Flag Day 2017

U.S. Flag Flying Over

American Cemetery 

Normandy, France

June 14th is Flag Day. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14, 1916, to be a national celebration of the American flag, and the 1949 Congress declared June 14 to be national Flag Day every year. This day commemorates the day the Second Continental Congress authorized the United States of America to adopt a flag to represent the new nation.

We've traveled all over the world and there is nothing better than seeing an American flag while overseas.   This particular image was captured in Normandy, France.   However, we were no longer in France, but on American soil.

 On June 8, 1944, the U.S. First Army established the temporary cemetery, the first American cemetery on European soil in World War II. After the war, the present-day cemetery was established a short distance to the east of the original site.

Like all other overseas American cemeteries in France for World War I and II, France has granted the United States a special, perpetual concession to the land occupied by the cemetery, free of any charge or any tax. This cemetery is managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission, a small independent agency of the U.S. federal government, under Congressional acts that provide yearly financial support for maintaining them, with most military and civil personnel employed abroad. The U.S. flag flies over these granted soils.

God Bless the USA this Flag Day

"God Bless The USA" - Lee Greenwood

 If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife
I'd thank my lucky stars to be livin' here today
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away

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
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA

Follow Us On

       

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers

Remembering Those Who Served

Saluting Those That Have Served Their Country

Especially Those Who Have Given The Ultimate Sacrifice

Over the years we have been to many military cemeteries, museums, and other sites during our cruise vacations.   One of our most memorable trips was when we visited Normandy, France during a British Isles cruise.  My father had been among the troops landing at the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. He lived through that day and many other horrific days during the war.  Many of his fellow soldiers weren't as fortunate.  He returned to Normandy years later and stood on this hallowed ground.   He wept for his Lieutenant and comrades as he found their graves.

Gone But Not Forgotten

It is fitting that there is a day set aside to honor the war dead.   However, I suggest that we should remember them, and those that lived through the war and have now returned to their heavenly homes, at other times, not just Memorial Day.    

The generation that fought in the two World Wars are quickly slipping away.  My father and his brother, who both fought in the war, are gone now.   They would rarely speak of that time in their lives.   When we were in Normandy, we were fortunate to have a knowledgeable private guide who took us to all the historic sights and was able to show us what it was like then and now.  Without men like that, we might not hear the stories any longer.

If you are fortunate enough to have a living relative who fought in the war,  and if they are willing to talk about it, find out more about that time in their lives.   I suspect they won't want to talk about it.  If they are still able to travel, they may want to go back to Normandy for a final visit like my father did on an anniversary of D-Day.   He went to the very beach that he had landed on so many years ago.  

Of course there are other wars, not just the world ones where we salute the men and women that gave their lives and those that didn't but had their lives changed forever.   Let's not forget them either and be sure to thank them for what they did.

The cruise lines thank the military as well.   There are discounts year-round and often specials around this time of year.  We would be honored to help you plan a trip, land or sea, to the battlefields of Europe or any other destination.

Thank You to All the Military for Your Service 

Memorial Day 2013

Saluting Those That Have Served Their Country

Especially Those Who Have Given The Ultimate Sacrifice

Over the years we have been to many military cemeteries, museums, and other sites during our cruise vacations.   One of our most memorable trips was when we visited Normandy, France during a British Isles cruise.  My father had been among the troops landing at the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. He lived through that day and many other horrific days during the war.  Many of his fellow soldiers weren't as fortunate.  He returned to Normandy years later and stood on this hallowed ground.   He wept for his Lieutenant and comrades as he found their graves.

Gone But Not Forgotten

It is fitting that there is a day set aside to honor the war dead.   However, I suggest that we should remember them, and those that lived through the war and have now returned to their heavenly homes, at other times, not just Memorial Day.    

The generation that fought in the two World Wars are quickly slipping away.  My father and his brother, who both fought in the war, are gone now.   They would rarely speak of that time in their lives.   When we were in Normandy, we were fortunate to have a knowledgeable private guide who took us to all the historic sights and was able to show us what it was like then and now.  Without men like that, we might not hear the stories any longer.

If you are fortunate enough to have a living relative who fought in the war,  and if they are willing to talk about it, find out more about that time in their lives.   I suspect they won't want to talk about it.  If they are still able to travel, they may want to go back to Normandy for a final visit like my father did on an anniversary of D-Day.   He went to the very beach that he had landed on so many years ago.  

Of course there are other wars, not just the world ones where we salute the men and women that gave their lives and those that didn't but had their lives changed forever.   Let's not forget them either and be sure to thank them for what they did.

The cruise lines thank the military as well.   There are discounts year-round and often specials around this time of year.  We would be honored to help you plan a trip, land or sea, to the battlefields of Europe or any other destination.

Thank You to All the Military for Your Service 

American Cemetery Normandy France

American Cemetery & Memorial Normandy France (click for album)

On June 8, 1944, the U.S. First Army established the temporary cemetery, the first American cemetery on European soil in World War II.  This marker is placed at the location of the first cemetery.

After the war, the present-day cemetery was established a short distance to the east of the original site. The cemetery is located on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach (one of the landing beaches of the Normandy Invasion) and the English Channel.

It covers 172 acres, and contains the remains of 9,387 American military dead, most of whom were killed during the invasion of Normandy and ensuing military operations in World War II. Included are graves of Army Air Corps crews shot down over France as early as 1942.

