Friday Flag Day 🇺🇸

Annual flag display in Hudson, NH, from Memorial Day to Independence Day

The usual Friday Funnies have been given today off to commemorate Flag Day, today, June 14. It's not a national holiday and government offices like courthouses and United States Post Offices are open as are public offices and schools. While many Americans may be unaware of this day, others will have flags on display.

The U.S. flag that often is referred to as the Stars and Stripes was adopted on June 14, 1777 by the Continental Congress as the official American flag during the Revolutionary War. Until that time, Colonial troops fought under different flags with various symbols including rattlesnakes, pine trees, and eagles with slogans like "Don’t Tread on Me," "Liberty or Death" and "Conquer or Die" to name some.

The Flag Resolution of 1777 stated: "Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."

Interestingly, it wasn't an American who labelled the U.S. as the Stars and Stripes. That credit was given to a French nobleman and military officer, the marquis de Lafayette, who volunteered his aid to the Continental Army led by General George Washington.

Did you know that . . .

There's an entire vocabulary of terms associated with flags?

Vexillology is the study of the history, symbolism and usage of flags or, by extension, any interest in flags in general. Someone who studies flags is a vexillologist, one who designs flags is a vexillographer, and the art of designing flags is called vexillography. A hobbyist or general admirer of flags is known as a vexillophile.

Dr. Whitney Smith

That terminology is due to a New Englander fascinated by flags from his childhood. The term, vexillology, was coined by a Massachusetts teenager in 1957. Whitney Smith, Jr combined the Latin word vexillum (a kind of square flag that was carried by Roman cavalry) with the Greek suffix logia (the study of) and coined vexillology. In 1961, he co-wrote The Flag Bulletin, the world's first journal about flags. The following year, he established The Flag Research Center at his home serving as its director.

Dr. Smith, a Harvard graduate, who later taught political science at Boston University, credited his interest in flags to youthful memories of Massachusetts Patriots' Day celebrations (unique to his home state). Later, turning his childhood passion with flags into a scholarly discipline. Dr. Smith became the preeminent scholar on the history, symbolism, and significance of flags amassing newspaper articles, flag-related publications and flags. Over time, this collection of documents and tens of thousands of books, pamphlets, engravings, electronic files, and flag-related artifacts was the largest in the world. 

Dr Smith died in 1976 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. The Whitney Smith Flag Research Center Collection is now housed at The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at The University of Texas at Austin. It is now the world’s oldest institution dedicated to interdisciplinary research initiatives on all aspects of flags, flag histories and flag usage.

When asked why flags should be taken seriously, Dr. Smith’s standard reply was: "People kill for flags. People die for flags. It is incumbent on us to try to understand how a piece of cloth can incarnate that power."

So, today on Flag Day in memory of a New Englander who felt so strongly about all flags, this post has many facts that apply specifically to the U.S. flag.

Street art mural in Nashua, NH

The U.S. Flag Code

On June 22, 1942, Congress passed a joint resolution amended in December 1942, that has come to be known as the U.S. Flag Code, a federal law that sets forth guidelines for the appearance and display of the U.S. flag by private citizens. These guidelines specify times and conditions for display of the flag, manners and methods of display, and buildings where such display should occur.

What's seen as the most important guideline involves how U.S. citizens should behave around the flag. For example, members of the armed services and veterans are asked to stand at attention and salute when the flag is passing in a parade or being hoisted or lowered; civilians should place their right hand over their hearts.

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, like the ground, floor, water or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. It should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery, too often it has been used for these purposes.

Violating the flag code isn't illegal even though the U.S. Flag Code is a federal law. Guidelines are only stated within the voluntary and non-binding language such as, "should" and "custom," meaning there is no penalty for violating any of its provisions.

General Guidelines for Displaying the Flag

• When the flag is hung vertically on a wall, window, or door, the union (blue section) should be to the observer’s left. When the flag is hung horizontally or vertically against a wall, the Union should be to the observer’s left.
• In a procession, the American flag should be to the right (the flag’s own right) of any other flag or, if in a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
• When displayed from a staff from a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff.
• When the flag is displayed otherwise than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out; or so suspended that its folds fall as freely as though the flag were staffed.
• When displayed over a street, the flag should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.
• On a platform, the flag should be above and behind the speaker, with the union uppermost and to the observer’s left.
• When displayed from a staff in a church or auditorium, the flag should occupy the position of honor and be placed at the speaker’s right as he/she faces the audience.
• When the flag covers a casket, the union should be at the head and over the left shoulder.

