HONOR OLD GLORY

FLAG DAY, JUNE 14TH

RED symbolizes hardiness and valor; White, purity and innocence;
Blue, vigilance, perseverance, and justice

Proud to be an American – words that at one time had great meaning.  Along with proud to be a Christian, believing in God, country, family, and home. As I age, I’m aware that patriotism, Godliness, and family values have become less important to most of our citizenry. I definitely believe that God is in control, and we are simply sojourners in this world.  However, we have the responsibility to keep freedom in place so that Christianity can flourish. I understand the world is smaller by reason of communication, sharing cultures, educational exchange, ease of travel, and a greater knowledge of our neighbors in other countries.  The world dislikes us and thinks of us as arrogant and pompous. Perhaps!  We want them to like us; we don’t need their love. Respect is what a country deserves when so many have died in foreign fields of service; respect is what a country deserves when its tax payers send mega dollars in aid (it’s called “my brother’s keeper), and respect for our flag is deserved.

Why do we invite people into our borders when they feel no allegiance to our country?  Openly, they disrespect our symbols of freedom. I’m from the bigoted old school. When in Rome do as the Romans do; if you don’t like it, go back to where you feel comfortable.  And please, don’t bother with reminding me that we took the land from the Indians, or bought parcels from countries in questionable deals. Maybe the Indians should have sent our forefathers back to Europe. And America can’t be blamed for the leaders of countries who sold territory to our forefathers for their own personal greed (as France, Spain, and Mexico’s leaders). Again, it’s the survival of the fittest or who can make the best deal. Are we still fit to lead the world without demeaning other cultures and ideals? 

Perhaps it’s a form of brainwashing that compels those who matured before the 1960s to find liberal thinking just a bit too progressive to embrace.  My Christian values teaches me and continues to motivate me to love all people, look for the best in everyone, and accept with understanding our differences.  Meanwhile, it’s to my advantage to search out facts and accept truths that are evident when interacting with my fellowman.  Am I brainwashed – maybe, but my bigoted wisdom has served this country well!

 One basic truth is that although I may do to others as I would have them do to me, others do not always respond with the same attitude.  Seems to me, this attitude of “my way” or “get out of my way” has taken over the world.  There’s nothing new under the sun.  Selfishness has always been with us along with covetousness and greed.  These factors have ruled the wicked minds of the world for hundreds of generations. Unfortunately, these characteristics are alive and well in today’s world.

Society challenges my sense of patriotism and allegiance to country when denigrating the flag and other symbols of America’s identity. Our country reflects the best in people (there are exceptions when good judgment failed or wicked leaders shared misguided views) and stands for values that are acceptable as right and tried. America is exceptional regardless of the views of some in high places today. Shouting in the loudest voice with great power behind them, those who would destroy our freedoms and demoralize America’s sense of exceptionalism reach for a flawed philosophy to support their socialized agenda.

June 14^th is Flag Day.  A day to recognize this beautiful symbol of America’s freedom. Signed into law on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress accepted the original flag that evolved into the fifty star field representing the states, and the thirteen stripes representing the British colonies. Revolutionary War resulted when the colonies declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain and became the first states in the United States. Credited with sewing the first flag, Betsy Ross submitted her flag in 1777. For 239 years that flag stands as “America is present and accounted for; ready to serve and protect ANYONE from oppression.” The flag flies over lands all over the world bravely battling human suffering while soldiers die who are there because they believe in the values that flag represents. 

As children born at a time when patriotism remained popular, flag etiquette ranked just under the respect shown for the Bible.  The flag flew from sunrise to sundown, or under lighted, protected from weather, conditions.  When stored for the night, proper folding showed respect and the flag never touched the ground or felt rainfall. Patriots considered the act of denigrating the flag, such as stepping on the flag, burning the flag (except to destroy one that should be retired from use), using the flag likeness for any other purpose than to fly on a pole, fell in the category of a criminal act.

Needless to say, respect for the flag has diminished with the respect for America as a nation. Just maybe if we could revitalize the respect for our beautiful symbol of freedom, respect for other American ideals may follow.  Perhaps we could see our leaders rise as strong, brave, risk-takers who have the welfare of Americans at the basis of their ideology instead of the legacy they leave to history.  It’s not “what’s in it for me.” It’s what’s best for our great, beautiful nation that stands as the light of the world, even today, as so many have tried to extinguish the light.

 If you don’t have a flag, get one. Raise it high on June 14^th to tell the world we won’t go silently into the darkness. We won’t abandon our religion, our morals, or God Almighty. Old Glory says, “We’re great; we’ll always be great as long as we stand for the ideals of our forefathers. May we stand strong and give God reason for Him to bless America.