Today is Flag Day. On this day June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag for the United States of America. According to Military.com it is believed that the first annual recognition of the flag’s birthday dates to 1885 when schoolteacher BJ Cigrand organized a group of Wisconsin students to observe June 14, the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes as the Flag’s Birthday. Cigrand, now known as the Father of Flag Day, continued to publicly advocate the observance of June 14 as the flag’s birthday, or “Flag Day,” for years. The spirited song It’s a Grand Old Flag, by George M. Cohen inspires expansive appreciation of the Flag. (The sung version has a lot fewer verses than the printed lyrics.)
Although strong tradition holds that Betsy Ross made the first American flag, there are stories that question it as fact. Nevertheless, the The Stars and Stripes flag is established, and has a strong and storied tradition. U. S. Military Band leader, John Phillip Sousa implanted it in our hearts with his lively march The Stars and Stripes Forever.
There is the U. S. Flag Code and official etiquette for display and use of the flag. The flag is precious as a symbol and reminder of the United States as a nation. I am not a flag fanatic, but I am one with deep appreciation for what it has meant and does mean. I was quite pleased that The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, was signed into law by President Bush on January 28, 2008. Because of this Act, as a military veteran , who no longer wears the uniform, I stand at attention and salute the flag when it goes by. I am saddened that many citizens fail to place their hand over their heart, or men fail to take off their hats to show respect when the Flag goes by.
I do not have room here to include the full text of Henry Holcomb Bennett’s poem, Hats Off! The Flag Goes By, but this stanza catches its essence; Hats off! /Along the street there comes /A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums, /A flash of color beneath the sky: /Hats off!The flag is passing by! Proper respect and care should be given to the U.S. Flag. According to military.com the U.S. Flag Code though it is not legally enforceable, adherence to it is considered a sign of patriotism and respect. The code formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the U.S. flag, and also gives specific instructions on how the U.S. flag is not to be used.
People who have never taken The Oath and served in a branch of the US Military may not have the deep appreciation for the flag, and therefore not adhere to the code (I give the benefit of doubt, usually because of their being uninformed). But The Oath, and military service puts a whole “nuther” complexion on the matter—A bond of unity—-somewhat akin to siblings of survival. A few days ago, the world recognized D-Day, and very likely you saw news clips with the extent to which one trooper after another laid down his life (or risked it) to help a fellow trooper! To these brave men and women the significance of the Flag is burned in their psyche.
©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2024