U.S. Army’s 242nd Birthday / Flag Day

Jun 14

Posted by

THE U.S. ARMY

AMERICA’S FIRST NATIONAL INSTITUTION

U.S. Army uniforms through the years

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FLAG DAY 

Today is Flag Day, an annual observance of the Second Continental Congress’ official adoption of the stars and stripes in 1777. At the time, they “resolved that the flag of the 13 United States” be represented by 13 alternating red and white stripes and the union by 13 white stars in a blue field, “representing a new constellation.” Now, more than 200 years later and with an updated design, the flag is an American icon.  Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is the only state to recognize it as a legal holiday.

U.S. Army Sergeant Joey Odoms’ audition to sing the National Anthem from Afghanistan. On  10 November 2016, he performed in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Farewell Salutes – 

Dillion Baldridge – Youngsville, NC; US Army, Afghanistan, 101st Airborne Division, Cpl., KIA

William Bays- Barstow, CA; US Army, Afghanistan, 101st Airborne Division, Sgt., KIA

Eric Houck – Baltimore, MD; US Army, Afghanistan, 101st Airborne Division, Sgt., KIA

R. Patrick McGinley – Plainville, CT; US Army, 11th Airborne Division

Robert ‘Allen’ O’Berry – Kissimmee, FL; US Army, Sgt. (Ret. 20 yrs.)

Marcella Remery – W.Palm Beach, FL; US Army WAC

Harold Roland Jr. – Atlanta, GA; US Army, Korea, 82nd Airborne Division

Richard Stackhouse – Indianapolis, IN; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, Lt., B-24 bombardier

Robert Wilke Sr. – Owens Cross Roads, AL; US Army, Vietnam, Lt.Colonel, Bronze Star, Purple Heart

Samuel Wilson – Rice, VA; WWII & Vietnam, ‘Merrill’s Marauders, Lt. General (Ret. 37 yrs.), Silver Star (2), Bronze Star (2)

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About GP

Everett Smith served with the Headquarters Company, 187th Regiment, 11th A/B Division during WWII. This site is in tribute to my father, "Smitty." GP is a member of the 11th Airborne Association. Member # 4511 and extremely proud of that fact!

Posted on June 14, 2017, in Current News, Home Front, Korean War, Vietnam, WWII and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. 112 Comments.

  1. oldpoet56 | March 11, 2018 at 7:48 AM

    As an Army Veteran I had to read and to reblog this article for you Sir.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. markmhamann | August 1, 2017 at 7:55 AM

    […] U.S. Army’s 242nd Birthday / Flag Day […]
    xx,
    mgh

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. DevBlog | July 24, 2017 at 7:00 AM

    Again – and always – loved the comments.
    Encouraging to see so many of us eager to learn more about our history too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • GP Cox | July 24, 2017 at 7:12 AM

      I am thrilled my the interest in history myself. Perhaps it is nostalgia for a time we hold dear in our memories or the lack of historic education in out school systems – but no matter what the reason – I am happy to oblige in any way I can.

      Like

      Reply
  4. maxlcrepeau | July 4, 2017 at 7:29 AM

    Again – and always – loved the comments.
    Encouraging to see so many of us eager to learn more about our history too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Computer | June 30, 2017 at 8:58 AM

    The most touching and inspiring version of our National Anthem I have ever heard – all the more so coming from Afghanistan.
    Encouraging to see so many of us eager to learn more about our history too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • GP Cox | June 30, 2017 at 1:34 PM

      Isn’t it though. I think the fact that we are losing that generation so quickly at this point has revived a quest in learning what we can – while we still can. I am very glad you enjoyed the anthem.

      Like

      Reply
  6. quirkywritingcorner | June 25, 2017 at 3:30 PM

    Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner and commented:
    I love Sgt. Joey Odoms’ voice. Beautiful!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, MCC, SCAC | June 21, 2017 at 2:03 PM

    ONE more comment I meant to add: the line-up of uniforms! I hope everyone clicks to enlarge and spends some time reflecting on what the changes really indicate.
    xx,
    mgh

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, MCC, SCAC | June 21, 2017 at 2:01 PM

    The most touching and inspiring version of our National Anthem I have ever heard – all the more so coming from Afghanistan. Thank you so much for sharing this video, where the voice respectfully serves the Anthem — rather than the other way around, which we hear too often for my taste.

