Rev. Lin McGee

GETTING STARTED:

September 2009

Greetings to all the wonderful, dedicated, and patriotic Mamas of the BSMA! As we

begin our new program year, I am honored to serve you and our organization as the

National Patriotic Instructor for 2009-2010.

There are so many exciting and fantastic projects we can implement in our Chapters

throughout the country ~ so many things we can learn and share ~ so many historic

events we can take part in and support one another through!

We are women who stand straight as we step forth to take our BSMA oath, women

who profess and sustain the American way of life. Women ~ and mothers ~ who

establish and expand the qualities of strength, loyalty, and courage within ourselves

and our children who serve!

Look for upcoming articles in the newsletter ~ information on our patriotic web page

~ and items sent to the Departments and Chapters! What are the things you would like

to see? How do you see yourself serving? It is going to be a great and exciting year

for all of us!

I invite you to contact me at any time with questions and/or comments on Americanism,

Our Flag, or Patriotism. Please contact me at patrioticinst@bluestarmothers.org

Thank you for this opportunity to serve.

Rev. Lin McGee

The government of the United States recognizes eleven public holidays which are

titled ‘Federal Holidays’. These Federal Holidays have been designated by our

Congress in the United States Code Title 5 Part III Subpart E Chapter 61

Subchapter I § 6103 HOLIDAYS..

The designated Federal Holidays are:

* New Years Day (January 1)

* Inauguration Day (After 1965, January 20 of each fourth year)

* The Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Third Monday in January)

* Washington's Birthday

(Also referred to as President's Day -- Third Monday in February)

* Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

* Independence Day (July 4)

* Labor Day (First Monday in September)

* Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)

* Veterans Day (November 11)

* Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday of November)

* Christmas Day (December 25)

As Congress only has the authority to establish ‘holidays’ for federal institutions,

federal employees, and the District of Columbia, there are no ‘National Holidays’

in our country. By Constitution, the federal government can not force States, local

governments, or employers to observe Federal Holidays. Most States, however,

do recognize and observe the Federal Holidays.

On occasion, Presidents of the United States have declared a public holiday through

Presidential Proclamation. Though Federal law allows for this, these public

holidays do not become “Federal Holidays”, but rather ‘national observances’.

The following descriptions of ‘Federal Holidays’ runs by date from September 2009

through August of 2010 to correspond with my term as National Patriotic Officer.

Christopher Columbas (also, in other languages: Christoffa Corombo, Christophorus

Columbus, Christoforo Colombo, Cristovao Colomba, and Cristobal Colon) was born in

Genoa, Italy, in the year of 1451. He began sailing the seas as a young cabin boy at the

age of fourteen. In 1476 he became a Portuguese citizen, and as a sea captain with dreams

of sailing west to reach the Indies, he approached Portugal's King John II in 1482 to

request funds and ships for the voyage.

Being refused, he went to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain (on more than one

occasion) seeking assistance with the expedition. It wasn't until Spain achieved victory in

the conquest of the Moorish Kingdom of Granada in January of 1492 that he was grated

support and assistance. On August 3, 1492, Columbus set sail from Palos, Spain, with

eighty-eight crew members upon three ships: the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria on

the voyage that all believed would find a direct sea route to the Indies and the riches that

they held.

On route, land was sighted (believed to be Watling Island in the Bahamas) by a crew

member from the Pinta, Rodrigo de Triana, on the morning of October 12, 1492. Going

ashore, Columbus came across the Native American Tribe, the Tainos, who inhabited the

island. He called them "Indians" because he thought he had reached the Indies. And he

claimed the land on which they lived for Spain, announcing that the island would be called

'San Salvador'.

He traveled to other near-by islands, returning to Spain with gold, spices, captives, and

information about the 'New World' in March of 1943. There, he was received with the

highest honors by the Spanish Court and titled "Admiral of the Ocean Seas" by King

Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.

He was to lead three more expeditions to the New World, 'discovering' many of the

Caribbean Islands, the Gulf of Mexico, and the South and Central American mainlands.

Though believing he had reached the Indies, he had not, and never achieved his initial

goal of finding the direct western sea route from Europe to the Indies.

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Columbus also never saw the land of the United States, although he has long been known

as the man who 'discovered' America. In fact, the peoples who later came to be called '

Native Americans' had already come across the Bering Strait from Siberia to Alaska,

traveled through the lands now know as the Americas, and established villages therein.

Historians also give information on other colonization of the Americas prior to Columbus'

landing in 1492.

In the Untied States, we celebrate Columbus' first landing in 1492 as the 'discovery' of our

country, as he was the first explorer who's findings led to continued expeditions to the

Americas by European powers to colonize and build trade networks in the 'New World'.

Many places in the United States are named after him: the District of Columbia, Columbia,

Maryland, Columbia, South Carolina, and Columbus, Ohio; and in South America, the

nation of Columbia.

Why isn't the United States named 'Colubia'? Because on April 25, 1507, when map maker

Martin Waldseemuller produced a globular world map (the first map to included the 'New

World'), he named the new continent 'America' after Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci

who had also led early expeditions to the land.

The first recorded celebration in our country which honored the 'discovery' of America took

place in New York City on October 12, 1792, the 300th anniversary of the 1492 landing. In

1892, President Benjamin Harrison urged all citizens to take an active part in the 400^th

anniversary celebration. It was at that time that our Pledge of Allegiance was recited for the

first time in public.

In 1905, Colorado was the first state to observe the holiday. In 1937, President Franklin D.

Roosevelt proclaimed October 12 to be 'Columbus Day'. President Richard Nixon, in 1971,

declared Columbus Day as a national holiday which was to be observed the second Monday

of each October. (In the other parts of the Americas and in Spain, the anniversary of

Columbus' landing, 'Columbus Day', is observed each year on October 12.)

This holiday is often seen as a controversial one, as it gives recognition to someone other

than our country's Native America peoples for the discovery of our nation. It is also seen

by some as a day which honors someone who's explorations brought harm to the Native

peoples and destruction to their way of life and culture.

Others celebrate the 'discovery of our country' on that day and also celebrate and honor all

who have immigrated to the 'New World' in search of hope, freedoms, and dreams.

Please see: The History of Columbus Day http://www.history.com/content/columbusday

VETERANS DAY is an official 'holiday' in the United States set aside to honor all

military veterans of our country and the sacrifices they have made. It is celebrated

annually, and is recognized as both a federal holiday and a state holiday within all

of our fifty states.

Originally it was known as 'Armistice Day', for it was on the eleventh hour of the

eleventh day in the eleventh month of 1918, that an armistice was signed between the

Allied nations and Germany which ceased the fighting of World War I. People

throughout the world rejoiced and celebrated, as they believed World War I to be the

'War to End All Wars'.

In America, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first commemoration of

'Armistice Day' on November 11, 1919. And he stated the following words: "To us in

America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism

of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because

of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America

to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

On June 4, 1926, Congress was to make this 'official' as they passed resolution concurrent

with President Wilson's proclamation. Request came to them later, however, to make it a

day to honor all of our veterans from all of our wars when new realities made it clear that

the end of the fighting of World War I was not the end of world conflict or war. In 1954,

Congress replaced "Armistice" with "Veterans", and President Dwight Eisenhower signed

the bill which proclaimed November 11 as Veterans Day, the day to remember and honor

all veterans.

-2- Veterans Day

Although over time there have been legal attempts to change the celebration of Veterans

Day to other dates, and although many do celebrate the holiday on 'near-by' dates for various

reasons, and although many receive 'holiday leave' on the following day if the date should

fall on a Sunday, Congress officially stated in 1978 that Veterans Day was to be observed

on November 11 in the United States.

Throughout our land there are celebrations, memorials, parades, and other events held

annually on November 11 to remember and recognize with honor our United States

military veterans. Each year too, there is an official wreath-laying ceremony held in

Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

For more information on Veterans Day and for a list of celebrations that will be taking

place throughout out country, please visit the Department of Veterans affairs website at:

http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/

In May of 1962, on Armed Forces Day, President John F. Kennedy gave this 'Word To

The Nation': "Guard zealously (the) right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them,

there will be no other rights to guard."

Each year we in America set aside the third Saturday in May to honor the Armed Forces of

our country. With great gratitude we remember the sacrifices given by the men and women

who serve and who have served this great nation. Their total commitment to freedoms,

their deep dedication to patriotism, their loyalty and courage in the face of all danger in

order that they might preserve the American way of life. We the people of the United States

gather to recognize, thank, and salute these brave souls who so gallantly have given so much

to sustain 'our rights'!

It was President Harry S. Truman that first forged through to create a unified day on which

the citizens of our nation would be able to honor our United States Military in such a way.

