The Sunshine Report We at the Sunshine Initiative are excited to celebrate our 5th Anniversary this month and invite you to celebrate with us! The Sunshine Initiative, founded by Jay Lucas, is an organization that seeks to revitalize small towns and communities throughout New Hampshire and do so with an optimistic, positive spirit. We have four fantastic free events in Newport, Claremont, and Manchester for you to attend, and RSVPs are easy by going to this link. Where the Flag Still Stands for Freedom Karen and Jay share the excitement and honor in celebrating our wonderful American flag. There is no more powerful symbol of freedom than our precious American flag. Whether you are at an event and participating in the Pledge of Allegiance, or at a stadium listening to the national anthem or even just walking down the street and seeing an American flag displayed at a home in your neighborhood – the feeling is always the same. One of great reverence and pride. Reverence for all the brave men and women who have fought to defend our freedom. And pride in America – as the beacon of hope to the world – committed to liberty, equality, and justice for all. And, it is at this time of year, we take a moment to celebrate our wonderful American flag. While not a federal holiday akin to the Fourth of July, this week is ‘National Flag Week’ – spanning from June 11th thru June 18th. Highlighted by ‘Flag Day’ that we celebrated earlier this week on June 14th, it’s a time of recognition that holds an important place in the history of our nation, acknowledging the day in 1777 when our then fledgling nation adopted Old Glory as it has been called, as the official colors of the “thirteen United States”. While taking a break from drafting the Articles of Confederation, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution which, “resolved, that the flag be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” For George Washington, this was an important symbolic step towards unifying colonial fighting forces who at times were flying what were known as the “Continental Colors”, a flag that was composed of thirteen alternating red and white stripes, but which had the Union Jack in place of our now famed stars. He felt that any use of the Union Jack was a demoralizing symbol that could hurt morale in the fight for freedom from British rule. While Flag Day was observed in an unofficial capacity by some following the end of the Revolution, it wasn't until 1916 when President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that Flag Day be observed every year on June 14th. Even then, Flag Day wasn’t officially codified until August 3rd, 1949, when congress approved its national observance, and President Harry Truman officially signed it into law. Throughout our history, our flag, much like our nation, has consistently evolved. From the original 13 stars, signifying a new constellation and our new, unified nation, to the 50 which now adorn it, our flag is a powerful symbol of our shared history, our shared sacrifice, and our unwavering belief in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. During the course of the year, we display the flag at home, in schools, on government buildings, and at local businesses. But Flag Day itself is a day to reflect on the symbol of freedom and unity that the American flag represents and to show appreciation for the country's history and values. So, this weekend, if you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to get out your American flag and display it proudly in honor of this magnificent symbol of our great nation. Read The Report Flags of Valor – Honoring Veterans - Passing Freedom on to the Next Generation Read More Old Glory – The History and Evolution   Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Brian Steorts – Founder of Flags of Valor We are delighted this week to profile a great friend, patriot, and veteran – as well as a highly successful entrepreneur - Brian Steorts. Brian is the founder of Flags of Valor and how he came to create a nationally branded company is nothing short of amazing. Brian was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne. After being honorably discharged, he entered the private sector for a period of time - but felt compelled to defend our freedoms after the horrific 9/11 attacks. Brian would re-enlist and become a pilot for the U.S. Air Force’s Special Operations Command. After eight deployments, Brian was unfortunately suffering from a service-related injury. It was during his rehabilitation that his commitment to not only defending the flag would continue but his determination to promote it too. You see, he actually was looking at his t-shirt during rehabilitation and wished that more people would be wearing one like his with the colors. He would use his passion for the flag and what it stood for as inspiration and determination. He took up woodworking and started to make small American flag carvings. He would donate the flags to causes and also give them to veterans. But, he knew he could do more. He knew he could help veterans who needed a purpose while at the same time continue to grow a commitment to our flag and become part of something so much more moving and important to our nation. Thus, was born Flags of Valor. Brian is committed to ensuring veterans as well as current members of the military have a place to land following their service. While there are many in our country who help with work placement, Brian is a leader and will never stop ensuring his brothers-in-arms have a place to continue their service post military careers. Brian is a patriot we can all admire and hope to emulate. I am honored not only to call him a partner but a friend. And for those in NH on Thursday, June 29th, you can come and meet Brian and hear his story first hand as he will be a featured speaker at our Manchester Sunshine Day which is being held at the St Anselm’s NH Institute of Politics. Please use this link Sunshine Week Activities Eventbrite Link to register (free) and also look at the other Sunshine Events during the week especially in the Newport/Claremont area! Quote of the Week "The American flag is the symbol of our freedom, national pride, and unity." - Ronald Reagan     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]