There are several definitions for the word 'standard'. Some automatically think of a standard as something by which things can be measured or assigned value. But the first and foremost definition of the word is "a flag, banner or ensign", and today's beautiful weather gave me the perfect opportunity to photograph our nation's flag. It's humble beginnings in 1776 are attributed to George Washington and Betsy Ross who collaborated on its design and prototype. The original flag paid tribute to the 13 colonies, who stood in opposition to the British, with 13 stars on a navy flue field and 13 alternating red and white stripes. Today, our flag still has 13 stripes which represent the first 13 states, but the number of stars has increased to 50 and represent each of the 50 states. What most people (including most Americans!) don't know is that the colors also represent something about our country. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor. White represents purity and innocence. Blue represents vigilence, perseverance and justice. We may not always live up to the ideals represented in our flag. But many of us aspire to live by them as best we can. Sadly, there has been much controversy over the Pledge of Allegiance which I grew up reciting every day at the beginning of school. When I look at the words now, I realize what a unifying resource these words were. And for those who truly believed in what they stood for, they became the reason why our country moved forward on issues such as the right for all citizens to vote. Our standard stood for standards which uplifted the quality of life and the right to live it to its fullest. So for my international friends, I'll write them here:
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
And to the Republic for which it stands; one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
@jamieonline101 Thanks Jamie!! @digitalrn I don't know Rick- it's probably a mixed amount. @pandorasecho That is soooo encouraging Dixie! Thanks for telling me. @httpgeffed Thanks Colleen- that's awesome! I've always wanted to learn sign-language! I'm so encouraged to hear that both you and Dixie say it in your classes.
@karenann Thank you Karenann- and thanks to your husband for upholding all the things this wonderful flag stands for. I truly appreciate his (and your family's) sacrifice on my behalf. @rogley8 Thanks Richard- well now you have something to follow through on for your standard shot if you want to! I'd even be interested in learning about that!
Thats a cool angle for the flag! ~ Nice shot! I keep trying to take an interesting shot of the canadian flag, maybe I'll try a different angle! ~ Thanks for the inspiration!
@kerristephens Thank you Kerri- you've had some beautiful shots of the flag as well. @allie912 Thanks Allison- you've had some really great information on so many of your pictures, I was inspired to do the same for this one. @sanera Thanks Samantha- for this shot I was standing directly beneath the flag and shooting it as it blew gently in the breeze. I had tried a couple different directions but I liked this one the best. This is my neighbors flag and they were out, but they're used to me taking photos for 365 now. Give it a try- I'm sure you'll get a nice one. @mrssmith Thank you so much Carla!
@bkbinthecity Thanks bkb! It was a learning experience for me too- I hadn't realized the colors stood for things as well. @roejan Thanks Roe Jan. I liked this one SOOC too, but I think the processing bumped it up a notch. @alia_801 Thanks Alia! I truly appreciate your faithful comments!
@wdement Thank you Wendy- you are so kind! I'm always turning the camera up and down- trying to see if I can make something look a little different. Thank you for noticing!
@digitalrn I don't know Rick- it's probably a mixed amount.
@pandorasecho That is soooo encouraging Dixie! Thanks for telling me.
@httpgeffed Thanks Colleen- that's awesome! I've always wanted to learn sign-language! I'm so encouraged to hear that both you and Dixie say it in your classes.
@rogley8 Thanks Richard- well now you have something to follow through on for your standard shot if you want to! I'd even be interested in learning about that!
@allie912 Thanks Allison- you've had some really great information on so many of your pictures, I was inspired to do the same for this one.
@sanera Thanks Samantha- for this shot I was standing directly beneath the flag and shooting it as it blew gently in the breeze. I had tried a couple different directions but I liked this one the best. This is my neighbors flag and they were out, but they're used to me taking photos for 365 now. Give it a try- I'm sure you'll get a nice one.
@mrssmith Thank you so much Carla!
@roejan Thanks Roe Jan. I liked this one SOOC too, but I think the processing bumped it up a notch.
@alia_801 Thanks Alia! I truly appreciate your faithful comments!