Tag Archives: flags

Threads of Honor — Gordon W. Ryan

We all recall that fateful day in 1986 when the space shuttle Challenger blew up just moments after lift-off. I was just shy of ten years old, watching the historic moment on TV. I didn’t understand what had happened until it was explained to me, and I didn’t know until years later the story of the American flag that survived the explosion. “Threads of Honor” by master storyteller Gordon W. Ryan tells the story of that flag. Bill Tolbert, Air Force Major and Boy Scout Leader, told Ryan his story. Given the daunting task of taking six Boy Scouts under … Continue reading →

Decorate for Fourth of July

Have you seen all the great Independence day decorations, including festive flags that light up and beautiful red, white, and blue swags and festoons? There are some very tasteful decorations available and these are my favorites. I like some of the festive touches too, such as strings of red, white, and blue lights, but I prefer the more stately elements, as I find them more befitting the occasion. We do have something to celebrate, since we are blessed to live in the greatest country in the world. We should decorate, celebrate, and participate. While my children and I always make … Continue reading →

Memorial Day

This is one of the biggest weekends for holiday travel. People visit family and friends all over the country. They also buy flowers and visit cemeteries to remember loved ones, and many fly Old Glory. Memorial Day gives us a chance to remember those who have gone before us, but it is intended as an occasion to honor those who have made great sacrifices so that we can enjoy the freedoms we too often take for granted. People have given so much of themselves, even their lives, so that we can live freely, so that we can exercise our rights. … Continue reading →

Group Games

These games are for groups of kids, so they work well when your children have lots of friends over, or during parties and picnics. Mark off a giant checkerboard on your lawn. Pick captains and let each one choose teams and line up his or her “checkers.” You can give each child a piece of black or red construction paper or fabric to put on his or her shirt. The captains will move children around the board. The fun part comes when a player reaches the back row and says, “King me.” The children will then have to piggyback. Be … Continue reading →