Is Patriotism Fading Along With Flag Stickers?

PP Note: Just in case you are searching for some flag stickers as we head in to the summer season!

/PRNewswire/ -- A tidal wave of patriotism ... and U.S. flag sticker sales ... began after September 11th, 2001. It was impossible to avoid the flood; almost everyone had a flag sticker on their car and you couldn't go anywhere without seeing the American flag. Gill Studios, one large manufacturer of flag stickers and decals, produced over 31 million flag stickers within a 3-month period in 2001. But the lifespan of a screen-printed, vinyl flag sticker is typically 3-5 years, so many of those flag decals are now long gone.

Websticker.com (http://www.flagstickers.us/), a distributor of American flag decals as well as custom stickers, labels and magnets, wants to get the flag back on your bumper. They are currently offering free American flag stickers, a limited edition domed flag decal, and great wholesale prices for bulk quantities of flag stickers so that others can spread the flag and the pride.

"Flag sticker wholesale orders have steadily declined every year since 2001," says Websticker.com founder Jeff Nicholson. "There is a yearly spike in sales before Flag Day and July 4th -- and the beginning of the Iraq War in 2003 boosted sales, but the yearly trend in production and sales has been steadily downward. We want to do what we can to change that. Waving or displaying the flag and supporting our country shouldn't be just for holidays or the start of a war. Let's celebrate our nation every day!"

Websticker.com introduced a new web page at http://www.flagstickers.us/ to not only sell U.S. flag stickers at wholesale prices but to give flags away for free (4 stickers per SASE). They also introduced a high-end, limited-edition "Still The One" domed flag decal. The LE domed flag decals will be a gift with every bulk order of flag stickers as well as available for sale for a limited time. Only 500 of this domed flag design will ever be produced.

Flag Day is June 14th. Flag stickers are a great, inexpensive giveaway item for any business or used as a fundraising product for many organizations. Flag decals are not only great on cars but also on helmets, hard hats, equipment, products, toolboxes ... anywhere.

Websticker.com (http://www.websticker.com/) was launched in 1997. Besides selling pre-printed flag stickers the company's main focus is designing and selling custom bumper stickers, decals, labels, magnets and other printed promotional products. They can also customize flag sticker products with company names or add personalized messages to the back of bulk sticker runs.

----
Please research all information and any organization prior to donating or contacting. The Georgia Front Page and the Fayette Front Page share information as provided from a variety of sources. We do not necessarily support, endorse or research the legitimacy of the various organization's information prior to including. We can not be held responsible for the reliability of the information or outcomes if you choose to donate or follow up with the organization (s).

Follow on Twitter @GAFrontPage
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia

The National Anthem by The Cactus Cuties

This is a great rendition of our National Anthem by a talented group of young girls, The Cactus Cuties, singing at a Texas Tech basketball game. I gather this is fairly old. The original post on YouTube has had over 5 million hits. This is a newer posting of the same video, just happened to be the one I found first.

Not sure what happened, but in later videos there are only four "cuities". I've posted another video, below, where they sing the same song on the 700 Club. They are interviewed after singing. If you'd like to hear more, just do a search on YouTube, there are quite a few to choose from.

Understanding Patriotism

"Patriotism is easy to understand in America - it means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country." -Calvin Coolidge


-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Presidential Elections and Other National Commemorations Make November a Month for Patriotism

PRNewswire/ -- If ever there was a month for patriotism, November is that time. Not only are national elections held every November, with a presidential election held every four years, but other noteworthy patriotic milestones are also commemorated.

Presidential Elections

We start this November with a historical presidential election. Kerry McCoy, President of Arkansas Flag and Banner, wants everyone to get into the electoral spirit. Her business now offers collectible "VOTE Democratic" or "VOTE Republican" shoes by TOM. For every pair sold TOM gives a pair to a needy child. http://tinyurl.com/5qkp7a. More election merchandise is available onsite.