When to Display the Flag

As a symbol of respect, honor, and patriotism, the flag can be displayed any day of the year according to the following guidelines. The custom is to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on flagstaffs in the open; however, if illuminated, it can be displayed at night. It should not be displayed in inclement weather. The flag should be displayed every day, especially:

• New Year’s Day, January 1; Inauguration Day; Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday
• Lincoln and Washington's birthdays; National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29
• Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Sunday; Mother’s Day and Father's Day
• Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day (half-staff until noon)
• Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4
• National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27
• Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, September 17
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day, second Monday in October
• Navy Day, October 27; Veterans Day, November 11
• Birthdays of states (date of admission); state holidays
• Other days as proclaimed by the President of the United States

Also, the flag should be displayed at every public institution, in or near every polling place on election days, and at schoolhouses during school days.

“America’s Tall Ship” the USCGC Eagle is the largest tall ship flying the Stars and Stripes 

Displaying the U.S. Flag Alongside Other Flags

• In the U.S., no other flag should be placed above the American flag or, if placed on the same level, to the right of the American flag.
• The United Nations flag may not be displayed above or in a position of superior prominence to the U.S. flag, except at the United Nations Headquarters.
• The flag, when displayed with another against a wall should be on the right (the flag’s own right), and its staff should be in front of the other staff.
• The American flag should be at the center and the highest point when displayed with a group of state flags.
• When flags of states, cities, etc., are flown on the same halyard, the American flag should be at its peak.
• When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height, and the American flag should be hoisted first and lowered last.

Some U.S. Flag No-Nos

• The flag should not be dipped to anyone, including government officials or the President.
• The flag should never be displayed with union (stars) down, unless as a signal of dire distress.
• The flag should never touch anything beneath it: the ground, floor, water or merchandise.
• The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, always aloft and free.
• The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
• The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
• The flag should never have anything placed on it.
• The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose, nor embroidered on cushions or handkerchiefs, printed on paper napkins or boxes or used as any portion of a costume.

How to Properly Dispose of an American Flag

• If the U.S. flag does touch the ground, it does not need to be disposed of (this is a myth) just ensure the flag is washed or dry-cleaned.
• When the flag is in torn or in a condition no longer fitting its status, it should be destroyed in a dignified and ceremonious fashion, preferably by burning.
• Most American Legion posts will conduct an annual ceremony, often on Flag Day to retire old or worn flags. Contact your local chapter if unable to dispose of the flag yourself. Boy Scout or Girl Scout groups also might have information about retiring a flag.

Admittedly, I didn't know a lot about flag etiquette (very little) before doing this post. Even though I am not a native of New England, it was that connection with Dr. Smith that led to this post. 

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

Happy Father's Day to fathers stepfather, grandfathers and others

and in memory of our fathers as well

Lighthouse & Airport Anniversary 🥂

Our 2022 anniversary getaway was fun and relaxing. Thanks to all for the well wishes. 

We opted to stay in state and chose a destination about 90 minutes away from Nashua, NH, at the Chesterfield Inn located in (guess where)—Chesterfield, NH.

Before our Sunday arrival at the inn, Saturday was spent at a lighthouse and Sunday breakfast was at an airport—both also in NH. 

On Saturday, Grenville and two fellow ham radio operators participated in the International Lighthouse weekend. During this annual event ham radio operators operate from lighthouses to connect with one another worldwide, usually on the third weekend in August. This year, the event's 25th anniversary coincided with our 23rd  anniversary weekend.

Advance permission was obtained to set up their equipment at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse located at the U.S. Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor in New Castle, NH, at the entrance into Portsmouth Harbor. 

Portsmouth Lighthouse, NH

The 48-foot white conical Portsmouth Lighthouse was built in 1878. The lighthouse has been moved a number of times within the area and has been in its present position within the walls of Fort Constitution since 1906. It was painted a reddish-brownish color until 1902, when it was painted white. It has a 44-stair spiraling staircase and then a 7-rung ladder that leads to the top. Grenville and friends climbed to the top to set up antennas; however, I did not.

Fort Constitution view

The lighthouse is adjacent to a former British Revolutionary War fortification and overlooks the Piscataqua River and the Atlantic Ocean. Fort William and Mary (named after the king and queen of England) was later renamed to Fort Constitution after American forces gained control. In 1774, local patriots from the Portsmouth area overcame a six-man caretaker detachment and seized the garrison's powder. The incident is significant as one of the first overt acts of the American Revolutionary War, also the only battle to take place in NH.

