Calendar of Holidays
September 2006
4th Labor Day:
"Labor Day differs in every essential way from the other holidays of the year in any country," said Samuel Gompers, founder and longtime president of the American Federation of Labor. "All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day...is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation."
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. 10th Grandparents’ Day:
President Jimmy Carter, in 1978, proclaimed National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year the first Sunday after Labor Day. September was chosen as the month to celebrate Grandparents’ Day to signify the “autumn years” of life. Grandparents’ Day was established by Marian Mc Quade in an effort for children to gain knowledge from their grandparent’s lifelong wisdom. Celebrate Grandparents’ Day, cherish the moments and the memories… it’s the perfect time to show them how much you care. A lovely basket of flowers, with a touch of fall, is the perfect way to say “I LOVE YOU”
23rd Rosh Hashanah:
Rosh Hashanah literally means “head of the year” or “first of the year”. More commonly stated as the Jewish New Year. It is a time to reflect on the past year and set new goals for the coming year. Family gatherings are in important part in celebrating this very Holy Jewish holiday.
October 2006
2nd Yom Kippur:
Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement”. A day set aside to atone for the sins of the past year. Yom Kippur is probably the most important Jewish holiday. No work can be performed on that Day. It is also a complete 25 hour fast, beginning the sunset before Yom Kippur and ending nightfall
the evening of Yom Kippur.
9th Columbus Day:
Columbus Day was first celebrated on October 12, 1792 to honor the day Christopher Columbus landed in the Bahamas in 1492. One hundred years later, it was celebrated again at the urging of President Benjamin Harrison. Since 1920, it has been celebrated annually and, in 1971, became a federal legal holiday to be celebrated on the second Monday in October.
16th Bosses’ Day:
National Bosses’ Day was started in 1958. A Patricia Bays Haroski registered October 16th as National Bosses Day with the United States Chamber of Commerce. She chose this date because it is her father’s birthday. Her purpose was to improve the employee/boss relationship by the employee showing appreciation for their boss. Nice European planter baskets make a lovely gift for the male boss. Flowers are the perfect gift for the female boss.
21st Sweetest Day:
Sweetest day is observed the 3rd Saturday in the month of October. In 1922, A candy store employee by the name of Herbert Birch Kingston, wanted to brighten the lives of orphans, shut ins and the forgotten. He began distributing candy and small gifts to the underprivileged. Through the years, Sweetest Day has evolved into a romantic holiday. Sweets and gifts are exchanged to express love between lovers and appreciation between friends. Pink roses and a box of chocolates are a perfect gift for your “sweetheart” on “Sweetest Day”.
31st Halloween:
Dating back to 700 B.C., Halloween was a Druid custom. The Druids, a celtic religious group in Ancient Britain, Ireland and France, believed the souls of the dead returned to mingle with the Living on “Hallowed Eve”, October 31st!
The Irish Catholics brought Halloween customs to America in the 1840’s. Including Halloween’s favorite pastime of the carving of the jack-o’-lanterns. This symbolized a mythical ghost doomed to walk the earth forever because he had angered both God and the devil. Halloween as we know it today is full of tricks and treats, costumes and candies. A perfect time to send someone a “Boo-quet”!
November 2006
11th Veterans Day
November 11th, 1918 was the day that World War I ended. “Armistice Day” was established On that day to honor all American’s who served in World War I. On Novermber 11th, 1921, America’s Unknown Soldier was buried. Flags flew half mast from sunrise to sunset as all Americans paid silent tribute to “An American Soldier known but to God”. “Armistice Day” was officially changed to “Veterans Day” in 1954. Veterans Day is a day to honor all veterans, proud servicemen and women who have served in all America’s wars. A red, white and blue wreath is typically placed at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the President of the United States on Veterans Day. Red, white and blue wreaths are sent to National cemeteries all over the nation to recognize our fallen soldiers.