Until 1949 there had been multiple celebrations stemming from individual recognition days

within our individual military branches (i.e. Army Day, Air Force Day, etc.) However, when

the branches of the military became unified under the newly created Department of Defense,

it seemed fitting to some to also unify the celebrations. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of

Defense Louis Johnson announced 'Armed Forces Day' to replace the other separate Days. It

was requested that the military leagues and orders for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force,

and Coast Guard drop sponsorship of their specific branch Days and join in support of the

unified day of recognition. The Army, Navy, and Air Force leagues did adopt the newly

declared day of recognition. The Marine Corps League, on the other hand, although agreeing

to support Armed Forced Day, clearly declined dropping their support of Marine Corps Day.

Today, although the Coast Guard has become part of the Department of Homeland Security

(2003) and although each branch of service opts to also recognize and celebrate their own

specific recognition Day, all branches of the military observe and support Armed Forces Day.

This Day (the third Saturday of May) and Armed Forces Week (which begins on the second

Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May) are annual celebrations. Due to the

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nature of unique training schedules, although they observe the traditional dates for Armed

Forces Day and Armed Forces Week, Reserve Units and the National Guard may hold the

actual celebrations of such during any period in May.

In 1963, President Dwight D. Eisenhower stated: "It is fitting and proper that we devote one

day each year to paying special tribute to those whose constancy and courage constitute one

of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation and the peace of the free world."

The very first Armed Forces Day, which was celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 1950, was

themed 'Teamed for Defense'. Not only was it a day to show honor and respect to our

Armed Forces, but it was also a day to learn more about them, more about their new

relationship with one another within one government department, and to view the military

equipment they use to protect our country. President Truman said in his Presidential

Proclamation in that year: ".....the Armed Forces, as a unified team, are currently

performing, at home and across the seas, tasks vital to the security of the nation and to

the establishment of a durable peace."

It was stated by our country's leadership that: "Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20,

1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress,

under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the

first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense. " The

readiness of our unified forces was demonstrated to our civilian population through

displays, literature, lectures, and other means of education and information.

The day was also celebrated across our States by military and civilians alike with all types

of gala gatherings, receptions, air shows, exhibits, open houses, and parades. Within just

the parade in Washington, DC itself over 10,000 military personnel from all branches

marched in recognition of this day. The branches of our Armed Forces were unified, as

were the people of our country in honoring and celebrating their service.

In 1967, General Earle G. Wheeler (former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) said:

"Armed Forces Day, above all, honors the dedicated individuals who wear the uniforms of

their country. Each serviceman, wherever he may be, whatever his task, contributes directly

and importantly to the defense of the nation. The task of each one is the task of all the

Armed Forces: to protect the freedoms which underlie the greatness of America."

In 1972, The Honorable Melvin Laird (former Secretary of Defense) stated: "At home

and abroad, military men and women are showing purpose and dedication in defending

American ideas. They are performing in our country's best traditions under circumstances

both difficult and complex. Thanks to their determined spirit of patriotism and

professionalism, our country has a powerful and unified defense team, employing its forces

in the constant quest for peace and freedom."

And today, in honor of those who are serving and who have served, the President of the

United States has issued the following Presidential Proclamation for Armed Forces Day,

May 15, 2010:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-armed-forces-day-2010

Stemming from the conviction that British actions toward the Colonists demanded

measures of defense be taken, it was determined continental forces must be unified for

what was to become American Liberty. On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress

authorized the enlistment of ten companies of riflemen to serve the United Colonies in

the fight against Great Britain, thus creating the Continental Army.

On June 15, 1775, General George Washington was appointed as the first Commander-

in-Chief of these companies, and took formal command in Boston on July 3 of that year.

On June 30, 1775, the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of War and the

Revolutionary War officially began at the Battles of Lexington and Concord on

April 19, 1775.

The Continental Army won victory over Britain for the independence of our country with

the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. As the war closed, the US began to disband the

Continental Army, the majority of said action complete when it was realized the new nation

had need of an organized, trained, standing army. Thus, Congress officially created the

United States Army on June 3, 1784. This 'United States Army', which is the Army of today,

considers itself the descendant of the Continental Army and dates its inception back to the

June 14, 1775 founding date.

Many major recognition dates for this honored branch of the United States Armed Forces

would be:

* June 14, 1775 - ARMY INFANTRY - The Continental Congress authorized by

resolution, ten companies of riflemen.

* June 16, 1775 - ADJUTANT GENERAL - The post of Adjutant General established.

* June 16, 1775 - CHIEF ENGINEER FOR THE ARMY - Authority for position

established by Continental Congress.

* June 16, 1775 - PAY DEPARTMENT - Created on June 16, 1775; became Finance

Department, July 1, 1920; became Finance Corps in 1950.

* June 16, 1775 - QUARTERMASTER DEPARTMENT - Established June 16, 1775;

now named Quartermaster Corps.

-2- Army

* July 27, 1775 - ARMY HOSPITAL - Established July 27, 1775; headed by a

Director General and a Chief Physician. Medical Department established 1818;

Army Nurse Corps February, 2 1901; Dental Corps March 3, 1911; Veterinary

Corps June 3, 1916; Medical Service Corps June 30, 1917; Army Medical

Specialist Corps April 16, 1947. Medical Department renamed Army Medical

Service by Army Organization Act of 1950. Army Medical Service re-designated

Army Medical Department, June 4, 1968.

* July 29, 1775 - CHAPLAINS - Provision of pay for Chaplains established July 29,

1775; Office of the Chief of Chaplains created in 1920 by National Defense Act.

* July 29, 1775 - OFFICE OF JUDGE ADVOCATE - Office created July 29, 1775;

Judge Advocate General's Department established 1884; designated Judge Advocate

General's Corps in 1948.

* November 17, 1775 - AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY and FIELD ARTILLERY -

Henry Knox elected Colonel of the Regiment of Artillery on November 17, 1775;

regiment entered service formally on January 1, 1776.

* December 12, 1776 - CAVALRY - Authorized by Continental Congress December

12, 1776; first continuous mounted service, Regiment of Dragoons, organized 1833.

* June 3, 1784 - ARMY REGIMENT - Oldest regular Army infantry regiment, the 3d

Infantry Regiment, constituted as First American Regiment.

* March 11, 1779 - CORPS OF ENGINEERS - Authorized by Congress on March 11,

1779; became present day Army Corps of Engineers on March 16, 1802.

* May 14, 1812 - ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT - Established by Congress on May

14, 1812; became Ordnance Corps in 1950.

* March 3, 1813 - ADJUTANT GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT - Established March 3,

1813; re-designated Adjutant General's Corps in 1950.

* July 4, 1838 - CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS - Authorized by

Congress on July 4, 1838; merged with the Corps of Engineers in March of 1863.

* June 21, 1860 - SIGNAL DEPARTMENT - Established June 21, 1860, with the

appointment of Assistant Surgeon Albert J. Myer to be Signal Officer; authorized by

Congress as a separate branch of the Army on March 3, 1863, the Signal Corps.

* April 23, 1908 - ARMY RESERVE - created when Senate Bill 1424 passed.

* March 5, 1918 - TANK SERVICE - Tank Service formed, March 5, 1918. tracing

origin from Cavalry; becomes Armored Force on July 10, 1940; and a permanent

branch of the Army in 1950, Armor branch.

* June 28, 1918 - CHEMICAL WARFARE SERVICE - Established June 28, 1918;

became permanent branch of the Army in 1920 through the National Defense Act;

re-designated the Chemical Corps in 1945.

* September 26, 1941 - CORPS OF MILITARY POLICE - Regular Provost Marshal

General and Military Police Corps established. (Provost Marshal appointed at

periodic times since 1776; and Provost Corps utilized as early as 1778.)

* May 14, 1942 - WOMEN'S ARMY AUXILIARY CORPS - Celebrated as Women's

Army Corps Birthday.

-3- Army

* June 19, 1942 - RANGERS - 1st Ranger Battalion activated.

* July 31, 1942 - TRANSPORTATION CORPS - Organized, July 31, 1942; prior to

that time transportation operations were the responsibility of the Quartermaster

General.

* July 1, 1962 - MILITARY INTELLIGENCE - Intelligence and Security Branch

established in the Army by General Orders No. 38 3July1962, effective July 1, 1962;

branch re-designated Military Intelligence, July 1, 1967.

* April 12, 1983 - AVIATION - Aviation within the Army became a separate branch on

April 12, 1983, as a full member of the Army's combined Arms Team.