Formerly the fort was open to visitors. It's not closed to all and visitors are not allowed inside the grounds. That's because the fort was deemed unsafe after a visitor was injured by falling bricks in June 2018. I climbed to just below the top of the lighthouse for this porthole view showing some of Fort Constitution for the only view I could get.

Because of its short ocean coastline, NH has fewer lighthouses (5) than most other New England states. Despite that low number, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse was selected as one of five New England lighthouses for the USPS Forever Stamp collection in 2013.  

Sunday morning, we headed to our getaway destination, but first we went to the airport for breakfast. Yes, Nashua, NH, has an airport with a cafe and not one you would easily locate on a drive. Midfield Cafe is on a roadway that leads only to the Nashua Airport at Boire Field.

Breakfast at Midfield Cafe at the Nashua Airport

Only breakfast and lunch is served here and the menus here are classic diner comfort food with a few twists. Yes, that is ice cream on Grenville's pancakes à la mode. We've dined at this cafe many times, notably for my birthday a few years ago. The history of the airport and that celebration were posted in this 2018 birthday post. 

Chesterfield Inn B&B in Chesterfield, NH

Our final destination was the Chesterfield Inn bed and breakfast, a restored farmhouse that consists of a main building and cottages near the Connecticut River and the Vermont border. Unlike some other lodgings we have stayed at over the years, the inn doesn't have a long or storied history. While the owner's house, attached to the inn, was built in the early 1780s, the rest of the inn is not as old, originally built as sheds and barns dating to the early 1900s.

Anniversary sunset watching in Chesterfield, NH

There are several notable sites in this area. In October 2020, we took a day road trip to West Chesterfield, NH, and visited one of the most notable, Madame Sherri's Castle, also called Castle Sherri, and described in this earlier post.

Unfortunately the weather wasn't conducive for outdoor exploration during our stay with (much needed) late afternoon showers. We drove through part of Pisgah State Park, NH's largest state park, covering over 13,300 acres. We walked part of the 13-acre Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area, while the Wayside Trail is less than a mile long, we didn't bring hiking footwear this trip. 

Anniversary treat in Brattleboro, VT

Of course, for us, no celebration is complete without a treat and, as readers of this blog know, our preference is ice cream. We found these treats in nearby Brattleboro, VT.

We enjoyed a wonderful celebration getaway and, as always, look forward to the next one. That's coming up soon and involves a NH dinner train excursion.

This week, I'm catching up on your recent blog posts and preparing a post from our July Maine trip that includes a couple of historic vessels.

We Remember I Do's

On this day, 22 years ago we were married. As many of you may (or not) know, our actual names are Dorothy & Patrick. (All photos in this post were taken by friends using film camera and later scanned onto a CD.)

Introducing Grenville & Beatrice (Boyds Bears) 

Beatrice and Grenville are the aliases we have used on this blog. Those names were based on these Boyds Bears collectibles. True Love had a place of honor on the table at our reception dinner. Best Friends are what we consider ourselves.

Today, marks our 22nd anniversary and coincidentally it's also shared with a couple we met years ago. When we lived, we traveled to the Blue Ridge Mountains as did Kath and Andrew, visitors from the UK. From a chance meeting in a hotel for breakfast, we've remained in contact, exchanging birthday, holiday and anniversary greetings. We hope to meet again one day to celebrate our mutual anniversary. Those plans will have to wait awhile longer (sigh). 

Dorothy & Patrick sharing their vows, which were written by them

Our wedding ceremony took place in our home state (NJ) at the United Methodist Church, Bridgewater, NJ, and was officiated by the Rev. George Fisher. We opted for a small ceremony attended by immediate family and some close friends. 

Bubbles bring out the child in everyone, young and older

Bubbles are always a big hit with people of all ages. We made sure everyone had a bottle. (as you can see, the church was undergoing some exterior renovations at the time.)

Immediate family members posed with us for memory photos

Afterwards, it was time for some family photos, which become more precious because of the relatives no longer with us. Top left: us and Pat's daughters, Coleen and Shannon. Top right: us with Pat's late aunt Anita, my sister-in-law Anita, my late mother and nieces Julie and Jamie. Bottom left: us with Pat's late aunt Ann. Bottom right with Pat: my brother Tony, Shannon's fiancé Robert, and Pat's Uncle Russ.

