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Honoring Old Glory
By Florence Vining Thomen, East Canaan
For proper respect for our beautiful emblem of liberty and freedom, and to acknowledge our country and its brave members who fought to the death to gain and preserve our precious land, may I remind everyone of the significance of our flag.
We were taught in school, in my day, to count the stripes of red and white—13—to represent the 13 original colonies. (I'd say the red reminds us of the blood that has been shed, and the white stands for the peace we have sought from God.) The field of stars honors each state of our union, so proudly acquired, and so united together in harmony. (I think blue stands for "true blue" loyalty toward each other.)
Do you know and honor the rules for the care and handling of our proud emblem? My teachers impressed them upon each and every student. The flag must never touch the floor or ground. It is to be shown properly, with the blue field of stars always at the upper left corner, and should never be flown outside on wet or rainy days. Take it in when inclement weather threatens, and always take it in as sunset approaches. Never use the flag as a garment. It is not to be flown overnight outside unless a spotlight is directed upon it. (Does this rule still apply?)
If hung on a flagpole, the American flag must be raised to full-staff. To show respect, for honoring sadness or death, it is raised to the top and then lowered to half-staff (or half-mast, as it is referred to on shipboard).
Proper disposal of a tattered or soiled flag should be sought by contacting one's town officials.
How many schools today instruct their students in the care and proper treatment of our great flag? And do they still insist on reciting the Pledge of Allegiance today?
We have a history of bloodshed and sacrifice and persistence against great odds. Let us recognize all this, and display our national emblem with pride and thankfulness. And pray for God to continue to overlook our failings and bless this great "melting pot" of many races, creeds and colors.
God bless America!
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