The US has always been at the forefront of creating internationally recognized brands. From Coca~Cola to Pillsbury to John Deere, American brands have become instantly recognizable icons all over the world.

A few of my favorites are the ones I grew up with. Like Coca~Cola, which I've loved since I was a kid. I see the Coke brand no matter how far and wide I travel. When you're thousands of miles from anything familiar, there's something comforting about being able to sit down and have an ice cold Coke. It's like a little piece of 'home away from home'.

And who doesn't love the cute and giggly Pillsbury Doughboy? I grew up with his ticklish laugh and the yummy baked goods he told us about, which made baking easier for mom and delicious for us!

John Deere made their brand famous with their signature shade of green. You can buy paint in John Deere Green for everything from tractors to interior walls. Country artist Joe Diffie even recorded a song about it.

These are just a few of the brands we grew up with. But they're not just part of our childhood, they're part of our culture.  And our American heritage.

My dad was the King of the Barbecue Grill in summertime. Like my mom always reasoned, "why overwork the air conditioner with a hot oven when you can cook out?" Dad didn't mind one bit. He loved being outdoors for any reason and he'd always invite the neighbors over. Growing up, our backyard was the place to grab a bite during the summer months.

Before you get invited to your first (or next) backyard dinner party, I thought I'd share some of my dad's wisdom about barbecues and cookouts - mainly what the difference is. Believe it or not, it's actually a big deal to get your backyard etiquette right.

Ask any die-hard outdoor chef like my dad and they'll tell you that you can't call it a "barbecue" unless you're actually barbecuing (cooking over low heat for a long period of time). That means if you're grilling (cooking over high heat for a shorter period of time), you are socially compelled to call your outdoor gathering a "cookout". The most dedicated grillers and barbecuers will also argue the virtues of cooking over wood chips vs. charcoal vs. natural or propane gas. And don't even start a conversation about electric grills with the true fanatics!

Me? I don't much care. As long as the company is good, the food is edible and the weather is fine, I'm happy. So call it what you want and cook it how you want - just don't forget to invite me.

Flag Day was always a big deal around our house. Dad would get the flag down from the attic where it had been carefully folded and stored in a cedar chest and we'd all go outside to watch him run it up the (somewhat rickety) flag pole he'd planted in our front yard.

This year, we celebrate the 100th birthday of the holiday. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day in 1916 and America has been celebrating ever since.

If you're planning to join the celebration, here are a five important rules my dad taught us about handling and flying The Stars and Stripes respectfully:

1. Fly the flag from sunrise to sunset, always raising and lowering it with great reverence and ceremony. 
2. Don't fly the flag in bad weather, like rain or high wind.
3. Never let the flag touch the ground. 
4. Always store your flag folded properly.
5. When your flag wears out, you must burn or bury it. (Don't throw it in the trash!) Better yet, take it to your local Boy Scouts. They perform a special flag retiring ceremonies all the time and the public is welcome to bring their flags and observe the ceremony.

Flag Day was celebrated long before it became official by Wilson's proclamation. In 1914 the Secretary of the Interior, Franklin K. Lane spoke gave one of the most eloquent Flag Day addresses in history. He repeated words he claimed the flag had 'spoken' to him early that morning: "I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself."

Happy Flag Day.

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