23rd Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, the year after the Puritans arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Puritans were in search of religious freedom. They suffered a horrible winter and almost half of them died. They turned to the Indians for help, where as, the Indians taught them how to cultivate the land and plant corn and other crops. The fall harvest in 1921 was so bountiful, the Pilgrims gave thanks by holding a huge feast for the Pilgrims and the Indians. President Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving to be observed on the last Thursday in November. In 1941, congress officially set the date as the fourth Thursday in November. Flowers have traditionally been a part of the Thanksgiving celebration. The Cornucopia, or “Horn of plenty” is a popular centerpiece symbolizing the bountiful feast they were able to enjoy.
December 2006
25th Christmas
Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It was in the Third century when efforts were made to find out the date of the Nativity. Finally, the year 349 A.D., Pope Julius formally selected December 25th as the official day of Jesus’ birth. By the late 1800’s, Christmas customs had firmly been followed throughout America. Christmas traditions include decorating the Christmas tree, a tradition that started as early as 700 A.D. Gift giving at Christmas was a tradition symbolizing the Three Wise Men bearing gifts at the Nativity celebrating Jesus’ birth. Celebrations at religious ceremonies on Christmas day is an important part of the Christmas tradition to many not only here in America but all over the world! The Poinsettia plant is a popular gift during the Christmas season. Centerpieces filled with Christmas pine and Christmas trim add ambiance and fragrance and can last 3 to 4 weeks!
26th Hanukkah
Hanukkah is an eight day celebration that begins at the 25th day of the Jewish calendar. Hanukkah goes back almost 2400 years and celebrates the survival of Judaism. A second century conflict found Palestine under Syrian power. Syria claimed the Temple in Jerusalem as a temple to the Greek god Zeus. A small band of soldiers rebelled against Syria and were able to reclaim the Temple. They had to clear out all the Statues of Greek god’s and other religions artifacts. When it was cleared, they officially reclaimed the Temple on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar. The “festival of lights” is a miracle during the rededication of the Temple. When the Jews sought to rekindle the Menorah in the Temple, they could only find one sanctified jar of oil… marked with the seal of the High Priest. Miraculously, the small portion of oil burned for eight days, the length of time required to purify new oil. During the eight days of Hanukkah, a candle is lit each night to commemorate the Miracle of the oil in the temple. The Menorah consists of 9 candles, one to be lit each night and one called the shamus (meaning servant) used to light the others. Blue and white flowers are often used to accent the Menorah. An arrangement of blues and whites can also be placed next to the Menorah or on the dining room table, a tradition helping to celebrate
this very special Jewish holiday.
26th Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa has its roots in the ancient African first fruit harvest celebrations. In 1966, Kwanzaa was developed by Dr. Maulana Ron karenga. Dr. Karenga wanted a holiday that would bring African American’s together in celebration of their black culture. Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday not a religious celebration. Colors of the organization are black (for the people), red (for their struggle) and green (future hope coming from their struggle). A beautiful centerpiece featuring fresh fruit complimented with fall flowers in shades of reds and greens is the perfect way to top off this celebration.
December/January 2007
31st New Years Eve/1st New Years Day
New Years celebrations trace back to the year 2000 bc. Many different dates have held the New years celebrations based on the many revisions of the calendar. It has only been celebrated on January 1st in the western countries for the last 400 years. New Years Eve festivities are filled with events and parties for everyone to count down and bring in the New Year. New Years Day in America is a day to relax, make resolutions for the New Year, watch football and of course…. enjoy the Rose Parade! Compliment your New Years party with a beautiful, elegant vase arrangement in all white flowers with lots of silver accents, including silver ting ting, even silver foliage!
15th Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
(16th observed) Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born January 15th, 1929. Dr. King advocated non-violent action as a means of lifting racial oppression. Dr. King’s famous speech “I have a dream” was delivered on the steps of the Lincoln memorial in August of 1963. This call to action emphasized his belief that we could create a society in which character, rather than color, prevailed. His efforts in the civil rights movement won him a Nobel Peace prize in December, 1964. On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. At 39 years old, he left a wife and four young children. A simple, colorful bunch of cut flowers is the perfect way to remember the remarkable works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
February 2007
2nd Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is a tradition centuries old! Taking place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania,
“Punxsutawney Phil” is our nations groundhog who tells us if we will have an early spring or an
extended winter. The groundhog comes out of his hole after a long winter to look for his shadow. If he sees it, it Is an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his hole. If he does not see his shadow he stays above ground as a sign of an early spring. Groundhog day started in the 1800’s by German settlers who brought similar traditions from Europe to Pennsylvania. Send a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers… either to celebrate early spring, or cheer someone up during an extended winter.
