Friday marks the observance of Flag Day in the United States, and I am still proud to wave Old Glory.
Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 each year to commemorate the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.
The basic design of the flag has remained the same from the start, although the configuration of the blue field of white stars has changed many times. Originally, of course, the canton featured only 13 stars, representing the 13 original colonies. Each time new states have been admitted to the union, the layout of the stars has been altered to add an appropriate number of new stars.
Our country, like that flag, has faced many changes over the years, and yet we endure.
Some say that, philosophically and politically, the U.S. population may be splintered today as badly as it has been at any time since the American Civil War.
Yet we remain one nation, as the Pledge of Allegiance to Old Glory emphasizes: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
During times of conflict, terrorist attacks or other national calamities, we have rallied ’round the flag. We have waved her and respected her as a symbol, as the representation of something greater than ourselves or this moment — and that is our country’s ideal, our highest goals and aspirations.
I still rise for the national anthem. I place my hand over my heart. My chest swells with pride. I sometimes get goosebumps when “The Star-Spangled Banner” is played. I am proud to be an American.
Late actor and American hero John Wayne once summed up his view of the Stars and Stripes nicely: “Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I’m not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be.”
Happy Flag Day!