    Again – and always – loved the comments. It gives me hope for America to see that we are not ALL idiots – lol – and that a great many of us retain respect for the true values that made America great in the first place.

    Encouraging to see so many of us eager to learn more about our history too. Thanks for giving us a place to gather and many glimpses of the brave men behind the stories.

    May ever she wave proudly, despite those in ‘leadership’ who seem to me to be intent on the opposite. Too many ‘alternate facts’ in their perspective?
    xx,
    mgh
    (Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
    ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
    “It takes a village to transform a world!”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Harold's | June 21, 2017 at 7:15 AM

    Your roommate just may know more about him than I do! […] U.S. Army’s 242nd Birthday / Flag Day […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. LordBeariOfBow | June 19, 2017 at 5:26 AM

    and probably the most recognizable flag on earth

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. Sheryl | June 18, 2017 at 11:16 PM

    I learned something new – Until I read this, I hadn’t realized that there was variation across states as to whether Flag Day was a legal holiday.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  12. Lavinia Ross | June 18, 2017 at 3:36 PM

    A great audition performance of the Star-Spangled Banner from U.S. Army Sergeant Joey Odoms! Congratulations to him on winning the audition!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  13. ❦Just Me❦ | June 16, 2017 at 12:58 AM

    My best friend/roommate really enjoys your blog, as do I. He is a West Point grad and was with 101st Airborne Division at Bragg before he resigned his commission a while back. He also taught at the SF Q Course at Bragg for a bit, too.

    I keep trying to get him to start a blog and comment here on your blog, but he doesn’t want to blog! Grr… 🙂 Anyway, thanks for having this place. We love to wax nostalgic about his Army days. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • GP Cox | June 16, 2017 at 6:36 AM

      How wonderful that he is a graduate of such an outstanding academy. Smitty’s commander, Gen. Joseph May Swing, came from the graduating “class of the star” 1915. Your roommate just may know more about him than I do!!
      He doesn’t have to blog to comment on WordPress. He can sign up by e-mail.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. Linda Arthur Tejera | June 15, 2017 at 4:12 PM

    WOW! Still have cold chills from listening to Joey Odoms. Phenomenal! Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  15. penneyvanderbilt | June 15, 2017 at 1:03 PM

    Used to be more of a holiday in US. Too bad being forgotten.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  17. charlypriest | June 15, 2017 at 8:08 AM

    So yesterday was flag day over there, as always sir very interesting you posts, the history. As you might have notice I’m a history buff. Specially American history, don’t know why but it’s fascinating, at least for me.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  18. Lignum Draco | June 15, 2017 at 8:08 AM

    I would have expected it to be observed as a holiday more widely. The flag is a major icon for the identity of any country, but particularly the US.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  19. Peppermint | June 15, 2017 at 7:58 AM

    Very nice way you did to honor Flag Day, GP. Love the graphics too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  20. Karen Evans | June 15, 2017 at 7:41 AM

    Honoring our flag should be a national recognition for all in this country. Thank you, GP.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  21. Persia | June 14, 2017 at 5:49 PM

    Thank you for this post. I did not know! I’ve learned a lot from your blog. (By the way, (sorry UK!) America has the best National Anthem ever!).
    Hope all is well. P. x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  22. Bette A. Stevens | June 14, 2017 at 3:01 PM

    Thanks for sharing, GP. HAPPY FLAG DAY! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  23. OIKOS™-Redaktion | June 14, 2017 at 1:59 PM

    Yes, thank you for posting this.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  24. John W. Howell | June 14, 2017 at 1:59 PM

    Thanks again, GP. Both events need to be recognized and you’ve done a great job.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  26. Dan Antion | June 14, 2017 at 1:23 PM

    Sad to see another fallen soldier in our neighborhood. They’re all sad to see, but the closer it hits to home to more aware we become.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  27. Christy B | June 14, 2017 at 1:09 PM

    Hopefully more states will recognize it as a holiday soon!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  28. usathroughoureyes | June 14, 2017 at 12:22 PM

    Was not aware PA was the only state to acknowledge it. Wow. We need to be very proud of our flag and what it represents.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  29. Tippy Gnu | June 14, 2017 at 12:09 PM

    Happy Flag Day, GP. Looks like from that recent Puerto Rico vote, we might get an additional star for our flag. Unless, of course, politics gets in the way.