Family members who shared our Special Day and sadly have passed

We had our reception in a favorite restaurant in downtown Somerville, NJ, which we learned in recent years, is no longer there. Top photo is us with my mother and her sister Anna. Bottom left is me and cousin Rick, (we shared the same birthday). Bottom right is Pat and aunts Anita and Ann. Sadly, all the family members have passed away since, but, we have our memories.

Friends & family gathered after our wedding & dinner

At the time of our marriage, we each had our own residence. Pat's house was at the NJ shore and my condo was in Somerville, NJ, which is where an after dinner get together was held. Some of us changed into more comfortable attire.

Pat was laughing as I opened his gift —  a mailbox full of various sized penguins. The date on the mailbox (5/16/97) was to recall our first date. 

Why was I gifted with a penguin filled mailbox?

Here's the backstory. We met online and corresponded for several months because of our differing work schedules and distance of about 70 miles before finally meeting in person. Our communication was solely by email (like in the film, You've Got Mail). There were no no phone calls; our correspondence pre-dated text and video messages. This email is now framed and displayed on our bedroom wall. 

Grenville & Beatrice Boyd share bookcase space with our photos

The Grenville & Beatrice Boyds Bears figurines mentioned herein are displayed on a bookcase in our living room and bear (bad pun) these inscriptions on the bottom:

The great secret of successful marriage is to treat all disasters as incidents and none of the incidents as disasters (Harold Nicholson)

There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved (George Sand)

We're going on a short road trip here in New England to celebrate, no long distance or any out-of-country travel for a while. Our adventures will include a museum visit, agricultural fair, covered bridge, lunch with a blogger friend and, of course, an ice cream treat.  Expect to see some of these adventures in a future post(s). 

Some of our 2021 adventures and enjoyment (so far)

Thanks for sharing our Special Memories by reading this post. We do appreciate it.

It's Time Again (Over & Over)

Happy Anniversary to the film in which the main character wakes up over and over again to relive the same day. (It's much like this post usually done Feb. 2.)

Sony pictures is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 1993 film, Groundhog Day with a series of selected big screen showings in the U.S. and Canada. (FYI the film was released on Feb 12, 1993.)

Unfortunately, after checking the movie listings at theaters in our area, none have been scheduled here. Lucky for us, the DVD version is in our collection. We'll watch it tonight, but only once.

Groundhog Day (PG) runs just over 100 min. It has been named one of the best comedy movies and has never had a sequel, no over-and-overs. It remains one-of-a-kind, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. (We saw the 2 follow-up films to Ghostbusters, which were not as good or as funny as the original.) The film was directed and co-produced by Harold Ramis (Ghostbusters). 

Synopsis: Bill Murray is a TV weatherman (Phil Collins) who becomes caught in a personal time warp. Along with an unceasingly cheerful producer (Andie MacDowell) and a wise-cracking cameraman (Chris Elliott), he's sent to Punxsutawney, PA, to do a live broadcast of the annual Groundhog Day festivities.  On the way back home, they encounter a blizzard, which Phil failed to predict, and have to turn back. That's when Phil  awakes the next morning to find it's Groundhog Day all over again...

We watch this movie every Feb. 2 and, while there are other comedy films we'd rate higher, this one is a classic for us.

FYI - Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today, forecasting 6 more weeks of winter.

Enjoy your Weekend, Everyone

Stay warm.

Forget-Me-Not Day

Did you know that today is Forget-Me-Not Day an unofficial holiday in the U.S.?

Don't feel left out. It's one that escaped my notice too. Maybe that's because it's really hard to find on any calendar.

As an avid letter of letters, cards and notes I didn't know about the date until a few weeks ago. I received a packet of cards from our supplemental insurance provider and the accompanying letter said that the notecards were to celebrate "Forget-Me-Not" Day. Recipients were invited to send them to others.

Curious about the origins of this "holiday" I checked online for more info. According to one site, it was created as a day to remember and get in touch with friends and family you care about and, perhaps, don't see often. Another noted that some people used it to memorialize a loved one who has passed away.

The National Day Calendar website, stated that it was created in 1921 to remind Americans about the sacrifices of returning soldiers. The date was said to have raised funds for services where there were none. (The website didn't specify more details.)

Regardless of its origins, it's an easy day to celebrate. If you're not a letter writer, email or call friends and family to let them know you're thinking of them. Of course, where possible, getting together with them is always better. 

