June 14: A Day Rich with “Made in America” Celebrations

June 14 is a day rich with truly “Made in America” celebrations. It’s Flag Day — a time to honor our Nation’s flag and everything it represents. It’s also National Bourbon Day, recognizing one of our country’s most iconic and officially recognized spirits.

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress resolved: “That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” Our flag has evolved over the centuries, but today it still bears those 13 stripes along with 50 stars. I firmly believe it remains the most striking flag of any nation.

Sadly, some today label our flag as a symbol of oppression or racism. Ironically, many of those critics enjoy freedoms — speech, protest, and dissent — that are rare or outright denied in the very regimes they claim to admire. In those systems, expressing such views could easily lead to imprisonment — or worse.

National Bourbon Day came later. On May 4, 1964, Congress declared bourbon a “distinctive product of the United States.” While the exact origins of National Bourbon Day are unclear — perhaps more marketing than history — June 14 has become the day to celebrate our native beverage. A popular legend holds that on this day in 1789, in Georgetown, Kentucky, the Reverend Elijah Craig — a Baptist minister and entrepreneur — first produced bourbon. His distillery is said to be the birthplace of this remarkable spirit. Whatever the origin, it’s fitting to toast an American-made tradition on the same day we honor our flag.

So, raise the flag and raise a glass. Celebrate what makes this Nation great—its history, its symbols, and yes, even its spirits. Be thankful for them all.

Cheers!

Flag Day and National Bourbon Day - What a Combo!

June 14 is filled with truly "Made in America" celebrations. Today is Flag Day, the day we celebrate our Nation's flag and all it represents. On the same day we also mark National Bourbon Day, the day we celebrate an "official" American beverage. 

On June 14, 1777 the Continental Congress resolved "That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." Our first flag has evolved over time to the one we proudly fly today with 13 stripes and 50 stars. To this day, I hold it to be the most striking of any Nation's flag. There are many misguided and anti-freedom people in the US today who claim our flag is a racist or oppressive symbol. Ironically, a majority of those making those accusations, would hardly be as free, if even allowed to avoid the death penalty, under the governments they so ignorantly wish to emulate. 

National Bourbon Day came later. On May 4, 1964 Congress proclaimed bourbon to be a “distinctive product of the United States.” I am not sure when the National holiday came to be, nor how the day came to be celebrated on June 14. Tradition, or legend, holds that June 14 was actually the first time bourbon was distilled, but who would really know? The day likely has more to do with distillery marketing than history, but who could be against such a celebration? There is certainly an argument that could be be made for joining it with Flag Day given its connection to our great Nation.

So fly the flag and enjoy a sip of bourbon today, and be thankful for both.

Fun fact: Viewing the American flag leads to higher brain function.

Cheers!

Bourbon and Our Flag

It's a great day to be an American. Officially it's Flag Day, the day we celebrate our Nation's flag and all it represents. Unofficially, it's National Bourbon Day, the day we celebrate a truly American beverage. It's a pairing made in America.

On June 14, 1777 the Continental Congress resolved "That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."  Our first flag has evolved over time to the one we proudly fly today with 13 stripes and 50 stars. It's the most striking of any Nation's flag in my opinion. Many misguided people in the US today claim our flag is a racist or oppressive symbol. Ironically, a majority of those making those accusations, would hardly be as free, if even allowed to live, under the governments they so ignorantly wish to emulate. 

National Bourbon Day came later. It was on May 4, 1964 that Congress proclaimed Bourbon to be Congress declares bourbon a “distinctive product of the United States.” I am not sure when the holiday was proclaimed, nor how the day came to be celebrated on June 14. Tradition, or legend, holds that May 4 was the first time bourbon was distilled, but who would really know? It most likely had more to do with distillery marketing than history. There is certainly an argument that could be be made for joining it with Flag Day given its connection to our Nation.

So fly the flag and enjoy a sip of bourbon today, and be thankful for both.

Cheers!