On June 14th, we will have an opportunity as Americans to celebrate Flag Day and reflect upon the rich history of the symbol of our nation. We live freely and securely because of the valiance of our founding fathers who fought to bring about a new era of liberty, prosperity and self-reliance—the same values that our military defends to this day. The Stars and Stripes are a constant reminder that freedom certainly is not free, and we have an obligation as Americans to never forget the blood, sweat and tears that were shed in defense of our flag.
In 1777, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act, which replaced the British Union Jack with Old Glory—a flag of 13 red and white stripes and 13 white stars in a blue field. Over the next 135 years, the flag adopted a variety of arrangements and proportions, and in 1912, President William Howard Taft standardized the American flag as we know it today. According to the United States Flag Code, “the flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.” For this reason, Americans throughout the centuries have paid special reverence to Old Glory and her significance throughout history.
Our flag has witnessed all the milestones that have graced our nation’s timeline, from leading the charge on our battlefields to landing on the moon in 1969. She has draped her colors upon the caskets of fallen troops and late presidents on their way to Arlington. She remains a timeless emblem of the unwavering American spirit, and she stands just as proudly today as she did more than two centuries ago.
This Flag Day, I encourage you to fly Old Glory in front of your house and show everyone that you are proud to be an American. There are various observances of the holiday, including flag-raising ceremonies, memorial services and observances to honor America’s service members. These are just a few of the many ways you can honor the 1.3 million Americans who currently serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as the millions more who have sacrificed much for our freedom.
As a nation of free peoples, we are Ronald Reagan’s “shining city on a hill” and continue to be a beacon of hope and opportunity around the world. As one of the many Americans in uniform who have fought for the red, white and blue, I am proud to honor Old Glory not just on Flag Day, but every day.