Flag Day prompts patriotism

June 14 is “Flag Day.” This is a time to honor “Old Glory” and to show our patriotism for America. I love our flag and the freedom it stands for.

On June 14, 1777, Congress officially passed an act declaring that our flag have 13 stripes, alternating with red and white.

The 13 stars stood for 13 colonies on a field of blue. Fifty stars represent our states with two added in 1959, Hawaii and Alaska.

The red on our flag represents the blood that was shed creating the new nation. I like to think it continues to represent those many lives that have bravely died to protect our beloved land.

The color blue has been said to represent the ocean that had to be crossed to get to this great land. I like to think the blue also represents the “true blue” patriotism that people have for their homeland.

The color white stands for purity, a purity of every facet of life. To me, the color screams out to restore the values that led our founding fathers to this new land. Their foundation on biblical principles has endured over 200 years. They have led to blessings of prosperity, technological advances, modern-day medical miracles, and communication and transportation that boggle the mind.

Many take their freedoms for granted. Some do not realize their blessings until they are taken away. There are those who would betray this country, desecrate it, demean, rob or steal from it in every way. No one forced them to live here.

I believe “Old Glory” speaks to us today in this perilous time. “Restore purity in the government. Restore the sanctity and respect for life. Restore the families, and may they honor God and rear their children accordingly.”

It seems to me many of today’s children have been brought up in a spiritual and moral vacuum.

Godly principles have proven that “Doing what is right makes a nation great, but sin will bring disgrace to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34 NCV)

Millions have died to protect America. To hear of someone burning or desecrating our flag makes me think of all those who gave their life for freedom. I wonder if those who burn the flag would die for freedom?

I love to see photos of the United States Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington, Va. It depicts three soldiers planting the Stars and Stripes as a sign of victory, that their dedication to their country was not in vain. The memorial depicts bravery, patriotism and love of country … a reminder of the cost of freedom.

Old Glory has proudly waved at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, the trenches of France and the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, many others and now Iraq. Our flag has waved in other countries yet has been trampled on in the streets of our enemies, burned and torn in streets of countries we have helped set free.

Still the flag of The United States of America will wave. It will wave because I believe in America and for what this country stands for. Our flag will wave over graves of those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives. It will wave wherever there is hope, faith, unselfishness, courage and bravery.

Old Glory will gladly be torn and used as bandages for wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Our flag will fly at half-staff to honor those who gave all they had and our flag will lie in the trembling arms of grieving parents.

Wherever there is justice, truth, honor and peace our flag will wave.

Show your love of America by waving your flag on Flag Day. Let’s bring back the patriotism of our childhood.

I love America and it’s my country!