Our Flag

The first official flag of the United States was created by Congress on June 14, 1777.  In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation offering national recognition of "Old Glory".  Unfortunately, many in our own country no longer know what the American Flag stands for.  We must honor our flag and our heritage by teaching our children so that they may teach their children.

The book "World of Flags" was passed down to us from my husband's father.  There is lot you can learn about a nation and state's history by studying their flag.

"Each country has the assurance that their flag does them honor, and they in turn honor their flag.  So it is with the United States.  Our Flag is a symbol of our way of life; It is a symbol of our past; It is a symbol of the responsibilities we must accept as guardians of our heritage; It is the visible emblem of the mind and soul of the American people.  It reminds us of our daily blessings."  (Oakley, Charles.  World of Flags.  Chicago: F.E. Compton Co., 1970.  Print)

It was resolved that the flag of the United States would be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white: and that the union have one star for each state, white in a blue field.

On June 14, 1923 a code was drawn up at the National Flag Conference held in Washington, DC to supply a guideline for the proper use and display of the flag.  In June 1942, Congress adopted a resolution which made the flag code a law.

Here are some highlights on how you can honor and display the flag:
*Always flight the flag of the United States above all subordinate flags on the same halyard.
*Salute the flag during the hoisting or lowering of the flag, or when it passes in a parade.
*The half-staff position honors the nation's heroic dead, as on Memorial day.
*At retreat, the flag is ceremoniously lowered as the bugler blows "Retreat" or a band plays "The Star-Spangled Banner"
*When taken down the flag should be carefully folded.

(We learned all about Flag Code at a program at Jacksonport State Park)

MEANING OF THE FOLDS:
*The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
*The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
*The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
*The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.
*The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong."
*The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie.  It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
*The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of the republic.
*The eight fold is a tribute to the one who entered the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our brother, for whom it flies on Memorial Day.
*The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
*The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
*The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
*The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God teh Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
*When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust"
*After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones and were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the US Armed Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

Our girls have their own flag, and they enjoy folding it each night and in doing so are reminded of our heritage.

Celebrate Flag Day by making a patriotic snack and teaching your children about our Flag!

Bake a Cake







Make Fruit Skewers

AHG Geology Badge: Rock Collection, Exploration, and Identification

Rocks are the building blocks of earth's crust.

Igneous rocks are formed when magma cools and hardens.

Sedimentary rocks are formed from particles of sand, shells, pebbles, or other particles (sediment) that "cement" together.  They are typically softer rocks and may crumble.  Sometimes you can see the pebbles or sand, and you may even find fossils in this kind of rock.  

(from Learning About Rocks book)

Metamorphic rocks are formed under the surface of the earth by intense heat and pressure.  These rocks typically have ribbonlike layers and may have shiny crystals from minerals growing slowly over time.

Which rocks would you expect to find in your area?  Which types of rocks would you not expect to find in your area?  Since we are not located in a volcanic area, we would not expect to find igneous rocks.  However, when I traveled cross country a few years ago I picked up some Apache Tears which are obsidian, an igneous rock.  

(from Learning About Rocks book)

You usually do not have to walk far to find a wide variety of rocks.  Take a look around your yard, along a river or stream, or near outcroppings.  Start a rock collection of a dozen different rocks.

Egg Cartons are convenient way to store your rock collection.  Assign each rock a number.  In your nature journal draw a picture of where you found the rock.  Use my FREE Rock Exploration Sheet (which conveniently fits into the top of an egg carton) to answer questions about each rock.  Based on your answers and the location you found your rock, do you think your rock is igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic?

AHG Geology Badge Rock Collection Identification

Do you see any patterns or correlations between the rocks and where you found them?  For example, rocks you find in or near water are typically smoother than rocks near outcroppings.  

From our Activity Rocks (by GeoCentral) we learned that dolomite, a sedimentary rock used to build roads and make cement, contains limestone which can be dissolved by vinegar.  According to the activity kit, when you place dolomite in vinegar the limestone dissolves and once the vinegar evaporates the limestone reappears as crystals.  Adding a penny creates bluish crystals.

We observed bubbles coming from the dolomite as the limestone dissolved in the vinegar.  The kids then took off outside to search our yard for rocks and covered them in vinegar to observe what would happen.  I love watching my little scientists make their own experiments!  After letting the rocks sit in vinegar for several days we transferred the rocks and vinegar to a shallow pan and out it in the sun to allow the vinegar to evaporate.  

It's been fun to watch the crystals appear!

Share pictures of your rock collection on Instagram @pocketful_of_treasures or #pocketfuloftreasures