Summer is here. This is what we have all been waiting for.
The month of June is full of observations including Flag Day, Father’s Day, and the Summer Solstice.
Flag Day
The historical basis for Flag Day, traces to the Continental Congress in 1777, passing a resolution establishing a flag for the newly created country of the United States, which would consist of 13 stripes and 13 stars with a white and red color scheme. President Woodrow Wilson officially declared Flag Day in 1916. A Wisconsin school teacher had initiated the idea of day recognizing the birth of the United States flag however, back in 1885. Betsy Ross is widely credited with sewing the first flag. I imagine the government got a good deal with that contract.
Father’s Day
Father’s Day, as presently celebrated, had its beginning around 1910. Sonora Smart Dodd is credited with founding the date through the Spokane Ministerial Alliance to honor her father, a civil war veteran, who raised his family, Sonora and her five brothers, by himself. Hallmark was more than happy to have another day where children are obligated to buy over- priced cards to present to their parents.
As a father, I celebrate the day with a nice sirloin steak, with the family.
The Summer Solstice
The longest day of the year, sunlight, that is. The summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its most northernly point in the sky (in our northern hemisphere).
For us, here in Minnesota that means approximately 17 hours of sunlight – 5a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The summer solstice has been recognized and celebrated throughout human history in many ways. A Neolithic culture erected large stones to mark its occurrence, a place known as Stonehenge (2500-1600 B.C.) Archeologists believe that Stonehenge was built as an edifice for “peace and unity” as the peoples of this region in present day England were re-uniting, working cooperatively and gathered there to celebrate the solstice. I believe that same story exists here in North America, as many of the mound builders, designed the mounds to align with the summer solstice.
For me, a product of the 20th century, it meant the drive-in movie was starting later and I could barely make my curfew with the single feature. It also means the application of sunscreen.
However you may celebrate summer, it’s time. Enjoy.
DEM