* April 9, 1987 - SPECIAL FORCES - Special Forces Branch of the Army established

April 9, 1987 by General Orders No. 35 19June1987; the first Special Forces units

had been formed on June 11, 1952. (Also known as Green Berets.)

* August 17, 1955 - CIVIL AFFAIRS - Army Reserve Civil Affairs / Military

Government Branch established August 17, 1955; re-designated Civil Affairs Branch

October 2, 1959; became basic branch per General Order 29 12January2007.

* October 16, 2006 - PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS - Established as a basic

branch per General Order 30 12January2007.

* January 1, 2008 - LOGISTICS - Established by General Order 6 272007.

The Army has adopted and teaches as basic warrior traits, "The 7 Army Core Values",

which are as follows:

* Loyalty – Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit,

and fellow Soldiers.

* Duty – Fulfill your obligations.

* Respect – Treat others as they should be treated.

* Selfless Service – Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates

before your own.

* Honor – Live the Army Values.

* Integrity – Do what's right, both legally and morally.

* Personal Courage – Face fear, danger, or adversity, both physical and moral.

Around the world this day, Marines will stop to remember and celebrate the high ideals

and incredible values on which the United States Marine Corps was founded! "Happy

Birthday Marines! October 10, 2009"

Two hundred and thirty-four years ago, a committee of our Continental Congress met in

Philadelphia to draft a resolution which would establish two battalions of Marines to fight

for a democratic people's independence on sea and shore. This resolution was approved

on November 10, 1775, officially forming our 'Continental Marines', the naval infantry.

With Captain Samuel Nicholas as the first commandant and Patriot Robert Mullan as the

first captain and recruiter, the Marines were 'ready for action' by early 1776. Serving aboard

our Continental Navy ships, it was the Marines duty to provide security for the ships whether

in or out of port and for the ship's officers against any mutiny attempts.

Since that time, the duties and responsibilities of our Marine Corps have evolved and

expanded according to the defense needs of the United States, advancing military doctrine,

and American foreign policy. Their mission taking new form and direction, their pride and

honor growing as the noble and glorious legacy of the Marines took shape over the years.

In the year 1921, the Marine Corps began officially celebrating it's birthday on November

10, the anniversary of its founding. General John A. Lejeune issued the Marine Corps Order

No. 47, Series 1921 which directed that the history, traditions, and mission of the Corps

would be read to all Marines on that date.

Though certainly taking many forms over the years depending on location and

circumstances, the celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday is one of the most famous

Marine customs. Often festivities, which include a formal ball, will begin at the end of

October and continue until mid November. The first formal Marine Corps Ball to celebrate

the birthday of the Corps was held in Philadelphia in 1925.

At the ceremonies, a sword is used to cut the birthday cake, a reminder that Marines are a

unique band of warriors. The first piece of cake is to be served to the guest of honor -- by

tradition, cake is then presented to the oldest and youngest Marine attending; a legacy

shown,, the nurturing of those following Marine Corps footsteps.

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An excerpt from the Marine Corps Manual is read along with the current year's 'birthday

message' from the Commanding Officer of the Corps. The following is the 2009 Marine

Corps Base Camp Lejeune Birthday Message from Commanding Officer Colonel Richard

P. Flatau, Jr.

11/10/2009 By Colonel Richard P. Flatau, Jr., Marine Corps

Base Camp LeJeune Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune —

As we celebrate the 234th anniversary of the founding of our Corps, take pride in

your contributions to our great nation, our great Corps and our great base. It is

teamwork and each Marine's commitment to the team that is the strength of our

Corps. So it is, too, for this iconic base of Marines, this home of expeditionary

forces in readiness.

The Corps' strength has been consecrated in sacrifice and tested in battles over the

years. Although always resilient in strength, the Marine Corps has continuously

adapted and evolved, often through extraordinary innovation. Through it all, a

renowned, revered legacy of excellence in battle and in all endeavors has amassed.

Camp Lejeune shares in that legacy.

Though the means of war and training for it have changed over the years, the

fundamental nature of war and of Marines has not. In the short 68 years that the

base has existed much has changed; yet, the Corps' and the base's defining

characteristics of commitment, sacrifice for one another, unrelenting excellence, and

courage have remained timeless. Today those characteristics flourish here aboard

Camp Lejeune, reflected by operational forces Marines preparing for or resetting after

combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, or forward presence operations elsewhere around the

globe, and reflected by the Marines of the base providing vital support.

As you gather in high-spirited camaraderie to celebrate our Corps' 234th anniversary, I

commend to you: honor the generations of Marines preceding us in war and in relative

peace without whose sacrifices we would not have our great legacy; remember your

fellow Marines deployed around the globe and their families; and, strive to exemplify

our motto, Semper Fidelis, by being Always Faithful to each other, to our Corps, and to

our country.

Happy birthday Marines. Col Flatau sends."

For those serving and those who have served, the Birthday of the Marines is a special day

to celebrate their heritage, their legacy, and their distinguished service. Many are away

this year in the battles of war; may they know the high regard and pride their country holds

them in. May they celebrate within their hearts, for wherever Marines are, the Marine

spirit, values, and virtue are there also!

Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Friday, October 13, 1775, the Continental

Congress of the Untied States voted in key legislation which would establish the

Continental Navy. Within a few days of that vote, the Congress also established a

Naval Committee which would oversee all areas of naval operation.

Though growing to over fifty, our country's first fleet began with only two armed vessels,

dispatched with the intention of intercepting British ships carrying ammunition supplies.

At the close of the Revolutionary War, Congress disbanded the Continental Navy, selling

the ships, and releasing the sailors from duty.

On April 30, 1798, our country's Department of the Navy was formed, as Congress had

been authorized to re-establish the Navy when our Constitution was ratified in 1789,

Thus, originally named the Continental Navy, today's Navy has its roots in and celebrates

its birth date as October 13, 1775. This was first officially recognized in 1972 by order of

the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Elmo. R. Zumwalt.

Please see slide show: http://www.usni.org/heritage/OldNavySlideshow.asp

In 1922, the Navy League of the United Stated selected October 27th as 'Navy Day', a

day in which to recognize and celebrate our Naval Forces. Chaired by former Navy

League National President Breckenridge, the first national Navy Day celebration was

held that year with Navy shore stations and ships hosting 'open houses' across the nation.

With great pride and enthusiasm, people gathered to see the Navy on display!

The Secretary of the Navy, Edwin Denby, received the following note from President

Warren Harding at that time:

"Thank you for your note which brings assurance of the notable success which

seems certain to attend the celebration of Navy Day on Friday, October 27, in

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commemoration of past and present services of the Navy. From our earliest

national beginnings the Navy has always been, and deserved to be, an object of

special pride to the American people. Its record is indeed one to inspire such

sentiments, and I am very sure that such a commemoration as is planned will

be a timely reminder."

"It is well for us to have in mind that under a program of lessening naval

armaments there is a greater reason for maintaining the highest efficiency,

fitness and morale in this branch of the national defensive service. I know how

earnestly the Navy personnel are devoted to this idea and want you to be assured

of my hearty concurrence."

President Calvin Coolidge, Harding's successor, continued support of Navy Day and our

Naval Forces, stating in a letter dated August 29, 1923, that our United States Navy is

our nation's "first line of defense".

Chief of Naval Operations designate Navy Day (10/27) and the Navy Birthday (10/13) to

be the two dates to be celebrated Navy wide on an annual basis. Parades, educational

lectures, government proclamations, and celebrations sometimes lasting several days,

have given rise to a greater appreciation for our Navy and Naval heritage as we have

marked the celebration of Navy Day across our country.

The specific date for this special day of honor and celebration was selected by the Navy

League in recognition of the birthday of President Theodore Roosevelt, who had served

as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy and who adamantly supported the concept of Navy

Day and the ideals of the United States Navy. October 27th was also the anniversary date

of the report issued by a special committee of the Continental Congress in 1775 calling

for the purchase of merchant ships which established our Continental Navy.

Though attempts have been made over the years to move the celebration of Navy Day to

October 13, the 'Birthday of the Navy' and even to 'Armed Forces Day' which is celebrated

in May, it remains recognized on October 27th. In 1945, the October 27th celebration

coincided with the return of hundreds of naval ships to the continental United States after

their overseas service in WWII. President Harry S. Truman reviewed the fleet in the New

York Harbor, joined in the parade and other festivities, and delivered his 'Navy Address' to

the nation in which he paid tribute to the men and women of the United States Navy,

Marines, and Coast Guard and the ships which had carried them to victory in the war.