Marine Corps Birthday

November 10th marks the two hundred and thirty-third birthday of the United States Marine Corps, which has been officially celebrated since 1921. Each year Marine Corps Birthday balls are held throughout the country to honor the Marines. Tradition has it that the oldest U.S. Marine present is given the first piece of cake and the second piece is given to the youngest Marine present. Flag and Banner has a lovely selection of gifts for the honorees, as well as patriotic dishes, serving trays and Marine Corps flag kits. http://tinyurl.com/56nqcl

Veterans Day

November 11, Veterans Day, honors all those who have fought in defense of the United States. The day commemorates the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, which ended World War I. To respectfully honor those who serve and have served, Flag and Banner carries special grave markers, license plates, hats and flags. During the month of November, FlagandBanner.com will be offering a 25% discount to all veterans with military ID (in store only). http://tinyurl.com/6qwpt7

Thanksgiving

It was O. Henry who called Thanksgiving " ... the one day that is purely American," and it truly is. From its colonial origins as an autumn harvest feast to the present, it is the day that Americans set aside to give thanks for all manner of things in their lives. Flag and Banner has autumn and Thanksgiving banners and flags that depict this time of year. http://tinyurl.com/6bjtp3

For more information on flags or to purchase patriotic items, visit http://www.flagandbanner.com/.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2008

Note: Today is the 221st anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.
____
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Americans are united by the ideals of equal justice, limited government, and the rule of law. On Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and during Constitution Week, we remember the vision and determination of the Framers to build a free society, and we celebrate the historical document they created to achieve that goal.

More than two centuries ago, our Founding Fathers gathered in Philadelphia and produced a charter that would promote justice and preserve the liberty of all our citizens. The Founders established three separate branches of Government with a system of checks and balances among them. Ours is the oldest written constitution in the world, and the American experiment remains the world's best hope for freedom.

The Constitution forged the American creed of liberty and equality and has lifted the lives of countless individuals. Whether they are citizens by birth or by oath, Americans share a great tradition of enjoying liberty protected by a constitutional government of their choosing.

On Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and during Constitution Week, Americans come together and recognize the blessings bestowed upon our great Nation. On this occasion we celebrate the courage of the Constitution's drafters and recommit ourselves to making the United States a more perfect union.

In recognition of the signing of the Constitution and of Americans who strive to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, the Congress, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952 (36 U.S.C. 106, as amended), designated September 17 as "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day," and by joint resolution of August 2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. 108, as amended), requested that the President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as "Constitution Week."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 17, 2008, as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and September 17 through September 23, 2008, as Constitution Week. I encourage Federal, State, and local officials, as well as leaders of civic, social, and educational organizations, to conduct ceremonies and programs that celebrate our Constitution and reaffirm our rights and responsibilities as citizens of this great Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone

The US Constitution: Secret Meetings in 1787

"I consider the difference between a system founded on the legislatures only, and one founded on the people, to be the true difference between a league or treaty and a constitution."
-James Madison, at the Constitutional Convention, 1787

The Articles of Confederation was drafted in 1777 during the American Revolution. The Articles were, in effect, the first constitution of the United States. The men of the Continental Congress who passed the Declaration of Independence were the same who passed the Articles of Confederation. The Articles were quickly found to be inadequate.

While they provided for a Congress who could declare war or peace among other things, it was apparent the individual states retained the bulk of the power. The new government could ask the states for money but there was no means to collect from states who were either unwilling or unable to pay. The federal government quickly plunged into debt. The new government had no means to enforce treaties without the states' support. George Washington warned in 1786: "There are combustibles in every state which a spark might set fire to."

Several conventions were called at irregular periods. After the dismal failure of the Annapolis Convention in 1786, the delegates who had attended reported to their states that all states should be present to discuss the Articles and to see how the defects in the system could be addressed. It was also suggested the the second Monday in May 1787 be the start date of this convention in Philadelphia.

The official call from the Congress went out to the states in February 1787. On the appointed day, only a few states' delegates had shown up. The quorum of seven states would not be reached until later in May. For four months, the delegates discussed, debated and sometimes argued on how the Articles were to be revised.

