Golden Gems

JUNE

J - oy in every heart is found,

U - nlimited beauty all around.

N - ature displaying her very best

E - mphasizing how much we're blest.

"What is so rare as a day in June?"

"The threshold of summer, the perfection of the year."

~ Old Farmer's Almanac ~

A month of promise - a promise of bright days ahead -

a promise of growth - a promise of flowers - a promise between two lovers. The month of weddings, and Father's Day, Flag Day, Graduations, picnics and fun in

the sun. The month of roses. We're half-way through the year. Nature is displaying her best with blue skies, warm sunshine, gentle breezes, and fleecy clouds. Perhaps we can store up some of this beauty and warmth for the winter.

FATHER

F - or all the love you gave to me,

A - nd the guidance given so faithfully.

T - hanks for always being there,

H - ands and heart so filled with care.

E - ars that heard each childish plea.

R - espect you gained by your love for me.

In memory of my Dad, P.A. Hanlin,

August 31, 1891 - June 25, 1965

FLAG DAY

Did you ever think about the origin of Old Glory? We are told that President George Washington requested Betsy Ross to make a flag to represent our nation. She was an accomplished seamstress and a widow of one who had died for his country. I wonder what her toughts were as she stitched. Did she realize what her nimble fingers were creating? Was her head and heart filled with dreams about the new country this flag would represent? Did she ever imagine what this flag would mean to the world? A symbol of freedom to so many - a symbol of power to others - a symbol of home and loved ones to those who fought on foreign soil.

These tiny pieces of cloth would become the emblem of our unity, our power, our dreams as a nation.

For generations it has had respect, honor, and love as it flies majestically over our country. Although it is silent, it speaks to us of the past, of the brave souls who died to defend it, of a great naton where freedom reigns. Many have come to enjoy that freedom and learned to love this symbol. Any place in the universe, when anyone sees the Stars and Stripes, they know it represents the greatest nation God ever created. When we look at Old Glory, as she is flying high, we think of the history - the living and dying - that is represented by each star and stripe. With pride we feel the courage that has inspired our citizens through the years. As school children we were taught the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and learned to respect and honor what it symbolizes. Yes, we wonder what Betsy Ross thought as she sat silently stitching. We owe her a debt of gratitude for her ability, dedication, courage and willingness to serve the 'newborn' nation in this way. A simple task for an accomplished seamstress but, oh, so important in the history of a great nation. THANK YOU, BETSY!

~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~