You Capture - Photographer's Choice
Since I had my choice for this week's You Capture, and because the 4th of July is right around the corner, I decided to capture the symbol of our nation's Independence, the American flag. For most of my life, Independence day has meant BBQs, fireworks, and summer memories with the family. However, after teaching 5th grade (where we study American History), I've acquired a bit of a different perspective on the holiday. Reading about the great men and women who fought for America's independence from Britain, their trials and victories, has made this holiday and our flag mean so much more.
John Adams said in a letter to his wife Abigail (of the original Independence Day - which was actually July 2, 1776), "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival." It's kind of cool to know that his prediction came true, even if he was off by 2 days. I wonder what he would think about the various ways the holiday is celebrated and our flag is depicted today (on clothing and home decor, for example)?
Another piece of American trivia for you: Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826 - 50 years to the day from the birth of the country they helped found. Isn't that an interesting coincidence?
OK, I'll let my teacher side slip for now and show you the photos.
Happy 4th of July (3 days early)!
My standard summer flip-flops
That Star Spangled Banner yet waves....
Go check out what other people captured at I Should Be Folding Laundry!
And let's not forget that Yankee Doodle Dandy was born on the 4th of July!
That flag shot is awesome! Great job on these!
LOVE the flag shot! And I'm not even American! Fantastic job! Xx
Beautiful post! Don't stop sharing your knowledge. I love to learn (and revisit) those apples of gold from our history, that help remind us - that there is a reason behind the celebration. Memorial Day was that way for me this year. Thanks -
I loved the history lesson. I really enjoy historical quotes - thanks for sharing. :) Beautiful colors in your shots!!
Beautiful captures.
I LOVE flag pictures. Thanks for sharing!
Great job this week! Awesome flag shot!
Great shots. I love the flag one!
The 4th of July offers great photo ops. Love the flag.
Great shots! I think I need those flip flops!
Love that flag photo
Great flag shots! Makes me want to go find one and shoot it up too! With my camera, I mean, gosh that could be read the wrong way. :)
I like the simple but bold effect of the first "flip-flop" photo and the movement and color of the flag photo. Beautiful.
I love the name of your blog. Awesome! The photos are great too as is the sentiment behind them.
Thanks for stopping by my blog as well.
Aw, I really like them both a lot! And your little antecdote about Adams' prediction made me choke up a little. I get pretty emotional when it comes to patriotism. Real and true patriotism like our Independence Day. I dunno what it is...I'm a sap. Anyway, great job on your photos!