalled the Story Behind Reagan's Speech.
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Short on time? Here is a five minute highlight of President Reagan's speech.

 
Learn More about President Reagan's Speech and the Fall of the Berlin Wall

• Top Advisers Opposed Reagan's Challenge to Gorbachev but Lost, by Peter Robinson
• The Culmination of Reagan's Foreign Policy
• Text of President Reagan's Speech
• Reagan's Berlin Wall Speech 30 Years Later

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Today is the 73rd anniversary of D-Day, when Allied Forces invaded Normandy, on June 6, 1944.  

The price was staggering.  More men died on that single day than in all of the Iraq War.  But with incredible courage the Allied Forces persisted, and won an amazing victory.  The victory at Normandy prepared the way for the liberation of Europe from Nazi control, and led to the end of World War II.  

We gratefully remember them and their sacrifice.  May we also be true as we face whatever sacrifices are required in our day to defend the great legacy of liberty we have received!
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"On this day more than 70 years ago, Allied troops stormed the shores of France during World War II. We can never forget the heroism & bravery of those 160,000 troops and commanders who fought their way onto the beaches of Normandy.

​"But today, we’re also celebrating the innovators behind the invasion, and one fiery Nebraskan boat builder in particular – Andrew Jackson Higgins. Learn the incredible story of the man from Columbus, NE whose ingenuity, perseverance & creativity made that landing possible."

~Senator Ben Sasse

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General Eisenhower's D-Day Message

"You are about to embark upon a great crusade,
toward which we have striven these many months.
The eyes of the world are upon you. 
The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you."  

~General Dwight D. Eisenhower
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President Roosevelt's Prayer 
A Mighty Endeavor: D-Day
(with text and audio of full prayer)

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"They fight not for the lust of conquest.  
They fight to end conquest.  
They fight to liberate." ​

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