Today is Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The United States Army also celebrates its birthday on this date; Congress adopted “the American continental army” on June 14, 1775. Did you know it was Flag Day? Do you fly a US flag? What feelings do you have about our flag? Do you know the proper way to dispose of an old, beat-up flag?
Driving along A1A earlier this week, I noticed several pairs of little, white butterflies fluttering around each other in fast, tight circles. Then, as I looked further up the road, I realized that there were, literally, thousands of them, floating like white petals, all along A1A, as far as I could see. So, I Googled it.
Here’s what I learned: In most years, in the spring usually, the Great Southern White Butterfly appears in enormous numbers, in migration along the western shore of the Indian River (and a few other places), in a strip usually less than an eighth of a mile wide – and they fly along and near the shore. It can continue for as much as two months. If you live around here you have probably seen and enjoyed this delicate fluttering hoard for yourself. It absolutely put a smile on my face.
Something else that absolutely puts smiles on all our faces here at Habitat is when a proud Habitat homeowner parent shares that their son or daughter has graduated from high school or college. We so strongly believe in helping these kids (and their parents) seek higher education to break the cycle of poverty and second-generation Habitat home ownership. So many of their previous living conditions – crowded, unsafe – have been detrimental to successful studying, and having their own space in a simple, decent Habitat home, coupled with our Scholarship/Education programs, have made a significant difference for them.