President Truman's address can be found here:

http://millercenter.org/scripps/archive/speeches/detail/3342

Though many countries establish a date on which to celebrate and honor their own Naval

Forces, the United States Navy has remained the largest and most powerful Navy in the

world since WWII. A branch of the United States Department of Defense, the Department

of the Navy includes the United States Marine Corps and during wartime engagement, the

United States Coast Guard. It is headed by the Secretary of the Navy and is the branch of

our military force responsible for defending our nation at sea and maintaining security on

the seas wherever United States interests extend.

In the United States, we set aside 'Memorial Day' to remember and give honor too all

those who have given their lives in the military service of our country. Memorial Day

is a Federal Holiday, and is presently observed on the last Monday in the month of May

each year.

Since 1950, the President of the United States has issued, in accordance with Congressional

joint resolution (see US Code Title 36, Subtitle I, Section 116), a Presidential Proclamation

which calls all Americans to a solemn remembrance of our beloved heroes. The most

recent Proclamation at the time of this writing (2009) reads in part:

"For over two centuries, Americans have defended our National security and

protected our founding principles of democracy and equal justice under law. On

Memorial Day, we honor those who have paid the ultimate price in defense of

these freedoms. Members of the United States Armed Forces have placed our

National safety before their own for generations. From the first shots fired at

Lexington and Concord to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, these

brave patriots have taken on great risks to keep us safe, and they have served

with honor and distinction. All Americans who have enjoyed the blessings of

peace and liberty remain in their debt. As we remember the selfless service of

our fallen heroes, we pray for God's grace upon them. We also pray for all of

our military personnel and veterans, their families, and all those who have lost

loved ones in the defense of our freedom and safety. Today, as we commend their

deeds, we also bear a heavy burden of responsibility to ensure their sacrifices will

not have been in vain. This means that, as we uphold the ideals for which many

have given their last full measure of devotion, the United States must never waver

in its determination to defend itself, to be faithful in protecting liberty at home and

abroad, and to pursue peace in the world."

The Proclamations request Americans to unite to pray for permanent peace, usually

designating a particular time for that prayer. American flags are flow at half-staff from

dawn until noon throughout our land. And, in accordance with The National Moment of

Remembrance Act (Public Law 106-579 -- signed into law in December of 2000), each

American is asked to pause at 3:00 pm (local time) to remember those who have given

the ultimate sacrifice in the military service of our country.

Memorial Day is sometimes still referred to by it's original name, 'Decoration Day' ~

called thus, in relation to the practice of 'decorating' the graves of Civil War soldiers with

flowers. These annual Spring time tributes began in May of 1866 and were observed in

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both the north and the south. On May 5, 1868, Major General John Logan, the National

Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic (a Union Veteran Organization), issued

General Order No. 11, proclaiming May 30th 'Decoration Day' nationwide:

"The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or

otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country

during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village,

and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is

prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting

services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit."

The first celebration of such was held at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1868,

with General James Garfield giving the tribute speech on the veranda of what was once

the home of General Robert E. Lee. More than 20,000 graves of both Union and

Confederate soldiers laying at rest on the hallowed ground of Arlington were then

decorated by those who had come to pay honor.

Over time, some twenty-five cities stepped forward claiming to be the 1866 'birth place'

of the observance of this great tribute. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson and our federal

government declared it to be Waterloo, N.Y., giving it this distinguished honor.

After World War I, those to be honored by this observance broadened to include the fallen

of all American wars. In 1882 the name 'Memorial Day' began being used, growing in

popularity particularly after World War II, and becoming the 'official name' under Federal

Law in 1967.

The Uniform Holiday Bill, passed by Congress on June 28, 1968, moved the observance of

'Memorial Day' from the date of May 30th to the last Monday in the month of May. (Said

Federal Law taking effect on the federal level in 1971; Public Law 90-363.)

Since that time, many have been advocating to have the observance returned to the

traditional date. Beginning in 1987, Hawaii's Senator Daniel Inouye has introduced

measures at the Congressional level to do so. The 2002 Memorial Day Address of the

Veterans Of Foreign Wars states:

"Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very

meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed a lot to the general public's

nonchalant observance of Memorial Day."

To this day, the national ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery continues annually, with

the President or Vice-President of the United States speaking to the thousands who have

gathered to honor our war dead. Wreaths are laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and

American flags are placed on graves across the Cemetery. People across our land visit

cemeteries, march in parades, and attend events to signify their great debt of gratitude to

those who have given so much that we might live in the Land of The Free!

Moina Michael, who initiated the idea and was the first to wear a red Poppy on Memorial

Day, also wrote this poem in 1915 in response to the famous 'In Flanders Field':

We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

In the United States of America, "National Flag Week" is recognized in June during the

week in which the 14th of June falls. June 14th itself being, "Flag Day", the date in 1777

when the Second Continental Congress adopted the official flag of the United States.

July 4th, Independence Day, is the date set for the celebration of the birthday of our country.

June 14th, Flag Day, the date set to celebrate our national flag, which we so dearly love.

It was on June 14, 1861, in Hartford, Connecticut, during the first summer of the Civil War,

that the United States Flag was first flown in a Flag Day celebration. Although the annual

observance of this celebration did not become a tradition in Hartford, it was recorded in the

Kansas: a Cyclopedia of State History, published in 1912 by the Standard Publishing

Company of Chicago, IL, that one George Morris of Hartford, was the first person to

suggest the day:

"To George Morris of Hartford, Conn., is popularly given the credit of suggesting

"Flag Day," the occasion being in honor of the adoption of the American flag on June

14, 1777. The city of Hartford observed the day in 1861, carrying out a program of a

patriotic order, praying for the success of the Federal arms and the preservation of the

Union."

More widely known is one Bernard Cigrand, who is often sited for the initial suggestion

of the observance of Flag Day, as he wrote the popular article printed in the Chicago

Argus Newspaper in June of 1886, "The Fourteenth of June". As a grade school teacher

at the Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wisconsin, he had had his students formally observe

the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of our flag as 'Flag Birthday' in 1885. And

he continued to actively advocate for such an observance, calling it "Flag Birthday" or

“Flag Day", believing it should be recognized annual as a national tradition. He spoke and

wrote extensively as the President of the American Flag Day Association, and later the

National Flag Day Society.

On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held its first Flag Day celebration.

It is believed that Betsy Ross, an official flag maker for the Pennsylvania Navy, may have

stitched the 13 white stars on a blue background, 13 red and white striped flag, used on

June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress authorized 'The Stars and Stripes'; Old

Glory, The Star Spangled Banner, our nation's flag. Though the number of stars have

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changed over the years to reflect the number of united States (now being 50 in number),

there remains 13 equal, horizontal, red (top and bottom) and white stripes (though for a

short time there were 15), representing the original 13 colonies (which were the first States

in the Union).

In 1894, it was directed by the governor of New York, Roswell P. Flower, that the

United States flag be displayed on all public buildings on June 14. It is believed that

Fairfield, Washington, has held the longest (oldest) continuous observance of a Flag

Day parade, beginning as early as 1909 or 1910. And it was in 1916 that President

Woodrow Wilson issued the proclamation calling for a nationwide observance to take

place on June 14 of that year.

Pennsylvania was the first state to celebrate "Flag Day" as a state holiday (beginning in

the town of Rennerdale, Pennsylvania), on June 14, 1937. And on August 3, 1949,

President Harry Truman signed legislation that was to officially designate June 14 of

each year as "Flag Day".

On June 14, 2004, the 108th Congress voted on H.R. 662, which officially declared that

Flag Day originated in Ozaukee Country, Wisconsin.

Although not a federal holiday, "Flag Day" is a nationwide observance; and Title 36 of

the United States Code, Subtitle I, Part A, CHAPTER 1 which outlines 'Patriotic and

National Observances'; is specific to 'Flag Day' in § 110. In 1966, our Congress made

request that each United States President would hence forth annually proclaim the week

in which June 14th occurred, National Flag Week.

"Flag Day" is celebrated with flag raising events, patriotic programs, ceremonies, parades,

essay contests, music tributes, and the like, which show our patriotism and pride in all

that our nation stands for. The flag is to be treated with the utmost honor and respect, and

handled with great dignity and care. The national flag is not a toy, but rather that which

represents the life blood and blood shed for the establishment and preservation our nation.

It holds hope in a future of peace gained by the sacrifices of today. The twenty-one day

time period following "Flag Day" is known as 'Honor America Days'. This period of time

lasts from the celebration of "Flag Day" through the celebration of "Independence Day".

This is the time to honor America and all that our nation stands for.

Each year, the President of the United States calls for the flag to be displayed on all

government buildings and urges all US residents to observe the celebration of "Flag Day".

This years proclamation can be found at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-flag-day-and-national-flag-week

Today, the people of the United States celebrate one of our National Holidays,

'Thanksgiving'. We gather with one another to give thanks for our many blessings,

to enjoy family and home, and to remember loved ones who are not able to be with

us on this day.