    Like

    Reply
  30. doesitevenmatter3 | June 14, 2017 at 11:22 AM

    I am ever grateful for our nation, our flag, our men and women in uniform.
    The video brought tears.
    What a beauitful voice!
    HUGS!!! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  31. Jacqui Murray | June 14, 2017 at 10:24 AM

    Great post. What a voice on Spc. Odom. Pitch perfect, never a waver. Just wow.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • GP Cox | June 14, 2017 at 2:08 PM

      Isn’t he something?!! Being as the first 3 men in the Farewell Salutes were KIA last Saturday, I felt the audition tape from Sgt. Odom was more appropriate to show here than his actual performance at the stadium. Thank you for listening to him, Jacqui! [but then again – somehow I knew you would!] 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  32. IB | June 14, 2017 at 10:22 AM

    I love our military, how can you not ?

    Americas military is the best. We can’t take that for granted. 👌

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  33. Lynn Thaler | June 14, 2017 at 10:08 AM

    I wonder, if Flag Day was a recognized holiday, would it help people to learn to respect the flag.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • GP Cox | June 14, 2017 at 2:05 PM

      Being as not much history is taught in the schools any more, it couldn’t hurt. If you love your country and honor the troops that fight for that flag – how can they NOT respect the flag?

      Like

      Reply
  34. Anna Cottage | June 14, 2017 at 9:23 AM

    Reblogged this on Anna Cottage and commented:
    This is without doubt such a site that we all should take note of, and Remember and be So Grateful.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • GP Cox | June 14, 2017 at 2:02 PM

      I greatly appreciate you sharing this post. Too many times our military’s news gets lost in the shuffle, such as the first 3 men in the Farewell Salutes. How many know they were KIA last Saturday?

      Like

      Reply
  35. Anna Cottage | June 14, 2017 at 9:21 AM

    As ever so moving, so interesting. You are so good all you do, many owe so much to you for making sure all those gone and present are honoured. Reblogging, must be seen. Take care.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  36. Amy | June 14, 2017 at 9:21 AM

    In 6th grade (back in 1964) our class play was on June 14 and all about Flag Day.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  37. shoreacres | June 14, 2017 at 9:07 AM

    The biggest talk-show on Houston radio is opening the program right with the Army’s song, and an acknowledgement of the Army’s birthday and Flag Day. Despite all the news happening in London and D.C., the host took time for that — really quite wonderful.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • GP Cox | June 14, 2017 at 1:57 PM

      I’m thrilled to hear that, Linda! My news stations didn’t even mention it, as far as I know. This morning was about London and now all the stations are running through [again and again] the news of the home-grown idiot in DC. At least we won’t have to sit through his trial. I don’t care which side of the political universe he was on, he’s gone now! [sorry to be so callus].

      Like

      Reply
  38. SCLMRose | June 14, 2017 at 8:57 AM

    Thanks for posting this. I bet a lot of people don’t realize it is flag day today. I have both flags and I draped both of them on the banisters of my front terrace this morning.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  39. Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread | June 14, 2017 at 8:31 AM

    Nice recognition of today. 🙂 My uncle was part of the Army Air Force in WWII. He is classified as MIA. Last week I submitted a DNA sample in case his remains are ever found. Made me feel good to do all I can to see that he is not forgotten. Thank you for your daily recognition of all who served our Country.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  40. 56packardman | June 14, 2017 at 8:02 AM

    In our turbulent days, assaulted daily as we Constitutionalists are by the Lunatic Left, it is especially important to salute our flag! Three cheers for your post today, GP! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  42. beetleypete | June 14, 2017 at 7:30 AM

    That’s a great photo of all the different uniforms throughout history. Congratulations to the army, and i sincerely hope they are all brought home soon.
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  43. bowsprite | June 14, 2017 at 6:27 AM

    I love that you put this audition video in. What a clear, true voice he has.
    Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • GP Cox | June 14, 2017 at 6:35 AM

      Being as we just lost 3 more soldiers in Afghanistan, I thought this was more appropriate than him actually singing at the stadium. I’m so glad you enjoyed the clip.

      Like

      Reply
  44. GP Cox | June 17, 2017 at 2:51 PM

    Thank you very much for including me in your list!!

    Like

    Reply
  45. GP Cox | June 24, 2017 at 5:48 AM

    Thank you, Andrew.

    Like

    Reply

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