DID YOU KNOW? A Salute to the Flag of the United States of America - Flag Day June 14 By: Chrys Fotenos, CSPM Board Member and Archives Volunteer I have had the pleasure of transcribing and learning about the many great works by the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic. The organization was formed in 1881 for the purpose of supporting the Civil War Comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic in their needs and showing respect to these Veterans at their burials. The organization also prioritized the teaching of patriotism and respect to our Flag. I have included below a few samples of their work and their commitment to the United States of America and our Flag. DID YOU KNOW? “Though we are the youngest and greatest nation, our flag is the oldest. June 14, 1777, our flag was officially born! The British Union Jack started in 1801; the French tricolor in 1794. German, Italian and Spanish banners are all younger than the “Stars and Stripes.” From: The Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic Atlantic City, New Jersey - 1910 On May 30, 1916 President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill to honor our Flag on June 14, every year. In 1918, the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic published a pamphlet that was distributed throughout the country to all citizens, especially to school children. This was a major focus of the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic from 1916 until today. (An excerpt from an abbreviated version of this pamphlet are shown) In closing, as Flag Day nears, let us remember what it stands for and what it means to our great country... It is your Flag and my Flag, And, oh, how much it holds – Your land, and my land, Secure within in its folds, Your heart, and my heart Beat quicker at its sight, Sun kissed and wind tossed The Red, the Blue, the White, The One Flag – the Great Flag – the Flag for me and you Glorified – all else beside the Red, the WHITE, the BLUE. The Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic Saint Paul Minnesota 1933 MUSELETTER JUNE 2019| PG 6
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