It was on September 25, 1789, while Congress was in session, that Congressman Elias

Boudinot from the state of New Jersey stated that he “could not think of letting the

session pass over without offering an opportunity to all the citizens of the United States

of joining, with one voice, in returning to Almighty God their sincere thanks for the

many blessings he had poured down upon them.” He proposed to both the House of

Representatives and the Senate that they make joint request of President George

Washington that he should issue proclamation for a day of thanksgiving for "the many

signal favors of Almighty God."

On October 3, 1789, President George Washington issued the first "Thanksgiving

Proclamation", which declared November 26, 1789 a national day of 'thanksgiving and

prayer' for our country. You can read, hear, and learn more about the proclamation here:

http://lifeofgeorgewashington.org/georgewashingtonsthanksgivingproclamation.html

Although the issuing of the Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation ceased in the early

1800s for some 45 years, the tradition was re-instituted by President Abraham Lincoln

when he gave his 'Proclamation of Thanksgiving' on October 3, 1863:

http://www.historyplace.com/lincoln/thanks.htm which declared that the last Thursday

of November 1863 would be set aside for a nationwide celebration of thanksgiving.

Since that time, 'Thanksgiving' has been observed annually in the United States. During

the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the observation date from

the last Thursday of November to the third Thursday to allow for extra shopping time

between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with Congress enacting what was called the 'fourth

Thursday compromise'. Though his reasoning was to boost our economy by extending the

holiday shopping season, public protested was huge and rapidly became politicized. In the

year 1939, some states celebrated a 'Democratic Thanksgiving' on the third Thursday of

November and others celebrated a 'Republican Thanksgiving' on the fourth Thursday of

November.

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Public outrage continued, even calling Thanksgiving 'Franksgiving' until December 26,

1941, when Congress passed a law ensuring a unified American celebration of

Thanksgiving, declaring a National Holiday to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of

November.

There are numerous claims to the date and location of the 'First Thanksgiving Celebration'

from which we model our present day American observance. Record shows that the

Spanish explorer, Francisco Vasquez de Coronada led a 'thanksgiving' celebration at the

Palo Duro Canyon, in West Texas in 1541. And on September 8, 1565, 800 settlers

gathered for a 'thanksgiving' meal in the Spanish colony of St. Augustine, Florida, with

their leader, Pedro Menendez de Aviles and the Timucuan Indians.

On June 30, 1564, René de Laudonnière, the leader of the colony of French Huguenots

who had established the settlement which is now Jacksonville, Florida, recorded that they

had sang and celebrated "thanksgiving' unto God. Colonists in Jamestown who had

diminished from 409 to just 60 survivors, called for a celebration of 'thanksgiving' when

ships filled with food and supplies arrived from England in 1610. And on December 4,

1619, when 38 colonists landed at another place in present-day Virginia that they called

Berkeley Hundred, they also were to celebrate 'thanksgiving'.

In 1621, the most famous of 'thanksgiving' celebrations (and the one most Americans

attribute to being 'the first traditional thanksgiving feast/celebration') took place between

the surviving Mayflower Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans in Plymouth,

Massachusetts. Too, the settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony observed a celebration

of 'Thanksgiving' on July 8, 1630.

Colonists recorded that 'when the sailing ended and the ships were accounted for', there

was a 'day of thanksgiving' in all plantations. Passengers aboard the Arbella proclaimed

they had celebrations of 'thanksgiving' while on route. Yet, as no American Nation existed

at any of these times, none of these 'thanksgiving' celebrations held national pronouncement

or proclamation.

It wasn't until George Washington stopped his troops in the open fields in 1777 while on

route to Valley Forge that the first observance of 'thanksgiving' took place in the new

United States of America.

Today, November 26, 2009, is Thanksgiving Day in our country. And, no matter which

past feasts and celebrations we look to as our 'First Thanksgiving', today is our day in which

to set aside the time, as a Nation, to give gratitude and thanksgiving for all of our many

blessings.

Please see this year's Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-thanksgiving-day

Although January 15 is the actual 'birth date' of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,

US Public Law 98–144 designates the third Monday in January as the annual legal public

holiday to observing/celebrate his birth.

Born (Michael Luther King) just after noon on the 15th day of January, 1929, in a little

upstairs bedroom of his parent's home located at 501 Auburn Ave. in Atlanta, Georgia,

King was to become an internationally renowned visionary, humanitarian, and reformer

for social justice. He taught high ideals and principles, created opportunities for hope

and healing, lifted up the value of service to others, preached peace and reconciliation,

and promoted unity between the races, nations, faiths, and social classes.

Here in the United States, he was the most prominent civil rights leader and spokes person

throughout the 50s and 60s. He advocated nonviolent activism within the movement and

brought to our country historic reforms on many levels as he championed the cause of

racial justice and equality.

An extremely courageous person, King took great personal risk to stand for the freedoms

and liberties of others. He was subject to twenty-nine jail sentences, many threats, beatings,

bombings, and other forms of harassment as he forged forth as the revolutionary force

bringing liberation to oppressed people.

Eventually, King was to pay the 'ultimate price' for his unprecedented leadership when, at

just 39 years old, he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968, by James

Earl Ray.

His legacy of social justice had been so profound, that just four days after he was shot and

killed, D-US Representative John Conyers from Michigan introduced legislation which

called for the creation of a federal holiday to mark King's birthday.

Initially, the bill did not pass, as critics brought forth the problematic aspects they saw in

connection to it. But supporters of the holiday continued their efforts with rallies, worker's

strikes, petitions, job walk-offs on King's birth date, and the like.

The bill itself was also resubmitted to Congress during each successive Congressional

session until finally it passed in the US House of Representatives on August 2, 1983

with a 338-90 vote. The US Senate approved this bill (proposed by R-US Representative

Katie Hall of Indiana) on October 19, 1983 by a 78-22 vote margin and President Ronald

Reagan signed it into law on November 3, 1983.

When signing the law, President Reagan commented "Dr. King had awakened

something strong and true, a sense that true justice must be colorblind, and that

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among white and black Americans, as he put it, 'Their destiny is tied up with our

destiny, and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom; we cannot walk

alone.'" At the signing Coretta Scott King, the widow of Martin Luther King Jr.,

also spoke: "America is a more democratic nation, a more just nation, a more

peaceful nation because Martin Luther King, Jr., became her preeminent

nonviolent commander."

(II Ronald Reagan, Pub. Papers, 1529, 1529-30 (1983)

(President Reagan's signing statement of Nov. 2, 1983)).

This bill also established the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday Commission, the

purpose of which was to oversee the observance of the holiday. In May of 1989,

President George H. W. Bush gave Coretta Scott King, widow of Martin Luther King

Jr., lifetime membership on the Commission.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first observed on January 20, 1986 as a federal holiday

under the US Code: Title 5 Section 6103(a) and a Presidential Proclamation has been

issued since that date without request. For the 2010 Proclamation please see:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-martin-luther-king-jr-day

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. graduated high school at the age of 15, was elected class

president of his predominantly white class during his senior year at Crozer Theological

Seminary in Pennsylvania, served as a member of the executive committee of the

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, lead the first Negro

nonviolent demonstration in our country, was elected president of the Southern Christian

Leadership Conference, organized the drives for Negro voter registration in Alabama,

earned his doctorate decree from Boston University in 1955, was awarded five honorary

degrees, pastored several churches in the south, was named man of the year by Time

Magazine in 1963, and was the youngest man to ever receive the Nobel Prize at the age

of 35 (the $54,123. prize money which he gifted to the civil rights movement).

He wrote "Letter from a Birmingham Jail", a manifesto of the Negro revolution' on April

16, 1963 in which he states, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,". And

gave the incredible 'I Have a Dream' speech to some 250,000 civil rights supporters from

the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC on August 28, 1963 in which he

called for an end to discrimination, racial injustice, and segregation.

Rev. Dr. King was married to Coretta Scott King and they had two sons and two daughters.

Yet, on this day we remember more than the accomplishments and achievements of one

man who inspired nonviolent liberation movements around the world. We remember more

than social reforms, legislative actions, marches for justice, and gathering of a people.

Today, we remember, honor, and respect all that this stands for ~ truth, pride, dignity,

human rights, liberty, freedom, equal access to the pursuit of happiness.

