The United States Flag. A symbol of freedom and unity featuring 13 alternating red and white stripes representing the original 13 colonies and those 50 white stars on a blue field representing the 50 states.
The last star was added in 1960 honoring Hawaii, three years before I was born.
The colors red, white, and blue are also symbolic, with red representing valor and bravery, white representing purity and innocence and blue representing vigilance, perseverance and justice. Saturday is Flag Day – a day to honor Old Glory.
A little history. Flag Day commemorates June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress determined the makeup of the first flag. “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.”
Woodrow Wilson made it a thing in his administration in 1919. Pennsylvania was the first state to celebrate it on June 14, 1937.
Though it’s not an official federal holiday, the president has the discretion to officially proclaim the observance. And President Harry Truman signed it into law in August of 1949.
Our flag is flown at all major military installations, national cemeteries, and prominent war-related sites.
Additionally, many public institutions, schools, and polling places display the flag. Certain locations, such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Washington Monument, fly the flag 24 hours a day. The flag is also displayed on specific days and occasions, including national holidays and special events.
But every day should be Flag Day. Some of my greatest memories in life involve the flag. As a kid in Moorhead Boy Scout Troop 47, one of the first things we learned was how to fold a flag into that special tight triangle. I took that knowledge to Mrs. Hunter’s sixth grade class, as we were in charge of raising and lowering the flag at Central Delta Academy. I took that honor seriously, and I’m sure I was a pain in the rear to whoever the other three folks were that helped with that duty. Honoring the flag was special, and I had great regard for never letting it touch the ground.
The connection between that knowledge and the Boy Scout Troop was special as we raised the flag at football games at both Mississippi Delta Junior College and Delta State University. Plus, we got into the games for free. Each time a flag is raised and the Pledge of Allegiance is recited, I silently, and sometimes out loud, say “2,” remembering the process at Camp Tallaha when we raised the flag and saluted “by the numbers.”
One meant salute, and two meant to take your salute down.
I smile when I see a huge flag waving over a stadium, a business, or someone’s yard. I think of the veterans I’ve come to know and have written about.
I reflect on the special times of raising, lowering, and folding the flag, and the journeys to Camp Tallahatchie, Moorhead, and Cleveland to help honor Old Glory.
The United States flag will always mean more than anyone can imagine as it flies over the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Salute your flag, honor your flag, and remember the sacrifices made so it can unfurl and fly high.
Whether it’s a handheld six-inch flag from the dollar store or a massive one flying over a capitol, they all represent the United States, the greatest country built by great men who defended, fought, and continue to fight for the freedoms we now enjoy.
Celebrate and honor Flag Day.