Like all other overseas American cemeteries in France for World War I and II, France has granted the United States a special, perpetual concession to the land occupied by the cemetery, free of any charge or any tax. This cemetery is managed by the American government, under Congressional acts that provide yearly financial support for maintaining them, with most military and civil personnel employed abroad. The U.S. flag flies over these granted soils.  When you are in the cemetery you are on U.S. soil, just like you would be at an embassy in a foreign land.

THROUGH THE GATE OF DEATH MAY THEY PASS TO THEIR JOYFUL RESURRECTION

We have had the good fortune of cruising to many historic destinations in Europe.  Perhaps none have been as moving as the time we spent in Normandy, France.  My dad was among the troops that attempted to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day.  His tank was sunk and he was rescued so that he could storm the beach again and later fight in other battles, like the Battle of the Bulge.

He never spoke of the war, and the only way that I learned about his bravery in battle was through his brother who also served during the great war.   They are both gone now, but their memory, and memories of so many others, are honored by this sacred ground near a beach in  France.

One of my fondest memories of my dad was a story my mom told me about the time they had the opportunity to return to Normandy.  My dad wasn't one to show his emotions, but when they visited the grave of his commander, he broke down and cried.   Hopefully he met up with his CO in heaven now and they are enjoying a pint of beer on this Veterans Day 2012.

The generation that fought in that war are all but gone now.   If you still have someone you know that lived through that time, and fought for their country, first of all, thank them for what they did and then learn what you can from them.    I encourage you to travel to France, and other parts of Europe, to the great battlefields and visit the various cemeteries and memorials.  For more images, see our Facebook fan page.

Thank You To All the Past and Present Men & Women Serving in the Armed Forces

Thoughts on Veterans Day 2011

Veterans Day 2011

11-11-11

First and foremost, today is the annual observance of Veteran's Day, a day set aside to honor the nation's veterans.   The image in this article was taken at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France, on one of our cruises several years ago.    The image of row after row of crosses will never leave me.

Every day we go about our business, and I suspect most of us take our freedom for granted.   It isn't because we aren't caring people, but instead perhaps because we just don't think about it.  So I ask you today to take a moment to reflect on the veterans, living and deceased, for without whose service we wouldn't be the free nation we are today.

 Veterans Share Their Special Day

One year ago today there were two other events superimposed on Veteran's Day. We wrote about Carnival Splendor, which was towed into San Diego following a fire onboard. The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy had come to their rescue bringing provisions. That story was about our Armed Forces in action for a peaceful purpose.

We also wrote about Allure of the Seas which was making its way amidst water cannons and cheering crowds into its new home port in Florida. Our Nation's flag was unfurled as a salute to the new vessel as the ceremonies combined Veteran's Day and the Allure's arrival in a musical tribute.

This year, we scanned the news wire and found out that businesses around the globe are offering 11-11-11 deals and discounts to celebrate the serendipity of what some are calling "The Luckiest Calendar Numbers in a Century."

In numerology, 11 is considered a "Master Number" and those who have 11 in their birth date are said to be endowed with special gifts of leadership and inspiration, with an overwhelming desire to achieve something extraordinary.   Eleven has always been considered lucky in Las Vegas with 11  being a winning dice combination in the game of craps and drawing an 11 in blackjack is a very lucky hand since it can lead to a 21 which is the best hand.

Let's not forget Veterans on their special day... as a reminder, Carnival Cruise Lines is honoring the military with a special promotion all month long:  Carnival Cruises November Military Promotion

THANK YOU FROM A GRATEFUL NATION

Those words are spoken when the folded U.S. Flag is presented to the family at a military funeral ceremony.  Today let us all echo those words and say thank you.    There are many ways to become involved and say thank you in a very meaningful way.   Cruise lines offer discounts to military, including veterans.   Local organizations gather goodies to send to the troops currently serving overseas.   Volunteers help out at local VA Hospitals across the nation.   If you want to get involved personally, check out the VA Voluntary Service website for some ideas.

Memorial Day 2010

Click to View Entire Album  - American Cemetery Normandy

Over the years we have been to many military cemeteries, museums, and other sites during our cruise vacations.   One of our most memorable trips was when we visited Normandy, France during a British Isles cruise.  My father had been among the troops landing at the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. He lived through that day and many other horrific days during the war.  Many of his fellow soldiers weren't as fortunate.  He returned to Normandy years later and stood on this hallowed ground.   He wept for his Lieutenant and comrades as he found their graves.

Related Blog Posts

Thoughts on Memorial Day
Normandy, France - Retracing History
Normandy, France - Retracing History (Part2)
Normandy, France - Retracing History (Part 3)

It is fitting that there is a day set aside to honor the war dead.   However, I suggest that we should remember them, and those that lived through the war and have now returned to their heavenly homes, at other times, not just Memorial Day.   

There are many opportunities while cruising to visit graves of the fallen troops.   I've already mentioned Normandy, France.   As expected there are many sites in Europe where you can visit graves and also learn more about the wars fought on that foreign soil.

Closer to home you could visit Arlington National Cemetery, before or after a cruise that departs from Baltimore.    On he west coast, you could visit Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery when cruising out of San Diego harbor.  Remember those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor while in Honolulu.

Plan a cruise to one or more destinations that tell the history of war.  Many cruise lines honor the active and retired military by offering special discounts.   Check with your cruise specialist for more details. 

Thank You to All the Military for Your Service