Flag Day serves as reminder to reflect

“Flag Day,” which is designated every June 14 in the United States, commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. The concept of a national “Flag Day” is credited to George Morris of Hartford, CT. Bernard J. Cigrand, a grade-school teacher in Waubeka, WI, held the first official recognition of “Flag Day” in 1885.

Since the first Flag Day, the American flag has undergone several changes. While the thirteen red and white stripes have remained unchanged, the addition of new stars became necessary. However, the meaning of our flag and what it represents has remained unchanged throughout its history.

I always try to show the utmost respect to any American flag that I may see. Removing my hat, standing, and placing my hand on my heart come naturally to me when a flag passes by in a parade. A passing flag always reminds me of all who sacrificed lives to preserve everything our flag represents. I also tried to instill respect for our flag when teaching, as I began each morning having my students say the “Pledge of Allegiance to the flag”.

Each nation has a unique flag, and its flag is equally patriotic as ours. When I see the blue and yellow Ukrainian flag flying throughout the devastated towns and cities of Ukraine, my heart aches for all those thousands of innocent victims of war. Just as thousands of Americans have sacrificed their lives throughout our history defending our flag, so are many brave Ukrainian men and women doing the same defending their flag.

In April 1961, my family received the American flag that draped my father’s casket at his military funeral in Dorchester. That flag is now in a beautiful oak display case on a wall in my den. Every time I enter that room, that flag reminds me that my father was a part of the “Greatest Generation” who sacrificed so much defending our flag.

“Old Glory” is a nickname for the American flag. The original “Old Glory” was a flag owned by the 19th-century American sea captain William Driver, who flew the flag during his career at sea during the 1800s. Confederate soldiers attempted to steal “Old Glory” during the Civil War, but they were unsuccessful. It now is part of a collection at the Smithsonian Institute.

As we enter the summer months with many parades and celebrations, please remember to honor our flag by showing it the proper respect and reverence it deserves.

BE OUR

G UEST

KEN ANDERSON “THE MAYBERRY GURU”