“You’re a grand old flag,” wrote George Cohan. I agree. Grand and beautiful and representative of freedom. Let’s stop a moment on this Flag Day to think about what our national banner means.
To me, the Star Spangled Banner represents my Irish ancestors who left their own beautiful homeland and a heritage of centuries past, to come to America for a fresh start and hope and freedom. That flag also represents my Cherokee ancestors who were here already and who loved the mountains and streams, the grandeur of this country because it was their home. Living free was their life.
That red, white, and blue emblem stands for the patriots who dared to say No to a world-powerful giant of a Nation. These courageous men had their muskets and a fierce determination to be under the heel of no man, king or not.
Our flag represents my ancestors who fought in the Confederacy. They fought under different flags then but now, that red, white, and blue banner incorporates the South as well as the North, East, and West. The flag means we are one country, united. Under God. Built upon firm Judaeo-Christian beliefs.
I’ve seen pictures of the flag which inspired Francis Scott Key to pen our national anthem. Battered and torn after a withering barrage of enemy guns, it still waved proudly over Ft. McHenry.
I’ve seen pictures of the flag at Iwo Jima. I’ve seen the flag covering the casket of my nephew then solemnly folded and handed to his mother at his final resting place.
The flag does not represent a perfect country. It represents a country built on the love of freedom and the rule of law. It stands for a nation unlike any other ever upon the face of the earth. It stands for hope for millions and the right to govern ourselves. It welcomes those who love American ideals and should be an emblem of warning to those who would destroy us, whether from without or within.
Those broad stripes and bright stars mean a lot to me and I still get a thrill when I see it waving at the head of a parade. It truly is a grand old flag.
a great tribute
Thank you, Helen.