As the summer of 2006 approaches a number of holidays and occasions are coming that stir our patriotic spirits. Of course, in the U.S., the most obvious occasions are the fast approaching Memorial Day and Independence Day on July 4th. On a global scale, the World Cup Soccer championship is coming around again as well. With all of these events that unite countries together in a common bond, many wonder about the best way to showcase their own patriotism. Here are some fun ideas of how to show your own patriotism no matter the occasion.

First, the most obvious way to show your love for your country is by making sure you have a beautiful US flag or country flag to show your allegiance! There is nothing like a beautiful and durable American Flag flying from a pole in front of your home, or extended from your roof or porch to show your patriotism and holiday spirit in the summer. And remember, you do have a wide selection of materials and sizes from which to choose so even if you need a smaller scale U.S. flag, or if you are working within a tight budget, you can fly your Old Glory with pride.

Some older homes will also fly some of our historical US flags as well to showcase the beauty and metamorphic quality of our country. The Bennington Flag, one of our first battle flags and the Betsy Ross flags are both popular options and look particularly appropriate hanging from older, majestic homes. Additionally, many residences and businesses will also fly a state flag below their American flag to show their pride in both their country and their home state of the Union. Of course, in the U.S., if you choose to fly multiple flags, make sure you follow the Flag Display Guidelines provided it the U.S. flag code.

As the World Cup Soccer Tournament approaches, patriotic fever will likewise grip the tournament team countries. Whether you are in England, Mexico, Angola or the Ukraine, you'll want to show your support for your World Cup team. Of course, the easiest way is to make sure you bring your country flag to the tournament games to inspire the players on the field and show your patriotic support to the world!

If you are lucky enough to go to a game, face painting the appropriate flag of the world is popular, as well as wearable flags that come on t-shirts, hats and other apparel. Hand held flags can provide a great option for children, while larger flags have often been popular as capes and as banners for adults.

Another great way to show your spirit is to buy purchasing an official National Team Jersey for your country. You can go to the FIFA World Cup store () and shop by continent for the jersey for you country. You'll also find lanyards, hats, jackets and bags. If you are celebrating the World Cup tournament, don't forget to incorporate this year's mascot, GOLEO VI, the lion in with your gear. This King of Parties should unite everyone cheering on this great sport and provide a positive spirit for good sportsmanship so that everyone can get behind great soccer and the best winning team.

No matter which patriotic event you are celebrating, in the U.S. or abroad, the other easy way to show your spirit is by using the colors of your flag, or even your continent. Africa's pan-African colors of red, green and yellow are a great example if you want to support Africa as a country or specific countries like Ghana and Tunisia! If you want to be a little off beat, check out colorful hair dyes like Manic Panic and incorporate your countries' colors on your head, or look for fun and silly patriotic pet gear so your dog or cat can show their own patriotism!

Whether you are participating in a global event like the World Cup or in national events like Independence Day or July 4th, showing you pride for your country can be fun and creative. From traditional symbols like U.S. flags and flags of the world, to fun iterations of patriotic displays from face painting to hair dye, have fun showing your patriotic spirit this summer!

Countries participating in the World Cup:
· Korea Republic
· England
· Mexico
· USA
· Argentina
· Brazil
· Ecuador
· Paraguay
· Australia
· Costa Rica
· Trinidad and Tobago
· Germany
· Ukraine
· Poland
· Netherlands
· Croatia
· Italy
· Portugal
· Sweden
· Serbia and Montenegro
· France
· Switzerland
· Spain
· Czech Republic
· Japan
· Saudi Arabia
· Angola
· Cote d'Ivoire
· Togo
· Ghana
· Tunisia

World Cup Official Site:
FIFA:
World Cup Tickets:

Blair Stephens is a prolific copywriter and proud member of the USAFlags.com team. USA Flags specializes in manufacturing the highest quality flags in every size and in the best flag materials. If you need a durable American flag, State Flag, Decorative flag or custom flag then http://www.USAFlags.com has the flag for you. Enjoy our flag resources section which will answer any and all questions about flag care, display, folding and more!