Public Law 103-304, the 'King Holiday and Service Act of 1994', was enacted by the 103^rd

Congress of the United States and signed into law by President Bill Clinton on August 23,

1994. This legislation designated Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a 'national day of service'

and charged the Commission encouraging Americans to celebrate this holiday as a day of

service by volunteering in ways that would honor King's legacy. For more information

on the 'Day of Service' see: http://www.mlkday.gov/about/overview/index.asp

INAUGURATION DAY

On April 30, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the

United States of America. Inauguration takes place upon the commencement of the

President serving their term of office. President Washington was sworn in by Robert

Livingston, the Chancellor of the State of New York, at the Federal Hall on Wall

Street in New York City.

Washington wrote to James Madison:

"As the first of every thing, in our situation we serve to establish a Precedent. It is

devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles."

Washington's second inauguration ceremonies took place on March 4, 1793, with

William Cushing, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, administering the oath of

office in the Senate Chamber of Congress Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Since that time, presidential inaugurations have been held (with few exceptions) on the

4th of March every four years through and including the year 1933.

In 1933 the Twentieth Amendment of our Constitution (which sets the beginning and

ending dates for elected federal official's terms) was ratified. Section 1 of the Twentieth

Amendment states:

"The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day

of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day

of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had

not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin."

From January 20, 1937 to (and including) January 20, 2009, presidential inaugurations

have been held (with few exceptions) every four years on the 20th day of January. Our

country's next presidential inauguration will be on January 20, 2013.

Article Two, Section One, Clause Eight of the United States Constitution requires the

President elect to take an Oath of Office prior to assuming the duties of the office.

Wording is specific within the Clause:

"Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following

Oath or Affirmation:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office

of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability,

preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

This is the only constitutionally mandated requirement before a President can assume

the duties of the office, however, over the years many traditions have arisen surrounding

the inauguration and 'Inauguration Day' has become an elaborate day long event of

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ceremonies, oaths, speeches, musical renditions, Congressional luncheons, prayers,

parades, and gala balls.

On March 4, 1801, at the Senate Chamber of the US Capital, Thomas Jefferson was the

first President to take his oath in Washington, DC. Most successive Presidents have

done the same, however, those who have had to assume office upon the death or

resignation of a serving President, take their oath at their immediate locations.

Presidents who must assume remaining terms of office due to death, resignation, or

removal of a previous President do not have inaugurations.

When March 4th or January 20th has fallen on a Sunday, tradition is that the President

elect takes his oath privately and assumes his office on the official day (one President

taking his oath on the Saturday before) ~ but public 'Inauguration Day' festivities do not

start until the following day, i.e. March 5th and January 21st respectively.

Since 1901, the Congressional Joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has organized all

ceremonies at the US Capital. And since 1953, military participation in the inauguration

ceremonies has been coordinated by the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (now called

the Joint Task Force-Inaugural Committee).

Since 1937, the Vice President elect also takes the Vice Presidential oath of office during

the same ceremony as the President elect takes the Presidential oath of office, with the Vice

President elect's oath being administered first. Prior to that time, the oath for the Vice

President elect has been administered in the Senate. The oath taken by the Vice President is

not mandated by our Constitution and it has had several variations since 1789. Since 1884,

however, the same oath that is administered to other government officials, such as the

members of House of Representatives and the Senate, is being used.

Since 1953, the Congress has held a luncheon following the inauguration ceremony, at

which both the President and the Vice President are honored.

Security is, of course, of top level throughout 'Inauguration Day' with the Capital Police,

Metropolitan Police, all five branches of our Armed Forces, the FBI, Secret Service,

ICE-FPS, and other law enforcement agencies on duty.

US Code Title 5, Part III, 6103(c) states:

(c) January 20 of each fourth year after 1965, Inauguration Day, is a legal public

holiday for the purpose of statutes relating to pay and leave of employees as

defined by section 2105 of this title and individuals employed by the

government of the District of Columbia employed in the District of Columbia,

Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties in Maryland, Arlington and Fairfax

Counties in Virginia, and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church in Virginia.

When January 20 of any fourth year after 1965 falls on Sunday, the next

succeeding day selected for the public observance of the inauguration of

the President is a legal public holiday for the purpose of this subsection.

Although hundreds of thousands of people from across the United States gather in

Washington, DC for the events of Inauguration Day, as a federal holiday every fourth

year since January 20 of 1965, authorities are allowed more opportunities for tighter

security with less 'work related' traffic and other congestion in the DC area. Over the years,

not only has 'Inauguration Day' itself expanded with events and festivities, but also many

celebratory events are held in DC for five days prior and five days post inauguration of the

United States President who was elected to office during the previous November's elections.

Semper Paratus ~ Latin for 'Always Ready' ~

Is Both the Motto and the Theme Song of the United States Coast Guard!

The United State Coast Guard is a unique branch of the Armed Forces of our country.

It has a dual mission of: 1) a maritime law enforcement mission (holding jurisdiction

in both international and domestic waters) and 2) a federal regulatory agency mission.

Maritime Law (also known as Admiralty Law) is a body of law which encompasses both

'domestic law' (which governs maritime questions and offences) and 'private international

law' (which governs questions and offences that deal with private entities with vessels in

the oceans). A federal regulatory agency has the right and responsibility to regulate and

supervise in matters through the use of autonomous authority.

The Coast Guard was established on August 4, 1790 when the United States Congress

authorized the then Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, to create and establish

a maritime force (1 Stat. L. 145, 175). Due to the lawlessness on the seas and a struggling

homeland economy dependant upon tariffs, Hamilton had been adamantly urging Congress

to create a 'Revenue-Marine' to enforce the tariffs and other maritime laws. The Revenue-

Marine was established and began to operate under the authority of the United States

Department of the Treasury.

In 1794, they began intercepted slave ships that were illegally importing slaves to the

United States. Between 1798 and 1801 they fought on the seas alongside the newly formed

United States Navy during the 'undeclared war' between the United States and France. And,

they were the enforcers of the Embargo Act of 1807, which outlawed practically all European

trade in American ports until 1808. In 1832, the then Secretary of the Treasury Louis McLane

assigned additional duties along with the main function of being an armed maritime law

enforcement service. The new duties included coming to the aid of mariners in distress

and/or need. Congress, in 1837, made this an official part of their duties.

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The Revenue-Marine was later renamed the 'United States Revenue Cutter Service' by act of

July 31, 1894 (28 Stat. 171). And on January 28, 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed

into law an act which would combine the Revenue Cutter Service with the Lifesaving

Service (shore based stations of volunteers which assisted ships wrecked near shore) ~

this forming the United States Coast Guard (38 Stat. L., 800). Title 14 of the US Code

states: "The Coast Guard as established January 28, 1915, shall be a military service

and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times." .

In 1939 the United States Lighthouse Service was also incorporated into the Coast

Guard, and in 1942 the Navigation and Steamboat Inspection Service. In 1946, the

Bureau of Marine Inspection was abolished as an independently agency and became a

permanent part of the United States Coast Guard. It is important to take note of these

individual agencies and what they brought to the whole of the make up of the Coast.

Guard. Of particular note would be the search and rescue procedures of the Lighthouse

Service. This lifesaving mission is often seen today by many to be the Coast Guard's

main and most important service.

Through the years, though most often operating under the authority of the United States

Department of the Treasury, during periods of war the President of the United States

has the authority to ~ and did ~ transfer by Executive order the operations of the Cutter

Service (Coast Guard) to the Department of the Navy. On April 1, 1967, the Coast Guard

was transferred from the Department of the Treasury to the newly formed Department of

Transportation by Executive Order 167-81. On March 1, 2003, it was again transferred to

another newly formed Department, the Department of Homeland Security, under who's

authority it remains today.

Of itself, the Coast Guard says:

By law, the Coast Guard has 11 missions:

(listed in order of percentage of operating expenses)

Thus, we are military, multi-mission, and maritime.

Initially a part of the United States Army, the aerial and space military force that we

know as the United States Air Force today was initially designated: Aeronautical

Section, United States Army Signal Corps (1909).

Formed on August 1, 1907, the Aeronautical Section of the Army Signal Corps was

primarily interested in aviation in relation to airships and balloons. However, with the

purchase of its first aircraft in 1909 from the Wright Brothers, the focus changed and

the 1st Aero Squadron was launched in December of 1913.

1914 brought forth 'Air Force' inclusion within the Aviation Section of the Army Signal

Corps when it formed on July 18 of that year. On May 24, 1918 during World War I,

President Woodrow Wilson created the Army Air Service and placed it directly under the

War Department. With the Army Reorganization Act of 1920, the Army Air Service

became an operational member of the Army combat team. The Air Corps Act of 1926

brought a change in name from 'Army Air Service' to 'Army Air Corps' on July 2nd of

that year. And the Department of War created the Army Air Forces on June 20, 1941.