12th Lincoln’s Birthday
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States. He was born February 12, 1809. Abraham Lincoln is remembered for his role as the leader in preserving the union during the Civil War. He also began the process that led to the end of slavery in the United States. One of our history’s famous speeches was given by Abraham Lincoln, the Gettysburg Address. Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865. He still today, can help us to reflect upon what this country was founded on. It’s worth the minute to read The Gettysburg Address…
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Delivered at the dedication of the cemetery at Gettysburg November 19, 1863 Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate - we can not consecrate - we can not hallow - this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify against it? -- Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant, to step the Ocean, and crush us at a blow? Never! -- All the armies of Europe, Asia and Africa combined, with all the treasure of the earth (our own excepted) in their military chest; with a Buonaparte for a commander, could not by force, take a drink from the Ohio, or make a track on the Blue Ridge, in a trial of a thousand years. At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide. Abraham Lincoln Celebrate Lincoln’s birthday with a beautiful patriotic bouquet of Red, White and Blue flowers…
14th Valentine’s Day
Roman legend has it that a third century Christian man known as Valentinus was imprisoned for his Christian beliefs and sentenced to death. While in prison, it is said that Valentinus restored the sight of his jailer’s blind daughter. The night before his execution, Valentinus wrote a farewell note to the girl, signed……. “From your Valentine” His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 269 A.D. Approximately 498 A.D. Pope Gelasius declared February 14th as St. Valentine’s Day to honor the martyr, Valentinus. Roses, roses, roses…. Send Red roses to say I Love You…. Complimented by a box of gourmet Truffles…. You can even send a real rose dipped in 24 karat gold… showing your everlasting love.
18th Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year begins with the New Moon on the first day of the New Year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the New Year is called the Lantern Festival. The festival is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade. New Years Eve and New Years Day are celebrated as a family affair. A time of reunion and thanksgiving. The celebration was traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony in honor of heaven and earth, the gods of the household and the family ancestors. A gorgeous Ikebana, very hi style arrangement in primary reds with a touch of green is a fantastic addition to the Chinese New Year celebrations.
19th President’s Day
President’s Day was enacted by legislation in 1968 to simplify the yearly calendar of holidays. President’s Day is the celebration of Washington’s birthday and observed on the third Monday of every February. A common misconception is that President’s Day is the unification of Washington’s birthday and Lincoln’s birthday… or the celebration of all U.S. Presidents, these are false. Celebrate President’s Day with a beautiful bouquet of Red, White and Blue flowers…..
21st Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is the 7th Wednesday before Easter Sunday. The first day of lent is marked by Ash Wednesday from the ceremonial use of ashes in the service prescribed for the day. The Roman Catholic church, Anglican, Episcopal and Lutheran churches exercise this custom. The ashes are obtained by burning of the palm branches blessed on the previous Palm Sunday. They are consecrated at Mass then the priest invites the congregation to approach. The priest marks the sign of the cross with the ashes on the forehead at the same time stating “remember, man, thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return”. This customer is performed as a symbol of penitence and is seemed to be common in the church as far back as the 10th century.
22nd Washington’s Birthday
George Washington was the first President of the United States. He was born February 22, 1732. He took oath of office as President of the United States on April 30, 1789. Washington was a leader during the American Revolution. In 1775, Washington was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. On July 3, 1775, at Cambridge, MA, he took command of his troops and charged upon a war that would last six years long. Washington prevailed in the war, with the aide of French allies, he forced the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781. Washington soon realized that the nation under its Articles of Confederation was not functioning well. He then became a prime mover in the steps to develop the new Constitution. Thus followed shortly by his election of the first President of the United Sates. Washington’s Birthday is observed on Presidents’ Day, the third Monday of every February. Celebrate Washington’s Birthday with a beautiful bouquet of Red, White and Blue flowers…..
