Fun Facts About The US Flag

I would have written a completely different post about the US Flag and US Flag history if we weren't in the middle of such uncertain times. So, given our circumstances at the moment, I figured I could discuss different activities about the US Flag for kids to work on when they're home from school. 

Besides various worksheets, videos, coloring pages that are easily available for download, there are a number of online resources for homeschool curriculums that are free or discounted heavily for parents and teachers. (Due to the current situation, many businesses have stepped up to help to make sure parents can continue their child's education at home.) 

You can also create your own worksheets and puzzles with some facts about the flag. 

Fun Facts About The US Flag

Did you know that the flag actually has to be in bed at sunset each night? Not only that but the flag also needs to be awake at sunrise each and every morning! 

The designer of our current flag was a high school student who received a B- from his teacher for his project. 

Robert G. Heft of Lancaster, Ohio, created the current design in 1958. President Dwight D. Eisenhower picked Robert's flag out of 1500 entries! 

6 American Flags have been planted on the moon. Neil Armstrong planted the first one on the moon in July of 1969 as part of the Apollo 11 mission.  Of the 6, only 1 has been removed. So there are 5 left standing. (The first one is no longer on the moon!) 

There have been 27 versions of the American Flag. There was a mistake made when North and South Dakota became states because some flag manufacturer's thought they would be combined into just 1 state. So, there was a version with 39 stars.

Vermont and Kentucky were states 14 and 15 and the flag changed from 13 stripes to 15 stripes. However, when there were more states added, there were discussions as to whether or not they would constantly add more stripes to each state. So, they decided to go back to just 13 stripes to represent the 13 colonies.

The US Flag that we have today is the very first flag to have lasted for 50 years. At one point, we had 17 different versions of the flag over a 50-year span!

There is just a time when burning the flag is acceptable. If the flag is damaged beyond repair, the US Flag Code does state that you can, in fact, burn it in order to dispose of it with dignity.

Just like a lot of us, the US Flag has a few nicknames! You have probably heard someone use one of those nicknames. One of the first nicknames was, "Old Glory". Another popular nickname a lot of people still use is, "Stars and Stripes".

The American Flag has been on quite a few trips! Not only has it been taken to the moon but, in 1909, Robert Peary traveled to the North Pole and took a flag that his wife had sewn and put it in the ice.
In 1963, Barry Bishop took a flag with him on his trip to the top of Mount Everest!

According to the US Flag Code, the flag should never be flown in bad weather. If it must be flown at nighttime, it must be illuminated.

History suggests that the colors of the flag were chosen because red represents valor, white represents liberty and purity and the color blue represents justice and loyalty.

The proper way to view the flag when it's on display is by facing the flag with your right hand over your heart. You've probably done this at school or right before a baseball game or a hockey game!
\
On August 3, 1949, President Truman signed an Act of Congress that would designate every June 14th as  National Flag Day. Our current president, Donald J. Trump celebrates his birthday on June 14th too!

There are so many fun facts about the flag! This is just a short list but if you want to impress your friends (or your teaches!) check for more at your local library or online. If you're bored and looking for things to read about or learn about, you could also start memorizing the states and even include the order in which they became stars on the flag!

You could also check out Flags Unlimited for more fun facts and to purchase one of your very own!

Gift Ideas For The Man In Your LIfe

It’s the thought that counts. That’s what many people say about being presented with gifts that are unwanted, unnecessary or downright confusing. It’s a noble opinion, but it doesn’t help those individuals who struggle with finding the perfect present. Gift-giving anxiety plagues many shoppers, and it’s especially troublesome when one is charged with purchasing a gift for the proverbial man-who-has-everything. Father’s Day spending reached a record $16 billion last year, much of that adding to America’s fathers’ ever-growing collections of socks, ties and coffee mugs. With dad’s day on the horizon, get your father something he truly wants this year. Here are two gift ideas that will make him happy.

