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Red, White and Blue
Red, White, and Blue
The flag of the United States has always had a special meaning to me. It is a symbol of our freedom and the unity of our nation. As a veteran, I have very deep feelings for the flag and the people who fought for it.
I strongly believe that we can and should promote respect for our flag. Display yours proudly on holidays, or every day; or teach a child to respect it, display it, and fold it. Share with young people what that flag means to you and why, so that they can begin to understand that it is more than the threads it is woven of.
U.S. Flag Requests: If you’d like to purchase a flag which has flown over the Capitol in Washington, D.C., I`d be glad to help you get one. I can arrange to get your flag flown on a specific date, which many people do so they can present the flags as gifts or otherwise honor someone on their special day. |
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| What important event in New Mexico’s history happened over 400 years ago on September 21? |
| Spain named Juan de Oñate governor of the colony of New Mexico on September 21, 1596. Commissioned to explore and settle the region, Oñate requested the assignment after hearing rumors about golden cities in the vicinity. These mythical stories had originated with earlier explorers and they
led Coronado, famous for investigating the Grand Canyon, into that area in 1540.
In January 1598, Oñate`s expedition of 400 men crossed the Rio Grande at El Paso and split up into smaller groups to search for treasure. Many of his men wanted to return to Spain, but Oñate, desperate with greed, squashed potential deserters by executing several who attempted to leave. He enslaved the women and children of the Acoma Pueblo Indians, and brutally abused the Acoma men.
In 1601, Oñate set out alone to find the legendary golden city of Quivera. After years of failure, he returned to find much of his colony deserted. Six years later, Oñate resigned as governor and was tried for his cruel actions.
The trial resulted in his exile--a decision reversed on appeal in 1624.
Although his colonization methods were horrific, Oñate is credited with establishing a colony in New Mexico and exploring the geography of the region. By encouraging further European settlement, his efforts lead to the founding of capital city Santa Fe in 1610.
Congress established the Territory of New Mexico in 1848 at the conclusion of the Mexican War. On January 6, 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state. |
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