March 2007
17th St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is observed every year on March 17th. St. Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland who is credited with bringing Christianity to the island. It is a very religious occasion in Ireland while here in America a much more secular holiday. The shamrock symbol of St. Patrick’s Day recognizes the saints use of the clover to explain the Christian concept of the trinity. Three leaves representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and the stem representing the Godhead. St. Patrick’s Day in America recognizes the contributions of Irish people to American life. Traditionally, recognized by everyone wearing the color green! Send someone you love the luck of the Irish, a beautiful arrangement with white lilies, green Bells of Ireland, and a variety of complimenting flowers.
20th Spring Begins
The first day of spring is actually the Vernal Equinox. “Equinox” is a Latin word which means “equal night”. This is the day which day and night are equal length. According to folklore, this is the one time of each year that an egg could be stood on end. It is said, that if the egg can be balanced on its end during this equinox when the day and night are also in balance, then the earth and nature are said to be in harmony. Spring is mostly recognized by the beautiful blooming flowers. Celebrate spring by sending someone you love a beautiful arrangement of tulips, freesia, iris and other varieties of the newly bloomed spring flowers.
April 2007
1st April Fool’s Day
April Fool’s day originated in France. The closest date that can be identified as the beginning of the “pranks” was in 1563. In the mid to late 1500’s, several changes were made to the calendar year. It is said that April 1st was the official New Year’s Day and was moved to January 1st as a result of the calendar changes. There were several people who hadn’t heard or didn’t believe the change in the date, thus continuing to celebrate New Year’s Day on April 1st. Other’s teased them and played tricks on them calling them “April Fools”. The harassment evolved into a tradition of prank playing on April 1st. In the 1700’s the traditions spread to England and Scotland, and eventually spread around the world!!! Celebrate spring by sending someone you love a beautiful arrangement of tulips, freesia, iris and other varieties of the newly bloomed spring flowers.
1st Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter. It is the last Sunday of lent and the first day of Holy Week. Palm Sunday commemorates the time when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and the people waved palm branches and cheered him as the coming King. Pick up a beautiful arrangement of white lilies, white gerbera daisies and white freesia accented with soft greens, complimented with palm frawns.
3rd Passover
Passover is an eight day observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites
(Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharoah Ramses II. About 3000 years ago the Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians under Pharaoh Ramses II. According to the book of Exodus, Moses was instructed by God to go to the Pharaoh and demand freedom of his people. Moses’ plea was ignored. In response, God unleashed a series of 10 terrible plagues on the people of Egypt. Blood, frogs, lice, wild beasts, blight, boils, hail, locusts, darkness and the slaying of the first born. The holidays name Pesach- translates to “passing over” or “protection” in Hebrew. It is derived from instructions given to Moses by God to have the Israelites mark their dwellings with lambs blood so that God could identify them and “pass-over” their homes. The Jews were freed and fled in a hurry. Having to bake bread in the hot sun into crackers called Matzohs. Today, on Passover, Jews eat matzoh in place of bread during Passover. The Pharaoh’s army chased the Jews through the desert towards the Red Sea. It was there where God performed another miracle and parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could cross to the other side. The waves of the Red Sea closed up on the Pharoah’s army and they were swept away… Thus, the Jews were finally free! Celebrate your special Passover dinners by complimenting the table with a beautiful centerpiece in blues and whites. Dendrobium orchids can be featured in your arrangement for special
elegance.
6th Good Friday
Good Friday always falls on the Friday before Easter. According to the Gospel, Jesus was put to death on the Friday before Easter. It has been associated with the crucifixion since the late fourth century. There are a few explanations as to why the holiday is known as “Good” Friday since it commemorates a sorrowful time in Christianity. Some scholars believe that “good” is a corruption of the word “Gods” while others believe that “good” was used to denote “holy”. Many churches have mourning services from noon until 3:00 p.m. to symbolize Jesus’ last hours on the cross. Recognize this very Holy day with a beautiful centerpiece in ivory and whites with accents in
shades of green.
