Happy Independence Day, America!

This post was first published on July 4, 2010.

By Mrs. Yollis 

Buck says, Happy Birthday America!#doink @DoInkTweets #4thOfJuly pic.twitter.com/tALMm3BQFQ

— Linda Yollis (@lindayollis) July 4, 2016

July 4th is Independence Day in America!

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This document announced America's independence from Britain.

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Six years ago I was with my family on the Fourth of July, and we had a special event planned for the day.

My family had three old, tattered flags that needed to be retired. So on July 4th, we had a retirement ceremony.

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The United States Flag Code states: "The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."

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First, we sang some patriotic songs!

Then, my cousin Jon gave a short speech. Finally, we retired the old flags to the fire.

Click here to learn how to fold an American flag. 

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How will you spend the Fourth of July?

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Memorial Day 2016

Monday is Memorial Day in the United States. 

It is a national holiday!

Photo by Andrew's mom

Below are two Memorial Day posts from former students. Enjoy learning about Memorial Day through their experiences. 

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Guest post from Mallory, Mrs. Yollis' former student. First published in 2013

Two years ago, I celebrated Memorial Day with my mom and my Girl Scout troop in a special way. We went to the Los Angeles National Cemetery in Westwood to place American flags on the headstones of soldiers who have served our country in the military. There were so many other troops to help, including Daisies, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Eagle Scouts.

Photo by Mallory's Mom

There was very specific way to place the flags. They had to be put 1 foot away from the headstone and 2 inches into the ground. Then we were told to stand and have a moment of silence to recognize and honor the soldier for their dedication to our country.

Photo by Mallory's Mom

I was very interested to read each soldier's headstone. Some fought in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. There were many soldiers who even fought in more than one war.

This memorable experience inspired me to come home and learn more about Memorial Day. I found out many interesting facts on Wikipedia.

Memorial Day Facts:

• Memorial Day used to be called "Decoration Day" during the Civil War.
• It wasn't until after World War II that the name changed to Memorial Day.
• In 1967, it was declared a national holiday.
• There are 88,000 graves in the Los Angeles National Cemetery.

Photo by Mallory's Mom

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Andrew's post first published on Memorial Day 2011

Photo by Andrew's mom

Dear Mrs. Yollis,

Here are some pictures taken on Saturday at the VA Cemetery. Scouts from all over planted a flag at each gravestone, and then saluted. It is really an incredible and moving sight. Finn also was there. The second picture is a gravestone for a Medal of Honor recipient. There are only a handful at the cemetery. There are marked by special plaques and blue flags.

Enjoy your day off.
Andrew and Dana

Photo by Andrew's mom

How do you celebrate Memorial Day 

where you live?

Do you have anyone in your family who has served in the military?

What is the Medal of Honor?

Read More

Memorial Day :: A National Holiday

Guest post from Mallory, Mrs. Yollis' former student

This Monday is Memorial Day in the United States. 

It is a national holiday!

TWO YEARS AGO, I celebrated Memorial Day with my mom and my Girl Scout troop in a special way.  We went to the Los Angeles National Cemetery in Westwood to place American flags on the headstones of soldiers who have served our country in the military.   There were so many other troops to help, including Daisies, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Eagle Scouts.

Photo by Mallory's Mom

There was a very specific way to place the flags.  They had to be put 1 foot away from the headstone and 2 inches into the ground.  Then we were told to stand and have a moment of silence to recognize and honor the soldier for their dedication to our country.

Photo by Mallory's Mom

I was very interested to read each soldier's headstone.  Some fought in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.  There were many soldiers who even fought in more than one war.

This memorable experience inspired me to come home and learn more about Memorial Day.  I found out many interesting facts on Wikipedia.

Memorial Day Facts:
* Memorial Day used to be called "Decoration Day" during the Civil War.
* It wasn't until after World War II that the name changed to Memorial Day.
* In 1967, it was declared a national holiday.
* There are 88,000 graves in the Los Angeles National Cemetery.

Photo by Mallory's Mom

How do you celebrate Memorial Day where you live?

Do you have anyone in your family who has served in the military?

Read More