Many years ago, my wife and I were blessed to take a vacation in a foreign land. It was absolutely beautiful and we instantly fell in love with that tropical paradise. However, even though the people were friendly and most of them did speak English, I still felt out of place. After all, it wasn’t “home”, no matter how welcoming the people of that land were. Even as I marveled at the beauty surrounding me – the ocean, stark cliffs, desert flora, colorful buildings, and the lovely people – I was missing the peaceful feeling that only home can bring. That’s when I saw it. High on a hill, bright against a clear blue sky, flew the Star-Spangled Banner! Our embassy was there, proudly flying our flag and reminding the world of our presence there. My heart soared at the sight of this glorious symbol of freedom, hope, and (to so many of us) home.
I have read that people from overseas who visit the United States are often amazed and perplexed by the number of US Flags on display, especially by individuals. What seems normal to us is out of the ordinary to them. What outsiders don’t understand is that our displaying and adoration of our flag goes beyond mere patriotism, love of country, or support of government. In fact, some people will still fly our flag even when they disagree with the government or are angry about the direction of our country. That’s because the Stars and Stripes represent so much more than a nation or a government. Our flag represents a concept, an idea, and a hope. Our flag represents the idea of freedom and equality even when our actions don’t necessarily back up that concept. Individuals with differing viewpoints, even while fighting against one another, can still both rally around our flag because it represents their freedom to have and fight for their beliefs.
Our nation is full of people who disagree about things like health care, wealth distribution, and gun control. We suffer from racial tensions and deep-seated discrimination. Our foreign and domestic policies are constantly scrutinized and criticized by people from all walks of life. We fight about immigration and border control. We have a prison system that is overflowing and yet there are criminals living everywhere among us. We have problems, we argue and bicker, we disagree on many things, and yet in the midst of it all we are united under the concept of freedom represented by the Red, White, and Blue. In addition, even though we may fight and argue amongst ourselves, you can be certain that we stand ready to defend our flag and the nation for which it stands.
Join me this month, as we get ready to mark Flag Day on the 14th, in remembering what our beautiful flag represents. Let’s be thankful for the freedom we have and for all those who defend it, and let’s also honor those who have given their lives in service to our nation. Honor, too, those who have given their sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters to the cause of freedom.
“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.”
FYR Presentations 