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June 14th is Flag Day. How many of you knew that? How many times a year do you fly the American flag outside your home? When I was a child, it was typical to see the American flag flown on a daily basis, or at least three or four times a year. Last Flag Day I was disappointed to see that very few homes had this symbol of our freedom waving proudly. Flying the flag should not be a political statement. It does not matter what any person’s opinion is about any war or conflict our country might be in at the time. Displaying the American Flag should merely be a statement of how proud we are of our country and the freedoms we are blessed to have. There are no other countries that I can think of which offers the opportunities and freedoms of the United States of America!
After seeing this lack of pride, I wondered why it takes a national tragedy or disaster to evoke national pride. When driving by any given neighborhood it is typical to see pennants or banners waving from front porches that show flowers, animal life or a holiday motif. When our children were younger it was something to look forward to when each holiday arrived and it was time to decorate the house both inside and out. How many of us have tied colorful, plastic eggs on a bush in the front yard in honor of the Easter Bunny’s imminent arrival? Drive around in October and you will see front yards decorated with ghoulish, Halloween monsters, or happy pumpkins and festive scarecrows. Naturally, Christmas time evokes even more decorations with reindeer, snowman globes, and homes adorned with lights...flashing and blinking. Go down the list and we have Valentine’s Day, autumn displays and St. Patrick’s Day shamrocks galore. So why isn’t there the same enthusiasm for displaying our American flag?
We recently attended a touching celebration of the United States Army’s 233rd birthday. Invited as guests of our son in law to this black tie affair, it was held in a huge venue in Washington, D.C. As part of the evening’s events, several speeches and awards were presented to soldiers or journalists, honoring their bravery and heroic feats under combat. During the presentations, a little bit about the army and its personnel were explained. “Since June 14, 1775, the magnificent soldiers, families, and civilians of America’s army have sacrificed personal comfort and safety so that others can live in freedom. Our sacrifices have preserved our way of life, built a better future for others, and led our Nation to victory over our enemies.”
On a day-to-day basis, many of us may not recognize these sacrifices and perhaps take them for granted. While we go about our daily lives, there are military personnel stationed around the world and around our country that are making sure were are safe as a nation. They are separated from their family and friends and coping with stressful conditions that we cannot even imagine. As we hold our summer barbeques, spend time in leisure activities or go off for a day at work, families around the country are coping with the absence of a loved one serving their country. Look at the faces of these young men and women and the seasoned veterans that have chosen this profession and you will see the great strength, courage and dedication of Americans we have raised.
Displaying our American flag the least we can do to show how much we appreciate our great country and those that serve it. We have Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Veteran’s Day, and Labor Day that are the most recognized days to display the flag. Many people display it on Presidents’ birthdays, as well. But, why do we need a holiday? Why shouldn’t we show our pride as Americans on a daily basis?
Sure, many find fault with aspects of our government and those running it. Nevertheless, how many other countries allow you the freedom to voice those opinions without fear of reprecussion? The pride in flying our flag is something we must instill in our children. We have so much to celebrate and to be proud of as Americans. I think that displaying the Flag is the least we, as Americans, can do to illustrate our appreciation.
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