8th Easter
Easter is a religious holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after
His death by crucifixion some 2,000 years ago. The Easter bunny, originated with the hare, an ancient symbol for the moon. According to legend the bunny was originally a large handsome bird belonging to Eostre, the goddess of spring. She changed the bird into a rabbit, which explains why the Easter bunny builds a nest and fills it with colored eggs. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800’s made of pastry and sugar. Colored eggs were associated with Easter in the 15th century. Eggs were dyed and eaten during spring festivals in ancient Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome. The white lily is the symbol of the resurrection. The white lily is the typical Easter flower and stands for purity. The Madonna lily was used for years as the Easter lily but often failed to bloom before Easter. Now, the Bermuda, or white trumpet, is used as the Easter lily. Celebrate the Resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday with a beautiful Easter lily complimenting your celebrations with friends and family.
22nd Earth Day
Earth Day was chosen in 1970 to be celebrated on the March Equinox, the first day of spring. On this day, night and day are equal and the beginning of spring symbolizes new life and new beginnings. The holiday is typically celebrated on April 22nd. Since 1970, the holiday has been an annual event for people around the world to celebrate the earth and their commitment to build a safer, healthier and cleaner world. Celebrate earth day by picking up a beautiful bouquet of bright yellow sunflowers, wrapped with natural greens and tied with a raffia bow.
25th Secretaries’ Day
National Secretaries’ Week was created in 1952 by Harry F. Keemfuss. He recognized the value and importance of the position to any company or business. His goal was to encourage more women to become secretaries. In promoting the values and importance of the job, he created Secretaries’… recognizingthe importance of secretaries nationwide. Tell your secretary or administrative assistant “Thank You” with a beautiful arrangement in our really fun oversized coffee mug.
May 2007
1st May Day
The traditions of May Day celebrations began in the 1600’s. The Maypole dances are a festive
tradition celebrating spring planting and the coming of summer. May Day today is actually a celebration of a working class holiday. It evolved from the struggle for the eight hour work day in 1886. May 1, 1886, National strikes in the work place took place in the United States and Canada were held in protest of current working conditions. Several men died. In 1889, May 1st was declared an international working class holiday commemorating those who fought for the eight hour work day. Celebrate May Day with a beautiful basket of spring flowers… colorful and fragrant to welcome the coming summer months.
5th Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is often thought to be the Mexican Independence Day. This is an common American misconception. Cinco de Mayo actually marks the victory of the Mexican army over the French at the Battle of Puebla With this victory, Mexico demonstrated to the world that Mexico and all of Latin America were willing to defend themselves of any foreign intervention. Oddly enough, Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States are larger and more elaborate than the commemorations of the day in Mexico. The holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, including food, music, drinks and customs unique to Mexico. Celebrate this most festive holiday with a colorful arrangement in bold red, white and green.
6th Nurses’ Day
Nurses’ Day is May 6th, Nurses’ week however is May 6th – 12th celebrating the vital role nurses play in making sure people get the best care. Nurses Week ends May 12th, the day Florence Nightingale was born. Florence Nightingale was a key figure in nursing history and still provides inspiration today. Day to day, nurses are at the bed side making a real difference to the well-being of individuals while at the same time they are increasingly holding leadership positions where they have power and influence to challenge and change. Send your favorite nurse a beautiful bouquet of flowers or even a lovely corsage in celebration of National Nurses Day.
