“You're the emblem of the land I love; the home of the free
and the brave.” ~ George M. Cohen
You’ve seen me. You’ve pledged your allegiance to me. Maybe you’ve even stood at attention before
me and saluted. But do you really understand
me?
I’m the product of a young widow whose patriot husband died
in service to this country. In 1776, a
committee asked her to use her exquisite needlework skills to design a flag
from George Washington’s crude sketch.
With minor modifications, Betsy Ross’ rendition quickly became the
national standard.
To some I may be nothing more than decoration. But
my rippling folds speak subliminally; every color plays a role . . . every part
has a voice.
My red stripes stand out the most. They represent more than just the original
thirteen colonies. They’re the
bloodshed, grit and promise of a brighter tomorrow. White stripes stand for God and love; freedom
and purity.
Blue signifies pride for this glorious land; for water hiding
untold riches beneath cobalt depths. Heavenly
stars sparkle for every state, every amber wave of grain, every woman man and
child – a forever changing constellation.
When the wind whips me around, I survey American and her sacred
ground. But when it’s still, I bow my
head, praying for those whose blood was shed.
And for those whose memory was wrapped in my colors, we’re proud of you! This grateful nation will never forget your
ultimate sacrifice.
Even in foreign lands, I serve as companionship to those far
from home: a country that does not repel, but welcomes the “tired . . .
and poor . . . and huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” America remains a symbol of freedom all over
the world.
Why do you fly me?
Because you can!
Because you can disagree – about politics, or religion or
whatever without worrying that someone will arrest you. You are so blessed to live in this
country. Around here you can think about
God, and talk about God and worship the God of your choosing. Nobody’s gonna tell you that you can’t.
You display me because I’m a nice flag, for a nice
country. Not a perfect one, but a proud
one yearning to be better.
Through me, you see the scars of a nation that fought long
and hard for the soil on which you stand.
Before you burn me or criticize me, take an honest look around. Freedom isn’t free; it didn’t come without
the sacrifice of mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers.
And when I’m so tattered that I can no longer serve as a
symbol of freedom for these United Sates, retire me with the dignity you would
a soldier. I’m the oldest and most
beloved veteran of a grateful nation.
“Dear child, freedom’s just a prayer away,
if you’re not too proud to stray. From
the hatred you embrace, then change your mind and face, turn 180° to the Son, and let wrath
and rage be done.” ~ Your Celestial Father
