Betsy Ross was asked by George Washington and the Continental Committee to create a distinct flag for the Continental Army. According to documents, She was a friend of George and Martha Washington—their pews were next to each other in Christ Church, Philadelphia. Betsy Ross created the first National Flag, and finished it in May or early June, 1776, This flag was flown for the first time at the Birth of the Nation—the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Independence Hall.
Then, on June 14, 1777, the US Senate approved the design for the first official United States flag. Over the years changes occurred, with no deviation in honoring our nation’s symbol—almost always an improvement. One moment in the flag’s history stands out to me. Recorded by The History website is the following story;
In the 1950s, when it seemed certain that Alaska would be admitted to the Union, designers began retooling the American flag to add a 49th star to the existing 48. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old Ohio student named Bob Heft borrowed his mother’s sewing machine, disassembled his family’s 48-star flag and stitched on 50 stars in a proportional pattern. He handed in his creation to his history teacher for a class project, explaining that he expected Hawaii would soon achieve statehood as well. Heft also sent the flag to his congressman, Walter Moeller, who presented it to President Eisenhower after both new states joined the Union. Eisenhower selected Heft’s design, and on July 4, 1960, the president and the high school student stood together as the 50-star flag was raised for the first time. Heft’s teacher promptly changed his grade from a B- to an A.”
As you can see, it becomes necessary, from time to time to update the flag. Did you know that there is a specific formula for the correct colors of the flag? I didn’t either, but that is just how precise the etiquette is for flag management and use is.
As a gesture for respecting the Flag, HH Bennett Wrote the poem, “Hats off The Flag is Passing By.”
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!
Blue and crimson and white it shines,
Over the steel-tipped, ordered lines.
Hats off!
The colours before us fly;
But more than the flag is passing by.
Sign of a nation, great and strong,
To ward her people from foreign wrong;
Pride and glory and honour, all
Live in the colours to stand or fall.
On October 30, 2008, federal law was changed so that veterans may salute the flag, (instead of the right hand over the heart posture) when out of uniform. This move was as much an emotional courtesy for veterans as it was a clarification for saluting the flag. As I stated earlier, essential changes continue in updating flag etiquette. As a veteran, I proudly stand at attention, saluting as the flag passes by, is hoisted, or when the National Anthem is played.
I honor the flag. I do not worship the flag. It is a symbol, a metaphor for our country, the USA. Just as I cherish the Bible. I do not worship the Bible. It is the Word of God—not the words of God. How can it be the “words” of God—there are more than one hundred different English translations alone. The Bible is to be read, studied, and listened to—It is not a step-by-step matrix; It is somewhat like the Appalachian Trail Guide: it guides, inspires, and helps you navigate the difficult and often treacherous, if not uncertain “…slings and arrows of outrageous fortune…” of life. It is God’s Self-disclosure.
©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2022