Science and History

Remember all those times your dad bugged you about your school studies? It just might not be because he recognized the importance of a good education. Many fathers continue to enjoy academic interests throughout their lives. If he’s a science and nature lover, take an active role in building a mineral collection or purchase a telescope and spend some quality time under the stars. To treat a history buff, take him on a day trip or mini-vacation to a Colonial community, Civil War battleground or Old West landmark. Even gifts like films and books about history will be appreciated.

Sports and Recreation

When dad’s a sports enthusiast, you’ll surely score when giving him game tickets to watch his favorite team play. If his fandom flirts with fanaticism, consider gifting him a jersey or other sports memorabilia autographed by his childhood idol or current favorite. If he’s a hands-on sporting type, treat him to a fishing or hunting adventure, or even spend an afternoon together in your favorite wild spaces hiking, trail biking or whitewater rafting.

Whatever you decide to do for your dad, do it together. The thing that matters most is spending quality time with the ones you love.

Painting For Adult Beginners

Have you ever wanted to learn how to paint? This hobby is an excellent way to improve focus, relieve stress and provide a creative outlet for many people. However, many adults don't know how or where to begin when it comes to painting. If you're ready to give this form of artful expression a try, follow these three tips to set yourself up for success.

Start With the Right Supplies

When it comes to buying paint supplies, there are numerous materials to choose from. Visit an art supply store long beach ca and talk to an employee with experience in your area of interest. They can help you choose which products are worth the investment for beginners, and which should be reserved for more serious artists. You may be surprised that your initial purchases should be relatively inexpensive.

Consider a Class to Learn Basic Techniques

It's difficult to sit down and paint with no previous experience or instruction. Search for classes online or at a local studio to help you understand the basics of painting, including value, tones and perspective. Even just a few sessions with a pro can give you the information you need to paint successfully on your own.

Find Inspiration from the Artwork of Others

One of the most difficult processes in painting is working from real life. Instead, start by emulating the works of other artists to help you get a firm grasp on your basic skill set. Over time, you may find that it's easier to come up with your own original ideas and subjects.

Keep it Stress-Free

Learning to paint takes practice. Make the learning experience enjoyable by creating a relaxing environment in your home. Pick a time that's quiet and eliminate distractions. Choose a location in your home that helps you feel at ease and play your favorite music to promote leisure and focus.

If you're ready to give painting a try, follow these steps for a great start. With the right approach, you can enjoy a new hobby and stick with it for years to come.

Finding The Perfect Gift For Any Occasion

Have you ever been invited to a party and you had no idea what type of present to bring? Perhaps it was a birthday party for your grandfather, a baby shower for your best friend’s newborn, or a retirement celebration for a co-worker. No matter what the occasion, when you don’t have the right gift idea, you can become frustrated. Here are some gift-giving ideas to help you conquer the conundrums associated with gifts.

For Children

If you want to find a present that will delight, educate, and not replicate something someone else is bringing to the children’s part, look for one of the themed gifts Richmond VA at an online kid’s boutique. You can find puzzles, science equipment, and even dress-up costumes.

For Newborns

The quintessential gifts for newborns are plushies, diapers, or wipes. Why not give something that will last for years, such as money in a savings account? You could also look into clothing, bedding, or get together with other gift-givers and purchase a significantly large gift such as a bedroom set.

For Acquaintances

For those co-workers or retirement parties, look for cookie bouquets, fruit baskets, or quirky gifts. You may not know the person well, but you can always please someone with a tub of popcorn, a gift card, or a gardening basket.

For Grandparents

Let’s face it; if your grandparents want something, they probably have it. So, what do you get for someone that has everything? If they have a pet, opt for a framed picture. If they love chocolate, try a candy bouquet. If your grandparents complain about cold feet, get them some colorful socks that make a bold statement.

Finding the perfect gift can be a breeze if you look at the tips given above. Think outside the limits of ordinary gifts, and you will find just what you need to delight the recipient at any party.