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Honor Old Glory and Celebrate America

The sights, sounds and smells of summer evoke a distinctive taste of Americana for friends and families in neighborhoods across the country. Annual community festivals and parades in Iowa celebrate local traditions, old and new, that residents look forward to year after year.

On the national stage, nothing symbolizes our shared sense of civic pride and patriotism quite like the “red, white and blue” that unites Americans from sea to shining sea. Whether adorning front porches, lining Main Streets or flying high above our tallest buildings, Old Glory symbolizes hard-fought freedoms that unite Americans from all walks of life.

In 1949, Congress designated June 14 as Flag Day to establish an annual observance of our treasured allegiance to freedom, justice and liberty for all. Americans are encouraged to honor and display the flag as a reminder of our shared heritage and to pay tribute to the generations of men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to protect and defend our freedoms, peace and prosperity.

In fact, for the three weeks between Flag Day and Independence Day, Congress established Honor America Days to encourage people to organize patriotic activities and community celebrations. Bringing friends and neighbors together for food festivals, Main Street parades, flag raising ceremonies, fishing derbies, sporting events, fun runs or bike rides are good opportunities to create strong communities. You could attend a farmer’s market on the town square or organize a backyard barbeque with friends. Taking the time to slow down from busy schedules and participate in local events also provides an opportunity to catch up with long-time neighbors and meet new ones.

Iowans can celebrate Honor America Days however you choose. It’s really up to you. We live in a free country, after all. Let’s remember what it’s all about. More than two centuries ago, our freedom-loving founders said enough is enough with government tyranny. The 13 colonies stood up and overruled an authoritarian regime. And today, 239 years later, the 50 stars on the U.S. flag proudly affirm America’s legacy to uphold individual freedoms and economic opportunities that serve as a beacon of hope around the world. We are blessed to live a common dream: “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Through troubled economic times and the heartbreaking losses of war, the time-tested principles and enduring optimism of our nation’s founding have called Americans to rise to even greater strength and resiliency. This year we observe the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, the 71st anniversary of D-Day, the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and 14 years since the tragic events of 9/11. Throughout the triumphs and tragedies in our nation’s history, the flag of the United States of America has provided immeasurable hope and comfort. The flag memorializes for all ages those who have risked life and limb to defend our freedoms and way of life.

During these 21 days set aside to Honor America, I encourage Iowans to reflect on the legacy of hope and freedom that calls each of us to keep climbing and keep dreaming. Let’s make the most of the longer hours of daylight and celebrate safely. And let’s remember to give Old Glory a salute. Thanks to the purity, valor and justice symbolized by the stars and stripes, life in America is as good as it gets.

Honor Old Glory and Celebrate America

The sights, sounds and smells of summer evoke a distinctive taste of Americana for friends and families in neighborhoods across the country. Annual community festivals and parades in Iowa celebrate local traditions, old and new, that residents look forward to year after year.

On the national stage, nothing symbolizes our shared sense of civic pride and patriotism quite like the “red, white and blue” that unites Americans from sea to shining sea. Whether adorning front porches, lining Main Streets or flying high above our tallest buildings, Old Glory symbolizes hard-fought freedoms that unite Americans from all walks of life.

In 1949, Congress designated June 14 as Flag Day to establish an annual observance of our treasured allegiance to freedom, justice and liberty for all. Americans are encouraged to honor and display the flag as a reminder of our shared heritage and to pay tribute to the generations of men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to protect and defend our freedoms, peace and prosperity.

In fact, for the three weeks between Flag Day and Independence Day, Congress established Honor America Days to encourage people to organize patriotic activities and community celebrations. Bringing friends and neighbors together for food festivals, Main Street parades, flag raising ceremonies, fishing derbies, sporting events, fun runs or bike rides are good opportunities to create strong communities. You could attend a farmer’s market on the town square or organize a backyard barbeque with friends. Taking the time to slow down from busy schedules and participate in local events also provides an opportunity to catch up with long-time neighbors and meet new ones.

Iowans can celebrate Honor America Days however you choose. It’s really up to you. We live in a free country, after all. Let’s remember what it’s all about. More than two centuries ago, our freedom-loving founders said enough is enough with government tyranny. The 13 colonies stood up and overruled an authoritarian regime. And today, 239 years later, the 50 stars on the U.S. flag proudly affirm America’s legacy to uphold individual freedoms and economic opportunities that serve as a beacon of hope around the world. We are blessed to live a common dream: “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Through troubled economic times and the heartbreaking losses of war, the time-tested principles and enduring optimism of our nation’s founding have called Americans to rise to even greater strength and resiliency. This year we observe the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, the 71st anniversary of D-Day, the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and 14 years since the tragic events of 9/11. Throughout the triumphs and tragedies in our nation’s history, the flag of the United States of America has provided immeasurable hope and comfort. The flag memorializes for all ages those who have risked life and limb to defend our freedoms and way of life.

During these 21 days set aside to Honor America, I encourage Iowans to reflect on the legacy of hope and freedom that calls each of us to keep climbing and keep dreaming. Let’s make the most of the longer hours of daylight and celebrate safely. And let’s remember to give Old Glory a salute. Thanks to the purity, valor and justice symbolized by the stars and stripes, life in America is as good as it gets.