Flags

I have read blogs from other writers, from other countries, who have remarked about the American love for our flag. Our national anthem is all about the stars and stripes that flew during a war battle. It was bombed and burned, and it still waved for all to see. We have our flag flying everywhere: federal and state buildings, schools, cemeteries, and many homes. Each veteran’s family receives a sizable flag, lovingly folded into a triangle, and presented to the family after a veteran’s death.

I was taught that the colors on our flag represent the following. Red is for the blood that was shed to win and to protect our freedom. White is for freedom’s pure light. Blue is for loyalty, true blue.

Loyalty (blue) is the hardest concept for us to continue to grasp. Unless you have someone who is serving, or has served, or has been lost in the act of service, it is easy to lose the understanding of loyalty to the flag’s meaning.

White, representing freedom’s light, of course, goes back to 1812 when the bombs bursting in the air shone lights on the flag that stood high; a banner waving defiantly. That is why we shine a light, or should shine a light, on a flag left hanging up at night. If you leave your flag out at night, please turn your porch light on.

Red is the hardest. The blood that was shared leaves stains on many hearts. These are marks that are not usually seen, but instead are felt. We could remain on this subject all day, but needless to say, this is the reason for Memorial Day. We honor, not only those who served and gave their lives, but also those who served and lived full lives afterwards and who are no longer with us. Boy Scouts of America, along with veteran organizations, endeavor to place a small, upright flag on each grave of each veteran in each cemetery across our nation on this holiday.

One thing people don’t think about is disposing of a torn, faded, or otherwise unneeded flag. The garbage can seems a perfectly fine solution to the problem of decluttering. Those who honor the flag understand. Those who hate our country also understand. It is not lost on me that international news will show angry mobs burning a flag and then throwing it to the ground and stomping on it. For them, it is the ultimate form of disgrace to the flag, and to all that it stands for and means to our nation and to its people. For that reason alone, please consider asking the Boy Scouts or a local veteran organization to take your Old Glory and dispose of it properly. You might also leave a small donation with them as well, but it is not required.

In the seventies and eighties, young people started to wear shirts and hats made from flags. It was considered almost a sin to do so, and anti-war protestors jumped at the chance to show their disdain for the war-mongering country’s flag. Today, flag-wearing is popular with patriots. You can see shirts, bathing suits, socks, and hats (lots and lots of hats!) So, not only do we proudly fly a million flags in our country, we wear them too. We just can’t get enough of those stars and stripes.

If you have more historical information on this truly American subject, I would love to hear about it.

Have a good Memorial Day, and thank you, veterans. May we never forget.