For Her Information - Conscious Reality TV

Independence Day

Friday, July 1, 2005

Growing up, the Fourth of July was such a special time for me. It meant seeing friends and family, s'mores,

b-b-q's, going to the pool and eating a load of candy for just 50 cents-- and best of all the "oooohhhs and aaaahhhs" as we watched the fireworks on our picnic blanket.

The Fourth of July is still just as special to me as I create my own family traditions and watch my children experience such a happy time. I think of the importance of what "Independence" means to my family, our country and those who have made this country their home.

My eldest son is really trying to find his own "independence" while the youngest is trying to "remain DE-pendent" as long as he can--avoiding toilet training at all costs!!

Did you know?

The symbol of Independence Day, the U.S. Flag, was adopted on June 14, 1777 and is the fourth oldest national flag in the world. Denmark's flag, adopted in 1219 is the oldest.
A flag expert is called a "vexillologist.
The blue field on the U.S. Flag is called the "union".
Since 1834, the U.S. Flag has flown continuously next to the grave of the Revolutionary War hero, the Marquis de Lafayette, near Paris, France.
The U.S. flag should always be displayed with the blue union field up--jever display the flag upside down, except as a distress signal.

The National Anthem, the "Star Spangled Banner" was written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key and declared the National Anthem in 1931. When the anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand and face the flag to show their respect for the United States. A non-uniformed person wearing a hat must remove it with the right hand and hold it against the left shoulder, right hand resting over the heart. Those in uniform must stand at attention and salute the flag.

Fireworks Safety

To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips:

Always read and follow label directions.
Have an adult present.
Buy from reliable sellers.
Use outdoors only.
Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
Light only one firework at a time.
Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
Never give fireworks to small children.
If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.
Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
Stay away from illegal explosives.

An easy Fourth of July treat kids can make:

Make cupcakes according to cookbook or boxed-mix directions.
Once cooled, frost cupcakes white.
Top cupcakes with strawberries, raspberries or blueberries...For a patriotic treat!
Enjoy!

You're a Grand Old Flag

by George M. Cohan

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.