The Flag

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America…


I was never in combat but I have a deep and abiding respect for those who were and those currently serving. As Americans we owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who serve to protect the freedom we enjoy, in particular to the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice. Without them we might have a National language other than English and I wouldn't have the freedom to offer my thoughts and opinions on this blog.


I have friends and family members who served in the military during wartime. Two things stand out from our conversations about their military experience; they don't talk about or refer to their time in combat, and, they have a high degree of patriotism to their country and to its symbolic standard of freedom--the flag. The flag is a common thread among military personnel. Almost everyone has heard of the true life experience told by Medal of Honor recipient Leo. K. Thorsness about his prison cellmate in Hanoi, Naval pilot Mike Christian, who made a flag from rags at the risk of extreme torture. Why, because it was a symbol of our nation and freedom
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Years ago as a young Navy Corpsman I heard a lot about the attack on Pearl Harbor. I wanted to know more because it was difficult for me to understand how such a surprise attack could happen on our shores. I read every book I could find about the Pearl Harbor attack, even one that was "hidden" in the basement of the local library. I was starting to form my conclusion on how the attack happened.

I had the privilege of talking with two people who were at Pearl Harbor during the attack. One was a fellow I worked with after the Navy. I knew he retired from the Navy after twenty years, but that was about all. One day in conversation I mentioned my historical interest in the Pearl Harbor attack. He got a far away look in his eyes, frowned and said he was there. I said something stupid like "Wow" and all he said was he was a Corpsman on liberty when the attack started and there were a lot of burned bodies. We never talked about it again.

The most poignant experience was with the second person. A gentleman and his wife came into our store to buy some medical supplies. He was a Navy veteran and I happened to mention my interest in Pearl Harbor. He told me he was there, as a crew member of the USS Pennsylvania which, if I remember correctly, was in dry dock during the attack. He shared with me in bitter words why the attack was successful and who was to blame. His eyes were moist. I thanked him for sharing and he went to the car to wait for his wife. When his wife was leaving she politely told me that to her knowledge that was the first time he spoke of Pearl Harbor since leaving there many years ago. I felt honored, yet humbled as if I had tread on sacred ground. My conclusions were confirmed, but still contained a spark of uncertainty. I never pursued the issue from that day forward.

There is nothing glorious about war. Yet hearing and reading about the men and women who fought for our freedom fills me with awe, admiration and a true sense of honor to be an American. The flag of the United States of America, “Old Glory”, has been the rallying symbol throughout the wars. It’s not an idol of worship, but rather a symbol of freedom and determination held high by those who understand their pledge of allegiance to the flag.

…and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

It pains me to see our flag desecrated. Treating our flag disrespectfully is tantamount to disrespecting those who died serving our country which is symbolized by our flag, to preserve the freedoms we enjoy, including the freedom of expression. We have the freedom to protest. However, in showing our discontent do we have the moral right to figuratively walk on the graves of those who died to protect our freedoms? In some countries of the world disrespecting something or someone could lead to your execution, immediate of otherwise. To see protestors in our country walk on or burn our flag often leads to the thought, “Hey, if you don’t like it here,
leave.”

Let us not forget that our country was founded upon godly principles put forth by god fearing men. It is my firm belief that if we take God out of the equation we will ultimately lose our freedoms. We’ll lose our freedom of speech, the freedom to worship as we choose, and yes, even the freedom to be an atheist or an agnostic. With our freedom comes responsibility. And that responsibility includes respecting our flag, the symbol of our free nation.

In fairness to those who may take exception to my opinions, possibly they’re not aware of the historical significance of our flag and that there is a congressional code detailing, among other things, how to respect the flag. Included in the code is:

“No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America…”

"The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing."

There is a good website, www.usflag.org, to check out almost everything you would want to know about the flag including the following basics about respect for the flag every American should know:

• The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
• The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
• The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
• The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
• The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
• The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
• The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.
• The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
• The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
• No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
• The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

Click here to visit the U.S. Flag website for the actual flag code and more.