The summer of 1787 was hot. The State House was comparatively cool when entering from the baking streets. The East chamber was large, forty-by-forty, with a twenty-foot ceiling Tall, wide windows were on two sides, covered by slatted blinds to keep out the summer sun. Gravel had been strewn on the streets outside to deaden the sound of wheels and horses passing. There was an air of secrecy about the meetings. There was even a discreet diner at the table of Benjamin Franklin who would move the dinner topic to another subject when Franklin would start to relay stories of the day to his guests.

After many heated debates over a six week period, a compromise would be reached on the subject of equal representation. One by one, the points would be debated, and one by one, the delegates began to compromise and come together. While the delegates would never completely agree on all points of the Constitution, 39 of them did agree to sign it in September 1787.

Ann Eldredge

-----
Fayette Front Page
Georgia Front Page
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone

Gates Speaks of Troops' Courage, Dedication, Patriotism

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates delivered a tribute to servicemembers' courage, dedication, adaptability and patriotism to the Daughters of the American Revolution's Continental Congress, yesterday.

"Whenever I meet with troops, I am impressed by their resilience, their good humor, their courage, and their determination in the face of personal sacrifice," Gates said to the more than 3,000 members of the group in Constitution Hall, here. Gates was the featured speaker at the organization's national security night.

It is important to remember that, when Americans talk about national security, it is the men and women in uniform who make the discussion possible, Gates said. Servicemembers carry out the policies of the United States, and they "shoulder the burdens of this complex and dangerous world," he said.

The war on terror is the longest war the United States has fought with an all-volunteer force since the American Revolution. "Frankly, our military, our government and our country were not prepared for such a long and grueling conflict," he said. "Despite this, our troops have persevered and overcome incredible obstacles.

"Often, they live in Spartan quarters, work in combat theaters and face the uncertainties of non-traditional war in an era when any mistake -- even the perception of a mistake -- can be transmitted around the globe in seconds.

American troops serve not only as warriors, but as diplomats and development officers as well, the secretary said. "In the face of these challenges, they have maintained a steely resolve," Gates said.

And they are staying with the missions. All services are meeting or exceeding their recruiting and retention targets. "High retention rates continue to be nothing short of remarkable, especially when considering that those most likely to re-enlist are those most often deployed," Gates said.

The courage of those serving cannot be doubted, Gates told the group. The country has awarded five Medals of Honor; 38 Distinguished Service Crosses, Navy Crosses or Air Forces Crosses; nearly 700 Silver Stars, and almost 5,000 Bronze Stars with valor devices, the secretary said. "Each represents a story of bravery and sacrifices so great they are almost impossible to comprehend -- from men and women who have fallen on grenades to save comrades to others who have sprinted through firefights to save a buddy," he said.

The troops and their commanders exhibit adaptability that is key to winning a counterinsurgency fight. In 2006, coalition forces forecast a bleak future for Anbar province in Iraq. Al-Qaida in Iraq just about ruled the province's capital of Ramadi. "When all hope seemed lost in Anbar, the unit in charge of Ramadi dramatically changed its tactics -- moving out of heavily fortified bases and into combat outposts in the middle of the fight," Gates said. "Through heavy fighting, through great sacrifices, they won Ramadi back from al-Qaida. Many of the tactics successfully employed there would be replicated across Iraq."

Gates also spoke of the sacrifices military families make, calling them the "unsung heroes" of the war on terror. Families, too, are affected by multiple deployments around the world. "Words cannot describe how grateful our troops are for their wives and husbands, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers -- the network of love and support that carries on in their absence," he said.

Those wounded in the nation's service deserve the best the country can give, Gates said. He said the American people may disagree about the war, but they still support the troops. "You ... see it in efforts by the Congress to make sure our wounded have all they need to make the transition to the next phase of their life," he said.

Americans also see this appreciation through bipartisan legislation President Bush signed last week that greatly increases the benefits of the G.I. Bill for troops and their families.

Gates said it is "deeds, not words" that count. American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are performing those deeds to ensure the nation's safety and protecting U.S. allies around the world. "In both principles and deeds, our men and women in uniform embody the best our country has to offer," he said. "We are truly blessed to have among us citizens of such tremendous and awe-inspiring courage."

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service