Chapter President's Message

May was a time to celebrate Mothers everywhere and honoring our Veterans that gave their all for this country. We also had a chance to see the South Bay Veteran's Chorus in concert.

June is a time for honoring Dads and Grads, and celebrating that Summer is here as we prepare for Independence Day to hear local kids sing patriotic songs the night before the parade in Morgan Hill for the 4th of July. Please join us as we ride the route in Morgan Hill. They have been supportive and very generous to help us as we prepare for Summer Care Packaging.

Have a great Summer and 4th of July.

Donna Zolezzi

Chapter President

South Bay Blue Star Moms - CA4

Proud ARMY Mom

Memorial Day at Oak Hill Cemetery

We participated in the presentation of wreaths on Memorial Day. It is our honor to escort Cheryl Walsh, our Gold Star Mom, whose son, Sean, is buried at Oak Hill. We are the first of many wreaths that include all of the wars, and Purple Heart Recipients. We had a flyover by a Vietnam War Era helicopter and there were many military vehicles for everyone to enjoy, especially the kids. Thanks to Kyle Dobrenz and his family for enjoying the day with his Blue Star Mom Denise. We met many new and old friends that came out to enjoy the day.

Thanks to Adelle Button Bell for her photos from her trip to Glasgow.

We will be at the Morgan Hill Amphitheatre on July 3rd at 6:00pm. Many people bring items for our Care Packaging and we will have arts and crafts for the kids to do.

250th Anniversary - 4th of July Parade

Flag Day - June 14th

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. 

Facts About the U.S. Flag

1. Bernard Cigrand, a small-town Wisconsin teacher, originated the idea for an annual flag day, to be celebrated across the country every June 14, in 1885. That year, he led his school in the first formal observance of the holiday. Cigrand, who later changed careers and practiced dentistry in Illinois, continued to promote his concept and advocate respect for the flag throughout his life.
2. It is widely believed that Betsy Ross, who assisted the Revolutionary War effort by repairing uniforms and sewing tents, made the first American flag. However, there is no historical evidence that she contributed to Old Glory’s creation. It was not until her grandson William Canby held an 1870 press conference to recount the story that the American public learned of her possible role. It has since been confirmed that Francis Hopkinson, a delegate from New Jersey who signed the Declaration of Independence, designed the American flag.
3. The lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” America’s national anthem since 1931, are taken from a patriotic poem written by Francis Scott Key after he witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. His words were set to the tune of “To Anacreon in Heaven,” a popular British drinking song.
4. In the 1950s, when it seemed certain that Alaska would be admitted to the Union, designers began retooling the American flag to add a 49th star to the existing 48. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old Ohio student named Bob Heft borrowed his mother’s sewing machine, disassembled his family’s 48-star flag and stitched on 50 stars in a proportional pattern. He handed in his creation to his history teacher for a class project, explaining that he expected Hawaii would soon achieve statehood as well. Heft also sent the flag to his congressman, Walter Moeller, who presented it to President Eisenhower after both new states joined the Union. Eisenhower selected Heft’s design, and on July 4, 1960, the president and the high school student stood together as the 50-star flag was raised for the first time. Heft’s teacher promptly changed his grade from a B- to an A.
5. Unlike setting an intact flag on fire, flying one upside-down is not always intended as an act of protest. According to the Flag Code, it can also be an official distress signal.
6. The Flag Code stipulates that the Stars and Stripes should not be used as apparel, bedding or drapery.
7. The practice of draping coffins in the American flag is not reserved for military veterans and government officials. On the contrary, any burial may incorporate this tradition.
8. Etiquette calls for American flags to be illuminated by sunlight or another light source while on display.
9. During the Vietnam War era, some demonstrators burned American flags as an act of protest. The Flag Protection Act of 1968 was enacted in response, making it illegal to burn or otherwise deface the Stars and Stripes. In two landmark decisions 20 years later, the Supreme Court ruled that the government couldn’t curb individuals’ First Amendment rights by prohibiting desecration of the U.S. flag. Respectful burning of damaged flags according to established protocol has always been acceptable.
10. When flags are taken down from their poles, care must be taken to keep them from touching the ground. In fact, the American flag should always be kept aloft, meaning that rugs and carpets featuring the Stars and Stripes are barred by the Flag Code.
11. When the flags of cities, states, localities or groups are flown on the same staff as the American flag, Old Glory should always be at the peak. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they should be of equivalent size and flown from separate staffs of the same height.
12. The Flag Code strictly prohibits adding an insignia, drawing or other markings to the Stars and Stripes. Some American politicians have been known to defy this regulation by signing copies of the U.S. flag for their supporters.

Summer Solstice - June 20th

Historically, Midsummer Day marked the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvest. It is traditionally known as one of four “quarter days” in some cultures—folks celebrate by feasting, dancing, singing, and preparing for the hot summer days ahead. 

Mixed Berry Sangria

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 ml) sparkling white wine
• 2-1/2 cups white cranberry juice
• 2/3 cup light or coconut rum
• 1/3 cup each fresh blackberries, blueberries and raspberries
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh strawberries
• Ice cubes

Directions

In a large pitcher, mix wine, juice and rum; add fruit. Refrigerate at least 2 hours; serve over ice.