13th Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day was signed into law in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson, declaring the second Sunday in May National Mother’s Day. Anna Jarvis began the efforts to establish Mother’s day on the second anniversary of her mother’s death in 1908. Anna’s mother, Anna Marie Reeves Jarvis, was accredited for her many good deeds during the Civil War. She and her brother, a doctor, formed a Mother’s Day Friendship club to work with women in preventing the deaths of children by teaching sanitation methods. They explained to mothers the importance of boiling water, how to keep food form spoiling and other antiseptic methods. Members of these clubs never took sides during the war. Anna even created the Mother’s Friendship Day, a day to picnic with alienated neighbors who differed politically. Following a prayer at the picnic, the band began to play “Should Auld Acquaintances Be Forgot.” By the time they reached the word “forgot” neighbors were weeping and shaking hands. Mother’s Day today is an International holiday celebrated in over 100 countries. Show your mom how much she means to you with a beautiful vase arrangement in lovely pinks, whites and peaches with a gold rose in the center, lasting forever as a mother’s love.
19th Armed Forces Day
President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense. Celebrate President’s Day with a beautiful bouquet of Red, White and Blue flowers…..
28th Memorial Day
Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day originated in the aftermath of the Civil War, during which more American soldiers died than in any other war before or since. It has become a day on which the dead of all wars, and the dead generally, are remembered in special programs held in cemeteries, churches, and other public meeting places. In 1971, Congress designated the last Monday in May as the national Memorial Day holiday. Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. Celebrate President’s Day with a beautiful bouquet of Red, White and Blue flowers…..
June 2007
14th Flag Day
National Flag Day is always the 14th day of June. National Flag Week is the week of June 14th. The Fourth of July is traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day. Basic Guidelines for displaying the American Flag Usually, the flag should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. If you'd like to display the flag at night, the area should be well-lit so that the flag can be seen. The flag should be raised quickly but lowered slowly and carefully.In bad weather, the flag shouldn't be displayed unless it is made of all-weather or weatherproof materials.Never fly another flag above the U.S. flag. If another flag is flown at the same height, it should not be placed to the right of the U.S. flag. Do not allow the flag to touch the ground. It is not necessary, however, to destroy a flag that has touched the ground; if it has become dirty, wash it or have it dry-cleaned as needed.The flag should always be displayed with the union (the blue and white area) to the flag's own right, which is the viewer's left. When flown at half-staff, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Contact your local American Legion Hall and inquire about the availability of this service.Celebrate President’s Day with a beautiful bouquet of Red, White and Blue flowers…..
18th Father’s Day
Father's Day is always the third Sunday in June. Father's Day honors the role of dads and men who serve in father-like roles in the lives of others. Fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, fathers-to-be all have a day to stand in the spotlight on Father's Day. As "non-traditional" family structures become more common, any nurturing man – "big brothers," brothers-in-law, uncles, neighbors and others who are "like a father" – is likely to be honored on Father's Day. Father's Day originated in 1909 when a woman named Sonora Dodd came up with the idea. Mrs. Dodd's father, William Jackson Smart, had raised her and her five siblings after their mother died in childbirth. While listening to a Mother's Day sermon at a church near her family's home in eastern Washington State, Mrs. Dodd thought about the sacrifices her father had made for his children and the fine job he had done in raising them. Because her father had been born in June, she decided to encourage the churches in her area to honor fathers in June. Through her efforts, the first Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington, in June 1910. Although Congress passed several resolutions over the years in support of Father's Day, it did not become an official U.S. holiday until 1972, when then-President Nixon issued a proclamation declaring the third Sunday in June as Father's Day in the United States.
July 2007
4th Independence Day
Independence Day is annually celebrated on July 4th in the United States. The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, honors the nation's birthday -- the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is a day of picnics and barbecues, patriotic parades, and a night of concerts and fireworks. The flying of the American flag is widespread. The history of our Independence Day celebration dates back to the 1770s, when the original 13 colonies were still under the rule of England's King George III. Although they had no representation in Parliament, they had to pay tax to England. For years, Congress sought unsuccessfully to resolve the dispute between England and the colonies. Finally, in 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed a committee, headed by Thomas Jefferson, to draft a declaration of independence. On July 4, 1776, Congress officially adopted the document declaring their freedom from England. Although the signing of the Declaration was not complete until August, the Fourth of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of American independence. By the early 1800s the tradition of parades, picnics and fireworks was established as the way to celebrate America's birthday. Celebrate President’s Day with a beautiful bouquet of Red, White and Blue flowers…..
August 2006
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