This was the historical prelude to what is today the United States Air Force. On July 26,

1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act, which established

both the Department of Defense (with Joint Chiefs of Staff) and the United States Air

Force. With this Act, the Air Force became an official, independent, and equal branch of

the military within the United States Armed Forces on September 18, 1947. General A.

Spaatz became the Air Force's first Chief of Staff and Stuart Symingon the first Secretary

of the Air Force. It is interesting that President Truman signed the National Security Act

while aboard what he called the 'Sacred Cow' ~ the VC-54C 'presidential aircraft' belonging

to the US Army Air Forces ~ the first aircraft used in the role of 'Air Force One'!

The National Security Act of 1947 (61 Stat. 502) was to say this about the newly formed

Air Force:

"In general the United States Air Force shall include aviation forces both combat

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and service not otherwise assigned. It shall be organized, trained, and

equipped primarily for prompt and sustained offensive and defensive air

operations. The Air Force shall be responsible for the preparation of the

air forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war except as otherwise

assigned and, in accordance with integrated joint mobilization plans, for the

expansion of the peacetime components of the Air Force to meet the needs

of war."

US Code Title 10 Subtitle D Part 1 Chapter 807 §8062 defines the purpose of

the Air Force as:

preserving the peace and security, and providing for the defense, of the

United States, the Territories, Commonwealths, and possessions, and

any areas occupied by the United States supporting the national policy

implementing the national objectives overcoming any nations responsible

for aggressive acts that imperil the peace and security of the United States.

The Air Force today is comprised of the Regular Air Force, the Air National Guard, and

the Air Force Reserve. It also has auxiliary civilian personnel members in the Civil Air

Patrol. It is the largest Air Force in the world and holds the highest skills and

technological advancements.

It states it's mission as: "Fly, fight, and win..... in air, space, and cyberspace." To

accomplish the mission, they hold high the Air Force core values: 1) Integrity First

2) Service Before Self 3) Excellence in All We Do.

The 'Posture Statement' of the United States Air Force for 2010 states its core functions:

* Nuclear Deterrence Operations

* Special Operations

* Air Superiority

* Global Integrated ISR

* Space Superiority

* Command and Control

* Cyberspace Superiority

* Personnel Recovery

* Global Precision Attack

* Building Partnerships

* Rapid Global Mobility

* Agile Combat Support

It is with great and well deserved pride that the United States Air Force traditionally

recognizes and celebrates its birthday annually on September 18 with champagne and

cake!!

Nineteen years after the landing of the Mayflower at Plymouth, what is often considered

the first 'constitution' of our country was drawn up by colonists from Hartford, Windsor,

and Wethersfield, titled: 'The Fundamental Orders'. This document, which limited the

power of government and gave men the right to vote, set forth and established a

'representative system' of government. Though colonists were under the rule of Great

Britain, they sought to establish an ecclesiastical society which would be subject to their

own rules and regulations.

The January 14, 1639, orders were adopted and transcribed into the official colony

records, becoming the 'constitution' for the colonial form of government (which, by the

way is why Connecticut is called 'The Constitution State'). People wanted a democratic

form of government ~ they wanted to escape tyranny ~ they wanted to live under their

own rule.

The colonists were unhappy with British rule and the unrest and discontent grew. There

was also the issue of taxation. Though the colonists paid their taxes to Britain, they did

not have any representation there and thus were unable to have a say in what took place.

The "Taxation without Representation" issue, lead to King George sending extra troops

to the colonies to keep under control any ideas of rebellion. Tensions grew, and while the

King's troops were advancing on Concord Massachusetts in April of 1775, Paul Revere

was to make his famous ride during which he gave warning to the people, "The British

are coming, the British are coming!". The 'unofficial' beginning of the War for

Independence began with the 'shot heard around the world' which was fired at the Battle

of Concord.

In June of 1776, a statesman from Virginia, Richard Henry Lee, proposed a motion of

an 'independence resolution' to the Second Continental Congress which called for the

colonies' total independence from Great Britain's rule. A committee was formed to

draft the declaration, which became the 'Declaration of Independence'. Members of the

committee included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert R.

Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Chairman of the committee was Thomas Jefferson

(later) to be the third president of the United States). He wrote the first draft of the

Declaration which was presented to the congress on June 28.

On July 2, the Congress voted in closed session to declare independence from Great

Britain, accepting Richard Henry Lee's 'independence resolution'. Franklin and Adams

made minor changes to the first draft of the Declaration, presenting a final draft to

Congress on July 4. A vote was taken from the representatives of the 13 British colonies

~ 9 voted in favor (New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island,

Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia), 2 voted no (Pennsylvania

-2- Independence Day

and South Carolina), 1 was undecided (Delaware), and1 abstained (New York).

On July 4, 1776, the British colonies approved and adopted the wording of the

Declaration which declared their independence from Great Britain, rejected any

allegiance to the British monarchy, and claimed a new and sovereign nation ~ the

United States of America. The President of the Continental Congress, John Hancock,

then signed the Declaration, making it an official document.

July 4, 1776 ~ INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!!

The very next day, copies of the Declaration were distributed to the people; it was

printed in the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6; and was read in public on July 8

in Philadelphia's Independence Square.

On July 19, 1776, when New York moved from 'abstain' to 'yes', Congress ordered the

Declaration to be engrossed on parchment and signed by all members. On August 2,

1776, 50 members of Congress were to sign the 'Declaration of Independence'. The

signers were:

Edith Shain, the young 27 year old nurse who raced to Times Square to celebrate with

others upon hearing of the end of WWII, passed away at her home in California from

liver cancer on June 20, 2010 at the age of 91. She leaves behind her three sons: Michael

Shain, Robert Shain, and Justin Decker; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Born in Tarrytown, NY on July 29, 1918, Edith Shain was working as a nurse at New

York's Doctor's Hospital when the V-J Day (Victory over Japan) announcement came on

August 14, 1945. Taking the subway with a friend to Times Square, Edith found herself

grabbed exuberantly by a joyous sailor who bent her backward for the kiss that was to

mark the celebration of the end of the war.

Photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt said: "I was walking through the crowds on V-J Day,

looking for pictures. I noticed a sailor coming my way. He was grabbing every female he

could find and kissing them all — young girls and old ladies alike. Then I noticed the nurse,

standing in that enormous crowd. I focused on her, and just as I'd hoped, the sailor came

along, grabbed the nurse, and bent down to kiss her."

Edith herself later stated about the picture: "As for the picture, it says so many things --

hope, love, peace and tomorrow. The end of the war was a wonderful experience, and that

photo represents all those feelings."

The picture which was taken just south of 45th Street, facing north from where Seventh

Avenue and Broadway converge, was printed in Life Magazine a week later. No names

were given for the sailor or nurse, as the photographer had not gotten the opportunity to

ask their names. It wasn't until the 1970s that Edith wrote to Mr. Eisenstaedt stating that

she was the nurse in the picture.

Edith was active throughout her life teaching about the war; she was adamant that none

forget what had been given by those who served. Once it was realize that she was the

nurse in the picture, she was invited for parades, speaking engagements, wreath layings,

and other memorial events to honor those who had served in the war.

MILITARY SPOUSE DAY was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 as

the day to set aside to give recognition and appreciation to those married to members of

the United States Armed Forces. First celebrated on May 23 of 1984, said day would be

celebrated annually on the Friday immediately proceeding Mothers Day. Since that time,

each President has issued proclamation for this date to honor military spouses.

Armed Forces.

The following is an article from the Department of Defense, American Force Press

Service: President Issues Military Spouse Day Proclamation

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2010 – President Barack Obama has issued a proclamation

declaring today as Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Text of president’s proclamation:

When Americans answer the call to serve in our Armed Forces, a sacred trust is forged.

Our men and women in uniform take on the duty of protecting us all, and their spouses

and families also help shoulder this important responsibility.

As we mark Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment

to supporting and honoring the husbands, wives, and loved ones of our Nation's

servicemembers. At the heart of our Armed Forces, servicemembers' spouses keep our

military families on track. They balance family life, military life, and their careers -- all

while supporting other military families and giving back to their communities. Many

have served in uniform themselves and, understanding the obligations involved, can

provide unparalleled support. They are pillars of strength in their families, often

celebrating their children's life milestones while the other parent is away.

Military spouses also care for our wounded warriors and honor the memory of our

Nation's fallen heroes, including their own loved ones. They impact countless lives on

military bases and in schools, places of worship, and neighborhoods across our Nation.

Their contributions help protect our freedom by strengthening our communities and our

servicemembers. My Administration is committed to improving opportunities and quality

of life for these brave spouses and families who know the separation and stress of war.

