A Salute to the Grand Old Flag; Americana as it Gets

A Salute to the Grand Old Flag; Americana as it Gets

by Marie Jon'

Playwright and singer/songwriter George M. Cohan penned this memorable chorus in his 1906 lyrical, “You’re a Grand Old Flag”: "You're a grand old flag, you’re a high flying flag and forever in peace may you wave. You're the emblem of the land I love. The home of the free and the brave. Ev'ry hearts beats true 'neath the Red, White, and Blue, Where there's never a boast or brag. Should auld acquaintance be forgot, Keep your eye on the grand old flag."

Flag Day is June 14, and to many an Americans, It is a special day. Patriotism is the “color of the day,” and Americans feel proud and excited to show off the sheer magnificence of the Stars and Stripes. Across America, “Old Glory’ will be displayed upon homes. She will be displayed on our cars, and on our clothes and lapels.

The USA has every reason to feel proud on Flag Day. We live in the greatest country in the entire world. The showing of the flag is an underlining of our respect and honor to the Red, White and Blue that flies so proudly above.

The magnificent heritage for which our flag stands reflects the country's rich and colorful history--dating back to the earliest colonial and revolutionary days of our forefathers. Of all the peoples of the world, we, who call ourselves “American,” are by far the most fortunate souls on earth.

It was Betsy Ross, who one day, sat down and explained to her children about a day when three members of the Continental Congress--George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross--came to her home. They asked Betsy Ross to design and then sew the first flag.

George Washington was the head of the Continental Army. Robert Morris was a land owner and wealthy citizen of the Colonies. George Ross was a respected Philadelphian and the uncle of Betsy's late husband, John Ross.

It was in late May, 1776, when that historical meeting occurred. Out of it came a beautiful flag that was fashioned by the talented hands of Betsy Ross. Betsy finished the flag either in late May or early June, 1776. In July, the Declaration of Independence was signed.

America's has grown in grace by giving Almighty God the glory. America is the land where a living and a loving God abides. We are free to either worship God, or, if we choose, to abstain. As Americans, we all have inalienable rights as citizens.

People from all over the world live in the United States of America. We are a land of legal immigrants, as their descendants can attest to. Those who have taken an oath of allegiance to our country do not take that oath or this land for granted. Many people have died for the bountiful liberties we have.

On Flag Day, it is very appropriate--and I would say totally necessary--to give thought and thanks to our veterans and troops serving all over the world.

Flag Day, June 14, pays tribute to an emblem millions of Americans fight for every day. It wasn't until President Truman passed an act in 1949 that Flag Day became nationally recognized. 'From our nation's earliest days, 'Old Glory' has stood for America's strength, unity and liberty,' President Bush said in a recent press release recognizing the upcoming holiday. 'During Flag Day and National Flag Week, we honor this enduring American symbol and celebrate the hope and ideals that it embodies."

Even though Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, the flag provides Americans a history of both triumph and struggle. Old Glory means a lot to many citizens, especially those serving in the military.

From everyday “grunts” and officers in the military, to the country’s Commander-in-Chief, Flag Day evokes specific and poignant feelings:

Americans can look at it and say: This is who we are -- 50 distinctly different states with indefinitely different opinions, attitudes, backgrounds and ideas from the people this flag represents -- all unified for rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”--Army 1st Lt. Crystal M. Lauver, commander of 955th Engineering Company, said.

Lauver, who served in Baghdad, said she feels that displaying the stars and stripes is also a great way to show support to service members everywhere: “I encourage everyone to display a flag. Displaying a flag, whether it is on a flagpole or printed on a T-shirt, can act as a conversation starter to be vocal about supporting our troops.”

Caring for Old Glory not only means correctly displaying it, but also appropriate public and private use. Many Americans are not familiar with common flag violations and how to avoid them.

Alan Walden, a historian and executive committee member of the American Flag Foundation, said he finds the most common mistakes make occur at homes and work places: “There are several things that are done without thinking whether they are disrespectful, but they are.”

A common violation or mistake is hanging the flag in the wrong direction. When a person hangs a flag either horizontally or vertically, the blue field must always be on the top left.

Also, flying the flag without illumination at night is considered a violation of flag etiquette. Whether it is at home or at a workplace, if a flag cannot be lit at night, then it should be taken down at dusk.

Others violations include:

- Flags should also never be flown during inclement weather. This prevents unnecessary wear and tear and keeps the flag clean.

-The flag should never be worn. It is not a piece of clothing. It can be worn as an emblem attached to clothing, but it should never be worn itself.

Walden suggests the American Legion as a source to consult on issues concerning the flag. It provides the flag code and other books and videos about flag-use to those who request it. The organization's mission is to maintain American traditions in the spirit of the country.

While not everyone is aware of a flag code of conduct, Walden encourages citizens to value the nation's stars and stripes: “The American flag is the supreme totem of the United States. It is more than just a confection of colors or a confection of fabrics. It gives the world a single symbol of whom and what we are. When the flag is shown, it is the enduring emblem of the United States.

Debbie Katsounakis, president of The Blue Star Mothers’ Modesto chapter, wonders how many people will remember to fly Old Glory on Flag Day. Debbie wants to remind us that every Blue Star and every Gold Star family display’s the Stars and Stripes every single day. They do so because they are made, simply put, of the right stuff. They, like their children who are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, have chosen to serve their country with dignity.

Military families never forget the service of our veterans, and why they fight. These citizens believe flags should be displayed everyday, not just on a special designated holiday.

More than ever, a salute to the flag can benefit America's sprit. It is the Red, White and Blue that brings hope to the billions of people living under tyranny in other distant lands, especially countries in the Middle East.

"Others understand the historic importance of our work. The terrorists know. They know that a vibrant, successful democracy at the heart of the Middle East will discredit their radical ideology of hate. They know that men and women with hope and purpose and dignity do not strap bombs on their bodies and kill the innocent. The terrorists are fighting freedom with all their cunning and cruelty because freedom is their greatest fear -- and they should be afraid, because 'freedom is on the march.”—President George W. Bush.

America’s flag symbolizes liberty and independence. As President Bush and others before him have stated: "Freedom is on the march."

A salute to The Grand Old Flag on June 14 is nothing short of Americana.

Discuss This Article
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http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,199252,00.html

Troops in Iraq Spreading 'Universality of Freedom,' Bush Says
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jun2006/20060613_5407.html

Vintage Audio: You're A Grand Old Flag
http://www.firstworldwar.com/audio/youreagrandoldflag.htm

First National Medal of Honor Day
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The Blue Star Riders Website
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Defend America
http://www.defendamerica.mil/

Marie Jon' is a political and religious-based writer, and is the founder Drawing Close— a sister website to RenewAmerica.us. Marie is a featured as a columnist on Capitolhillcoffeehouse.com, The Daley Times Post, and RenewAmerica.us, News Bull, Radio free West Hartford, Spero News, Christian Worldview Network and The Conservative Voice. She guest writer for The New Media Journal, The RealityCheck.org ChronWatch.com, and Commonconservative.com and many others prestigious websites.

Marie brings a refreshing and spirited point of view that is reflected in her writings, as well as a genuine and spiritual opinion regarding God and his teachings. Marie is an active Christian, a nurse, a student, and a patriotic American. Your comments, yea or nay, regarding her writings are always welcome. Write to Marie Jon' at MarieItsYou23@aol.com

The opinions expressed in this column represent those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, or philosophy of TheRealityCheck.org