On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed a resolution defining the colors, configuration, and symbolism of the Stars And Stripes, AKA The American Flag. The text of this resolution as reported by the Department of Veterans Affairs official site includes the following: “…that the flag of the United States shall be of thirteen stripes of alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white in a blue field, representing the new constellation.” William T. Kerr gets…

  The National Center for PTSD promotes awareness of PTSD and effective treatments throughout the year. Starting in 2010, Congress named June 27th PTSD Awareness Day (S. Res. 541). In 2014, the Senate designated the full month of June for National PTSD Awareness (S. Res. 481). Efforts are underway to continue this designation for the fourth consecutive year in 2017. After a traumatic event, most people have painful memories. For many people, the effects of the event fade over time.…

On June 11th, 1776 the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to formally sever ties with Great Britain.  Thomas Jefferson, who considered an esteemed writer, was selected to draft the document.  After 86 revisions and on July 4th, 1776 the Continental Congress signed the final version. The first readings of the document included ringing of bells and band music.  The following Fourth of July Congress was adjourned in Philadelphia and everybody celebrated with bells, bonfires and fireworks.  Soon these customs…

The Purple Heart began as something called the Badge of Military Merit, an honor created by General George Washington in 1782. The honor was only presented to enlisted soldiers who had performed a “singularly meritorious action”. Only a handful of these were awarded, and following the American Revolution, the Badge of Military Merit didn’t become a permanent fixture among the various other awards and decorations given to those who serve. But the spirit of the Badge of Military Merit would…