We are increasing servicemembers' compensation as well as funding for better housing,

job training, counseling, outreach, and support for spouses and their families. We are also

expanding our ground forces to reduce the strain of repeated deployments, and to give

service members more time with their loved ones.

There are many ways for each of us to show our appreciation for military spouses. Working

through community-based organizations, workplaces, schools, and places of worship, we

can help them support their families, establish or build a career, and address the unique

challenges they face.

-2- Military Spouse Day

I am inspired every day by our men and women in uniform and their families. They are

America's greatest military asset, and my Administration is committed to fulfilling our

obligations to them. Today, let us honor the spouses and families who support our

servicemembers and, in doing so, help defend our Nation and preserve our liberty.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of

America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the

United States, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2010, as Military Spouse Appreciation Day. I

call upon the people of the United States to honor military spouses with appropriate

ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of May, in the

year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of

America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. Barack Obama

SUE HOPPIN writes on MilitarySpouse.com:

It is a day that is set aside each year to recognize and honor the contributions and

sacrifices of military spouses. In 1984, then President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the

Friday before Mother’s Day to be designated as Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Since

then, each President and senior military leaders have echoed the sentiments expressed by

President Reagan. In addition to the public support and recognition of these leaders, events

are commonly sponsored at installations across the nation and around the world to

recognize the importance of our unsung heroes.

Military spouses, past and present, are an extraordinary group of individuals. While their

husbands or wives took an oath and signed on a dotted line when they joined the military,

spouses were enlisted through the back door with the vows they took on their wedding day.

In choosing their mates, they inadvertently chose their way of life. While others have the

luxury of decorating their homes knowing they will be there for the duration, military

spouses decorate their homes hoping they will be there for three years. While others slowly

gather a network of hairdressers, churches, dentists and doctors; military spouses hit the

ground running. They know they have a limited time to set down roots before it’s time to

pack up again.

For many people, the constant moving would discourage them from connecting with the

local community; for the military spouse, the opposite is true. Adversity just makes them

stronger. What some people view as obstacles, they take on as challenges to be overcome.

With only eighteen months to three years at most duty stations, they view it as a limited time

to make friends and leave a mark on the community. They jump in wholeheartedly into the

PTA, church and community. Every once in a while, they may glance at the diplomas on the

wall and wonder what if. Then reality comes crashing in and they realize that they are the

only constant for their children while mom or dad is deployed or remote, and they remain

steadfast in their conviction that they are doing the right thing.

They come from diverse backgrounds, hailing from places such as: Texas, Florida,

Germany or Japan, but the one thing they have in common is their unfailing support

of their military husband or wife and the mission of the United States military. The

husbands and wives of all our men and women in uniform worldwide deserve our

thanks. We salute your strength, patriotism and support. You make the mission possible.

George Washington, born on February 22, 1732, was the first President of the United

States of America (April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797).

We find these words in The U. S. National Archives (Prologue Magazine ~ Winter

2004, Vol. 36, No. 4): "Historic dates, like stepping stones, create a footpath through

our heritage. Experienced by one generation and recalled by those to come, it is through

these annual recollections that our heritage is honored. In 1879 the Forty-fifth Congress

deemed George Washington's birth date, February 22, a historic date worthy of holiday

recognition."

George Washington's birthday had been publicly celebrated in our country since his

first term in office ~ and in 1880, 20 Stat. 277 (United States Statutes at Large)

implemented the February 22 date as a federal holiday for government offices in the

District of Columbia. Named "Washington's Birthday", said observance was later

expanded to include all federal offices in 1885 by 23 Stat. 516. After almost two

centuries of celebrating the birthday of the "Father of Our Country" on February 22,

the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (Pub.L. 90-36) placed the date of observance on the

third Monday of February.

Signed into law on June 28, 1968 and taking effect on January 1, 1971, the Act of

Congress moved several federal holidays (Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day,

Columbus Day, and Veterans Day) from their fixed dates to 'designated Mondays',

creating three-day weekends for federal employees. Please note: Veterans Day was

returned to its originally date of November 11 and removed from the 'designated

Monday' category of federal holidays by another Act of Congress in 1975 (effective

1978).

A draft of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (Uniform Holidays Bill of 1968) indicated

request to change the name of 'Washington's Birthday' to 'Presidents' Day' to honor both

President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln (Lincoln's birth date

being February 12) on the third Monday of February. Though the move of the celebration

of Washington's birthday from February 22 to the third Monday of February did place the

observance in the week between the dates of the two President's birthdays and although

it did place it closer to the date of Lincoln's birthday, the Act did not combine the

observance of the two birthdays, did not include the celebration of Lincoln's birthday, and

did not officially establish 'Presidents' Day'. 'Washington's Birthday' remained as the first

federal holiday established to give recognition and honor to an individual American citizen.

-2- Washington’s Birthday

Some confusion can come in when discussing the 'name' and 'purpose' of the 'holiday', as

US States are able to define and determine their own holidays (which can differ from

federal holidays). Many do designate 'Presidents' Day', which serves to celebrate the

observance of both President's birthdays.

An attempt to create an annual 'Presidents' Day' on March 4th (the original 'Inauguration

Day') to honor the Presidency itself (the office ~ and not any particular President) began

in 1951 when Harold Stonebridge Fischer formed the "President's Day National

Committee". The Senate Judiciary Committee stalled the bill which would do so,

however, believing it would be too much to have three observances (Lincoln's Birthday,

Washington's Birthday, and Presidents' Day) so close together. On the other hand, some

Governors did proclaim March 4th Presidents' Day in their own jurisdiction (later

moving the date to the third Monday of the month of February).

During the 1980s, a new business practice caught on in our country whereby merchants

would run 'Presidents' Day' sales. Abundant advertisements for such became common

each February, and the marketing term 'Presidents' Day' increasingly grew in popularity.

The official legal name, however, for the federal holiday remains 'Washington's Birthday'.

It was established to honor George Washington and his accomplishments. He was a

gallant military commander in our country's War of Independence, gave outstanding

leadership in the founding of our country, and set many precedents in unifying our

republic, developing the Presidency, and establishing our national government.

A man of high personal integrity, well liked by all, these words were given by

Congressman Henry Lee as he eulogized Washington:

"First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he

was second to none in humble and enduring scenes of private life. Pious,

just, humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform, dignified, and commanding;

his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that

example lasting. . . . Correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence

and virtue always felt his fostering hand. The purity of his private character

gave effulgence to his public virtues. . . . Such was the man for whom our

nation mourns."

Like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the celebration of Washington's Birthday

brings about another opportunity to remember to pay honor and tribute to the beloved

veterans of our country. In 1932, on what would have been Washington's 200th birthday,

the Purple Heart which recognizes injuries received at war, was brought forth in direct

relation to the first military badge of merit created and given to soldiers by Washington.

The Badge of Military Merit (the original Purple Heart) was established by order of

George Washington on August 7, 1782, said order including the following statement:

"Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the purple heart

has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be

revered by his fellow countrymen."

On February 11, 1986, the United States Congress passed Public Law 99-244, designating

February of 1986 as "National Black (Afro-American) History Month". Noted wording in

the Law being:

Concluding: "the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a

proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe that month with

appropriate ceremonies and activities to salute all that Black Americans have done to

help build our country."

On February 24, 1986, President Ronald Reagan issued Presidential Proclamation 5443

which included the following statements:

We owe the initial study of black history and the beginnings of the celebration of Black

History Month to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who was to find in his studies at Harvard that

history books basically ignored the black American population except to at times picture

them within lower social positions. This disturbed him greatly, and he set about to write

black American into their rightful place in American history. In 1915, he established the

Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (originally called the

Association for the Study of Negro Life and History) ~ in 1916 he founded the Journal

of Negro History ~ and in 1926 he introduced 'Negro History Week' to bring national

attention to the studies of the contributions that had been made by black Americans

throughout the history of our country.

On February 3, 1975, President Gerald Ford issued a 'Message On the Observance of

Black History Week' which stated: "It is most appropriate that Americans set aside a week

to recognize the important contribution made to our nation's life and culture by our black

citizens." The next year the observance was expanded from a week to a month and

President Ford then issued his 'Message On the Observance of Black History Month' on

February 10, 1976, which stated: "In the Bicentennial year of our Independence, we can

review with admiration the impressive contributions of black Americans to our national life

and culture."

On February 28, 1996, Senate Resolution 229 was issued, commemorating Black History

Month ~ and on February 16, 2006, Senate Resolution 380, celebrating Black History

Month. Since 1996, the Presidents of the United States have issued annual proclamations,

said documents being titled: 'National African American History Month'.

Please see the 2010 Proclamation:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation

Rev. Lin McGee