Never underestimate the power of taking the time to let someone know that you're thinking about them. It can mean more than you think it does. 

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  Maya Angelou

National WHAT Day?

Did you know?
That Today, July 5 is celebrated as National Apple Turnover Day?

Says Who?
It's listed on the National Day Calendar website, which is full of unusual, forgotten and newly-created celebrations.

This American treat was first "discovered" in the 19h century. The process of making an apple turnover is simple. The pastry is made by putting apple filling onto dough, folding it over, sealing it and then baking. You can use either freshly cut or canned apples. They can also be fried. It's celebrated by making and/or eating an apple turnover. Or, skip the baking part and find a bakery or super market that has them already made.Enjoy.

Apple Turnover Recipe

• 2 TBSP lemon juice
• 4C water
• 2 TBSP butter
• 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled cored, sliced
• 1 C brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 TBSP cornstarch
• 1 TBSP water
• 1 C confectioner's sugar
• 1 TBSP milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 (17.25 ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed

1. Combine lemon and 4 cups water in a large bowl. Place sliced apples in water to keep them from browning.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain water from apples, and place them into the hot skillet. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes. Add brown sugar, and cinnamon, and cook, stirring, for 2 more minutes. Stir together cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Pour into skillet, and mix well. Cook for another minute, or until sauce has thickened. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
4. Unfold puff pastry sheets, and repair any cracks by pressing them back together. Trim each sheet into a square. Then cut each larger square into 4 smaller squares. Spoon apples onto the center of each squares. Fold over from corner to corner into a triangle shape, and press edges together to seal. Place turnovers on a baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.
5. Bake for 25 minutes in preheated oven, until turnovers are puffed and lightly browned. Cool completely before glazing.
6. To make glaze, mix together confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla in a small bowl. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or milk if necessary. Drizzle glaze over cooled turnovers.

IF you don't like Apple Turnovers, don't worry because according to the National Day Calendar website, today is also, ready (or not). National Graham Cracker Day.  (More about those treats another post.)

What the %&*#$ is this?????

This unknown object has been rumored to be just around the corner. Of course we are not sure which corner, or how far away it really is, since many of our corners are still obscured. We are hoping that our loyal readers will be able to ID this.

BOING!!!!

We have been diligently watching out our window for the first signs of Spring, and can report that the ice on the river has finally broken up. Fewer icebergs have been sighted floating East, AND the Mergansers are making their annual migration stopover.

The Boys are all hoping to "get lucky"

These folks are heading North to their summer breeding grounds, and boy are they excited. Except for the poor female in the middle of all those males!!!!!!

And although some people are proposing that winter is over just because today is March 21, and are proclaiming that we should be celebrating Alban Eiler, the view from our window indicates that this is a preposterous idea.........

Alpine vista across the river

Maybe celebrating with skiing or Alpine Yodeling would be better than dancing nekid under the full moon for this years celebration.

On a more serious note (probably a b flat), Beatrice and I hope you all have a wonderful

 "First Day Of SPRING"!!!!!

Grenville

70th Remembrance

Today. is the 70^th Anniversary of the Normandy invasion known as D-Day which took place during World War II on June 6, 1944 and was among the largest amphibious assaults ever undertaken.

Hundreds of remaining  D-Day veterans and national leaders have gathered on both sides of the English Channel, to honor those who fought and remember those who died.

D-Day was not strictly a U.S. effort, but an Allied effort deploying over 150,000 soldiers, supported by many more sailors, airmen and marines, who embarked on a long-awaited invasion of occupied Europe. Although an Allied effort, U.S. forces bore the brunt of combat and the resulting sacrifice with an estimated 2,500 Americans and 3,000 other Allied troops killed on D-Day. The number of fatalities has never been determined exactly according to many historical sources.

Within the past week there have been countless online stories and video accounts both of the events and the remembrance celebrations that have taken place. I have been reading many of these stories. 

It is important to never forget the sacrifices made for the freedom of many.

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Lest We Forget

Today, December 7, is the 71st anniversary of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii that claimed the lives of over 2,300 U.S. servicemen and the loss or damage of 21 vessels and several hundred aircraft.

The list of survivors is dwindling, ceremonies marking the date are fewer, and date itself is if often overlooked in the midst of holiday time.

We pause to remember the importance of this date and those who died for our freedom.

(image from NBC website)