VLS Resources
German Immigrants Introduced Christmas Trees
So when and how did Christmas become the festive celebration we recognize today? According to Early American Life, traditions such as decorating Christmas trees with lights and ornaments came from Germans who immigrated to the United States. By the early 19th century, these ideas spread into the American mainstream and, eventually, England, where the German…
Honor America And Her Veterans Through Proper Flag Etiquette
Make sure it can wave freely. Never allow the flag to touch the ground or any other object while it’s on display. Stand for America. Salute the American flag as it is hoisted and lowered and while saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Stand at attention with your right hand over your heart and your hat…
March is Women’s Month
This month, during Women’s History Month, we are featuring an interesting article by the American Battlefield Trust, which conveys the hardships and determination of the women who lived in our war-torn country in the 1800’s. Many women fought for our country, supported their families and the patriots, often caring for their homesteads until their husband’s…
On This July Day in American History
July 1, 1862 – President Abraham Lincoln signed the first income tax bill, levying a 3% income tax on annual incomes of $600-$10,000 and a 5% tax on incomes over $10,000. Also on this day, the Bureau of Internal Revenue was established by an Act of Congress. July 2, 1776 – The Continental Congress in Philadelphia adopted…
THOMAS JEFFERSON
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 in Albemarle County, Virginia to Jane and Peter Jefferson. His father was a Virginia planter, surveyor, and slave owner. At age fourteen, Jefferson’s father died, and Thomas inherited some thirty enslaved individuals. Jefferson fully embraced the lifestyle of an affluent member of the planter class, and over…
The Great Seal of the United States of America
OBSERVE REVERSE Do you know why they chose these images? OBVERSE: The American bald eagle is prominently featured supporting a shield composed of 13 red and white stripes (pales) representing the Thirteen Original States with a blue bar (chief) uniting the shield and representing Congress. The motto of the United States, E. Pluribus Unum (meaning…
If You Know Mr. Madison’s Constitution, You’ll Want to Preserve It
March 16 was the birthday of a little man who made a huge impact on America. At 5’4” and not much over 100 pounds, James Madison—our fourth President (1809-1817)—was the smallest of America’s Founders. But he was a Constitutional giant. Madison didn’t write the Constitution single-handedly; it was the product of argument and compromise among…
As We Celebrate This July 4th Please Pray for Our Nation
Oh God our creator, from your provident hand we have received our right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. You have called us as your people and given us the right and duty to worship. Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in…
OUR FLAG – The Stars and Stripes
The Stars and Stripes originated as a result of a resolution adopted by the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress at Philadelphia on June 14, 1777. The resolution read: “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen strips, alternate red and white: that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue…