“The colors of the pales (stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness and valor, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes on the seal) signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.”
Why stars and stripes?
Stars are considered a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is a symbol of the rays of light emanating from the sun.
We fly our flag because we believe in a country where everyone should be treated equally. We fly our flag because we believe in the blessings of liberty and justice. But, countless men have loss life and limb defending these rights for us. They walked away from their families, not knowing if they'd return as they'd left. No one wants to die for someone else. But, so many have displayed incredible bravery in the face of fear and done just that. And it's not just those who serve our country. It's their families. The ones who are left behind to hold the pieces of a life together, who lie awake in bed at night not knowing if their loved one will ever come home. It's fighting to put one foot in front of the other sometimes when things get especially scary and lonely.
Most of us will never know just what it takes to earn the privilege daily to fly Old Glory. But, today, raise your flag! Do it in honor of those who have given all so you don't have to. Do it because freedom meant so much to so many brave men and women. Do it because it's still worth fighting for!
"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." Romans 14:19
No comments:
Post a Comment