It's More Than A Flag

Old Glory          Star-Spangled Banner          Colors           Red, White, and Blue

     THE AMERICAN FLAG

It was sewn to bring camaraderie and unite people sharing the same dream. It was flown into many battles in which blood was spilled from men, women and children in the name of freedom. When the smoke dissipated, the Colors still flew high. It has been there in aid of other nations in times of need. It has been marched down many streets to promote equality of life. It has landed on the moon. It has been flown into countless fires as heroes rescued those in trouble. It unveils itself in every terrorist attack, natural disaster, or great tragedy across the entire planet. It waves as our men and women travel to and from war. It rises every morning with a reveille and lays down at night in retreat. It blankets the fallen and comforts those left behind. It bares hope, faith, patriotism, inspiration, heroism, the deepest desire to make a difference in a small span of time. It has been envied by those who hunger for power. It has been burnt, trampled and ripped to shreds. It has been misunderstood, labeled evil, and negatively idolized. It has been used as a pawn in political agendas and misrepresented to promote dramatic stories and generate ratings. It has been neglected, abused, manipulated and hated. Despite the trials and challenges, it continues to rise with every new day.  

Some say it is only cloth. Those are the ones who fail to peer deeper into the soul of this star-spangled banner. With a closer look, you can see explorers sailing the ocean, using constellations in a darkened sky to guide them to a new world. Settlers and Pilgrims begin to build new lives through rain, sleet, snow, drought and illness. Blue and white collared men and women working endlessly to ensure there is a future. The 13 colonies alternate red and white stained with the blood of those who pulled us from an unjust ruler. It is stitched together with every American patriot past, present and future tying us all together and cultivating a unity that cannot be broken. If you look close enough, the stars twinkle with glistening tears of sadness, anger, exhaustion, failure, stress, worry, wrath, pain, happiness, hope for a brighter future, grace, mercy, kindness, and compassion. It shines brightest with the tears shed while on bending knees praying for guidance through a broken world. You see, it is not only cloth sewn together representing a flawed government, but one true story of many lives binding together promoting the same cause throughout generations. It symbolizes patriots of liberty for all of mankind across the globe. When you pledge to the Stars and Stripes, remember you are making a promise to those who have gone before to carry on their legacy and make it your own.

It IS all Americans.

Happy Flag Day, America!