The weather here in Missouri has been glorious this weekend - in the 80s, but still cool and breezy enough that I can sit comfortably on my front porch without being on constant mosquito alert. Tonight, hubby and I seized this rare moment by firing up our grill and daring to eat alfresco. While he was tending the burgers (our special Red, White, and Blue Burgers, I might add), I pulled my stash of mini American flags out of storage and peppered them throughout the flower planters and window boxes in our yard. Everywhere I looked, our neighbors were doing the same - brandishing the stars and stripes, stoking their fires, and gathering loved ones close around.
Tomorrow, we'll pay proper tribute to those who lost their lives valiantly serving our country . . . but for now, even these small gestures of patriotism - the themed food and decorations - underscore how lucky I am to live in a country where my family and friends are free to do what they love to do.
Whether you're celebrating Memorial Day or not, I hope you'll salute this week's gestures of patriotism, made by cookiers who clearly love their countries and their craft. Please note that our Patriotic Cookies set, from which this week's honorees are drawn, includes cookies honoring every nationality.
#1: Asian-Themed Birthday Set by Fernwood Cookie
#2: Patriotic Graduation Cookies by Dany's Cakes
#3: Remembering the Victims of 9/11 by cookiely
#4: Red, White, and Blue Forever by Tina at Sugar Wishes
#5: Memorial Day/4th of July by Beth Gombala
#6: American Flag Cookie Platter by sweetcookiemoon
#7: Patriotic Cookies for Memorial Day by Melissa Joy Fanciful Cookies
#8: Air Force Retirement Cookie Bouquet by sweetcookiemoon [EDITOR'S NOTE: Way to go, sweetcookiemoon, on your second win of the week!] 
#9: Memorial Day Thanks by Beth Gombala [EDITOR'S NOTE: Beth, you go too - or two, as in this case! 
]
#10: Patriotic Barn Star Cookies by Mike at Semi Sweet [EDITOR'S NOTE: A cookie with staying power; this one topped a similar list around this time last year!]
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