Historically, the period between 1890 through 1920, may have been our most prolific era of patriotic imagery. Veterans of the great American Civil War, and those organizations supporting them were in a full-blown fervor to remember the momentous events and the sacrifices endured by so many during the conflict. As veterans groups sponsored reunions and encampments throughout the nation, the glory and melancholy of it all would show through in literature, music, and art. The G.A.R. or Grand Army of the Republic were unquestionably the most active of all the groups. Depicted are several examples of postcards depicting the patriotism and remembrance of this group of Union Veterans.

Patriotism on the farm!. Behold the red, white and blue.

America is gearing up for the big Olympic event in London this next week. On display for the world to see will be our own superhero athletes representing this great nation of ours. The world will be watching, as our men and women compete, cheer, and wave the stars and stripes in celebration of victories, we may be fortunate to achieve. So it goes for all nations, who will send their superheros to the world competition. Each nation's people will have a patriotic verve that seems to be only surpassed in times of conflict.

The world will be watching, and more importantly our children will have an opportunity to watch many of our nation's athletes become national heroes. I look forward to this opportunity of planting the seeds of American patriotism to people around the world, for reasons other than an armed conflict. It is my sincere hope the example our nation sets at this year's games, is a platform that inspires a patriotic nation of future superheros. 

Its all about growing the seeds of American patriotism. What better way to get those seeds off to a good start than surrounding them in good American soil contained in an Uncle Sam hat planter. 

It appears that when man first stepped upon the North American continent he was destined to come under the red-white-and blue spell of patriotism. An incredible find just recently discovered and put on display in Benoit, Wisconsin was a "Patriotic Theropod."

Yes, some of the first patriotic seeds of our great nation were spread thousands of years before man set forth upon our continent. Yet another great moment in our patriotic history.

Branding our nation's goods as Made in America, was once more than a mere tag on the back of a shirt, coat, hat, or food package. It was a statement of our national patriotism often incorporated into a brand or product through an emblem that was proudly displayed in packaging or in advertisement of goods. American companies were once proud to use our nation's patriotic symbols to market their products. Today we search for an obscure label, or tiny script on the container. The once proud symbols of American patriotism, that scattered seeds of America throughout our nation and the world, are all but relics in the marketplace today.

 "MADE IN AMERICA" - Patriotic seeds are meant to be planted in our own country first and foremost. But not everyone seems to get the message. Last evening, ABC evening news ran the story about the decision made by "American" fashion designer Ralph Lauren to provide the US Olympic team with opening ceremony attire entirely made in China.

No, there weren't any seeds of patriotism distributed for our depressed economy at home to grow on. I do appreciate that sponsors step up to help our athletes and in support of the games, but why not do it right and support the country too.

I have a question - when our athletes step forward to accept a medal ,and American flags are being waved and wrapped around a celebratory neck, who do we thank for providing these flags, China?

The US Olympic committee should be embarrassed, Ralph Lauren and his company should be ashamed.

WE CAN DO IT TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!