Reverence For Our Flag

June 14, 2016 will be Flag Day. I think it’s an important day that should be remembered with great honor. Many people in this country don’t think much about Old Glory. To me it is a great symbol of this country that should be treated with reverence. There are also some who don’t feel they need to pledge allegiance to that symbol. Our pledge of allegiance is not just about our flag it is allegiance “to the Republic for which it stands.” If someone doesn’t want to say that pledge that is their choice. But don’t try and say that it is not important. The words we say mean a lot. Our word should mean something.
Our flag is not just a piece of cloth. It is a banner which we rally under. It is something that reminds us what we are fighting for. Some in this country do not think that we need to fight for our freedom. Ronald Reagan said:
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”
I believe this to be true. I also believe that you are not really a true patriot of this country if you have no reverence for our flag. I believe you have the freedom to feel any way you want about it, that’s what freedom is. But I would expect you to understand who have fought and died for the flag some are ambivalent about.
Learn the true history of this country. Learn the history of our flag. Learn the importance of fighting for liberty.
An ancient military leader and man of God said it this way:
“And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.” Alma 46:12
This is what our flag should mean to us. Moroni then had that flag (title of liberty) put on every tower in the city. I would bet that was a lot. So that the reminder of it would always be before their eyes. Our flag is similar. It reminds me of those who fought for our liberty. Some citizens don’t care. I don’t understand that, but OK. My opinion is that to ignore this symbol is ignoring those who fought and died so that we could live as we do. It also represents those who defend this country currently. Not only our military, but I believe our first responders are part of what keeps this country free. My son is an EMT. He is willing to help someone who has been in an accident or even if someone is just having chest pains in their living room. He is there.
I think that being a citizen of this country carries a burden. To stay free we must meet certain responsibilities. One is to support our military. They go where ordered and usually don’t want to be there. Another responsibility I think is to vote. I know sometimes it doesn’t seem to make a difference or you’re just not happy with any candidates (after looong campaigns I understand). But we do matter in this process. Let’s not get into a discussion about the electoral college here… as much as I’d like to. When you vote you take a public stand. It gives you complaining rights.
Do’s and Don’ts for Displaying a Flag:
• The American Flag should never be used as part of a drapery or a table cover. Always position your flag in an appropriate, prominent place of honor. Use decorative buntings or other specifically designed red, white and blue décor items for all your more general decorative purposes.
• Hang your American Flag so that it does not touch the ground, and make sure the flag is never hung upside down.
• When hanging a flag from a pole, window or balcony, make sure that the union (the blue field with the stars) is at the highest point of the staff. This rule holds true unless the flag is purposefully being displayed at half-mast. (Flying a flag at half-mast is sometimes done during times of national mourning.)
• If you are displaying another flag along with the American flag, (such as a state or community flag) be sure that the American flag is hung in the top position.
• When displayed indoors, the American flag should be hung on the right-hand side. If the flag is on a pole, position it to the right of the speaker or the stage.
• When the flag is displayed on a wall, the flag must be hung with the blue union to the observer’s left, or to the flag’s own right.
• When an American flag is carried in a parade or procession, it must be carried on the right side of the marchers.
• When acknowledging the National Anthem or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, you should always face toward the American flag. It is also considered appropriate to salute the flag by placing your right hand over your heart.
Toby Keith said it pretty well:
"Courtesy Of The Red, White, And Blue (The Angry American)"
“American Girls and American Guys
We’ll always stand up and salute
We’ll always recognize
When we see Old Glory Flying
There’s a lot of men dead
So we can sleep in peace at night
When we lay down our head
Brought to you Courtesy of the Red White and Blue”
I would hope that your feeling about this country would be shown in your reverence for our flag. It is April right now. This gives you ample time to get a flag pole and be ready to display it on Flag Day, June 14th. Make this a goal. There are many ways to display a flag but the most common I think is the bracket that attaches to a wall or post. You can buy a kit with the flag, pole, and bracket. I encourage you to display Old Glory this year. Let’s show our support of this great country.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn