Continental Colors and our American Flag

/in /by

This June 14, the United States celebrates flag day. The details about how our country transitioned from continental colors to our American flag are interesting, from both a historical and social perspective. At American Legion Post 2001, we treat our flags with respect, participating in flag retirement ceremonies and partnering with groups like, Stars for Troops.

Please visit the History.com website for more information. Our post continues to celebrate our rich historical symbolism. Join us and leave a comment or like on our facebook, twitter, and/or instagram pages. We welcome your input and photos of American flags.

D-Day Remembrance

/in , /by

From dday.org:

You are about to embark on the great crusade toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you… I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. – Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

 

See the source image
It is hard to conceive the epic scope of this decisive battle that foreshadowed the end of Hitlers dream of Nazi domination. Overlord was the largest air, land, and sea operation undertaken before or since June 6, 1944. The landing included over 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes, and over 150,000 service men.

 After years of meticulous planning and seemingly endless training, for the Allied Forces, it all came down to this: The boat ramp goes down, then jump, swim, run, and crawl to the cliffs. Many of the first young men (most not yet 20 years old) entered the surf carrying eighty pounds of equipment. They faced over 200 yards of beach before reaching the first natural feature offering any protection. Blanketed by small-arms fire and bracketed by artillery, they found themselves in hell.

When it was over, the Allied Forces had suffered nearly 10,000 casualties; more than 4,000 were dead. Yet somehow, due to planning and preparation, and due to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of the Allied Forces, Fortress Europe was breached.