Every year our country honors "Flag Day." The date is June 14. This is the anniversary of the adoption of the national flag of the U.S.A. in the year 1777. Our founders realized the need to pay homage to the ensign that was so earnestly earned. Since that time the flag has changed several times but the principle and meaning stays the same.
Today, we have the present 50-star flag but it still shows the red and white 13 stripes of the original colonies.
And now this country that was scorned by many older nations, especially European, and called "The Great Experiment" lives on but with much strife and dissension. Today, many people pass by a flown flag with hardly a notice. Many make a joke of removing one's hat or putting one's hand over his heart when the flag is paraded.
A pitiful few of us care enough to give thought to just what our national colors stand for.
Do we take notice of a flag draped coffin or notice the dignity of the Honor Guard as they properly hand the folded flag to a grieving family member? Our flag should never be allowed to touch the ground and when flown from poles with any other flags it is always the highest. Our flag stands for many things, all good. It is our flag, your flag. Each of us should dignify it and be proud of it and what it stands for.
Our flag has seen us through much strife in its history. Now it seems to many that our real strife is within. Our leaders seem to have forgotten we the people. One must wonder if the need for power leads to greed, avarice, and downright hatred. Our flag is watching over a terribly important time in our history and one must wonder if we have elected a ruling class instead of true representatives. As the years pass we seem to be getting closer and closer to extinction. Thus, the "Great Experiment" and the most beautiful flag in the world may see the end and our Lady of Liberty may stand in New York Harbor with tears in her eyes.
Think of your flag. Think of what it stands for and be aware of the few unregulated freedoms we have left.
There is only one United States of America. There is only one national ensign. The flag of this country has 50 stars and 13 stripes. It is fine just as it is. Enjoy it. Glorify in it.
n Cap'n Jack Hendee is a Gardnerville resident and regular contributor to The Record-Courier.
