Stars and stripes

Many people display flags in their front yards. Some fly traditional flags from a flag pole. Others are more inventive, such as with this flag painted on a wooden pallet. Either way, the flags show support for the USA.

Red, white and blue

A couple of weeks ago I posted a picture of this Statue of Liberty getting a fresh coat of paint (on the right side of the yard). Here is a view of the entire front of the house.

I pass it daily on my morning walks. It always looks so perfectly maintained. As you can see, it is a very patriotic house. With the flags, the Statue of Liberty, and the color scheme, it is hard to walk by and not be reminded how lucky we are to live in the US.

“True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth, universal brotherhood and good will, and a constant and earnest striving toward the principles and ideals on which this country was founded.”
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Lady Liberty

Almost five years ago, we posted about this cottage. This woman keeps her yard perfect with little touches of red, white, and blue colors. Tucked away in the corner is a small Statue of Liberty that is lit up at night. Today as I passed her, she was touching up the paint. It is a small thing, but I was pleased to see it being done.

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty".
~ John F. Kennedy

DAR in Downey

Walking across one of the grassy fields at Furman Park, I came across this plaque. It is from the Santa Gertrudes Chapter of the DAR and was dedicated in 1976. I couldn't believe it! I had never noticed this before. Evidently, the DAR donated this grove of trees to the park.

Founded in 1890, the Daughters of the American Revolution honors and preserves the legacy of our patriot ancestors. Over two hundred years ago, American patriots fought and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. (I have to admit, since watching Gilmore Girls, I have wanted to join the DAR.)

DAR membership is available to women 18 years or older who can prove they are a direct descendant of Revolutionary War patriots. DAR promotes patriotism, education, and historic preservation.

While I am not a member of DAR, my daughter surprised me a couple of years ago by joining. Maybe it's time I joined myself!

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~ Lee Greenwood

We salute you

“We work to make this country the kind of America they (U.S. veterans) were willing to die for, ... That's an America where the idea of sacred honor still has the power to stir men's souls. My solitary, solitary hope is that 100 years from today people will look back at what we've done and say, 'They kept the faith.'”
Henry Hyde

One thing I really love about downtown Downey is the pride we have displayed in the flags honoring our own soldiers. It is a small gesture for their sacrifice for their family, friends, and country.

God bless America

It's July 3rd, the day BEFORE we celebrate our Independence Day (the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence). It was a perfect time to visit Meribeth's patriotic home, which we recently wrote about in another post.

Meribeth recently retired from teaching American History  for Downey Unified and her home is a living history museum of Americana items. She even has a "Lincoln" bedroom and a "Washington" study.

Meribeth loves America and has taught students over the course of 40 years to love America too. I think her front steps sum it up pretty well.

Sweet land of liberty

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

Nearly every day, I walk past the little cottage with this statue tucked away in the corner. In the daylight, the statue almost disappears into the background, and the flowers and other decorations grab all the attention.

But at night! I rarely go by at night, so I was almost startled tonight when I drove by and saw Lady Liberty aglow.

Patriotism all year round

As with a lot of the front doors in Downey, these proudly display our love for freedom.

"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him."
Abraham Lincoln

Which way?

On Monday, I watched seven veterans prepare to fire a 21-gun salute. (See Monday's Memorial Day post.) As I framed this photo, I heard the leader shout, "Face left!" Pause... "The other left!"

Memorial Day

"In gratitude to those who served... in sorrow for those who lost their lives."

This morning I attended a Memorial Day ceremony at the Downey Cemetery. It was an incredibly moving experience. The ceremony  honored the memory of veterans past, and the lives of the veterans who were present.

The veterans stood as their war was listed and remained standing while the audience applauded. They were men (I didn't see any women today) who had served in wars ranging from World War II up through the current fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was humbling to stand among them.

The ceremony closed with a 21-gun salute and the solemn notes of Taps echoing across the graveyard.

We salute you

f/5, 1/6400, ISO 100, 60mm, handheld, 10:17 a.m.

After two weeks home for Christmas, my friend Andrea returned to South Carolina this morning to continue her basic training for the Army National Guard. I join Downey in saluting her and all the others who serve our country in the military.