[June 14, 2019] Today is Flag Day in the United States. As a military veteran, the date is important to me because it symbolizes what is good about our country, our history, and its free people. That may seem like an old-fashioned sentiment but it is exactly what it takes to maintain support for a strong military and the guts to ensure our servicemembers are given the tools they need to do their jobs.
Most American citizens neither care nor even notice that today is Flag Day. Do they simply take their freedom for granted? Yes. Do they even know what freedom means? The answer is probably not. I tell other military members and veterans that it doesn’t matter since our lives as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines are dedicated to keeping all citizens free and that is what we do because we chose to do it.
Military personnel and veterans have sworn to a sacred duty to protect and defend our nation. Whether you live in the U.S. or the U.K. or Australia; it matters little where you hail from. Each citizen also has the duty to support those that defend them. Our political leaders have an obligation to insure this message of support remains strong and vibrant.
Today is a day of respect for the flag; also called Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes, and Star-Spangled Banner.1 Why do we respect the flag? I could go into a long story about it but the real reason is simple; that the flag represents who we are as a group of people living in the United States.
The flag also says something about us and our values. Americans are generous people and defenders of the weak. We may disagree among ourselves and fight over stupid things but, when the tires hit the road, we stand side by side and take on any enemy who attempts to take freedom away from others.
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Yesterday, I made sure everyone I met at work understood that it was Flag Day and why we should respect the flag. Respect is a habit. To have respect properly requires effort and understanding. Thanks for another great article, Gen. Satterfield.
Yes, I agree with you Jose. I’m glad I found this leadership blog too.
Gen Satterfield, good article. Thanks. I missed it yesterday but I never miss reading all your articles.
Australian National Flag Day is observed on September 03, 2019. It commemorates the day in 1901 on which the Australian National Flag was first flown.
Cheers!
Thanks Joe.
Thanks Joe for reminding us of other Flag Days and why.
For those Americans who served, the flag is a symbol of their commitment to making their state, county, city or town a safer and more peaceful place to live. Sewn on the sleeves of our police officers, firefighters and other first responders, the flag inspires trust in their commitment to be there whenever we may call for them.
“On Flag Day, remember what the stars and stripes stand for” good article.
https://www.delawareonline.com/story/opinion/contributors/2018/06/14/flag-day-what-does-american-flag-represent/697371002/
We haven’t heard from you in a while Watson. Welcome back to the comment’s section.
Also, thank for the link to an article explaining why we should honor flag day.
Congrats.
Thanks Watson.
Thanks.
Recognition of Flag Day comes and goes every June 14, and most Americans don’t notice.
Let’s help the next generation of youth, immigrants, friends, family and neighbors understand and recognize the symbolism of the American Flag.
Yet, when the founders of our nation sat down to create the flag that would stand as the symbol of this new nation, it’s hard to believe that they could have known just how powerful that symbol would become. But they did have hope.
Thank you, Gen. Satterfield for continuing to honor the flag.
Another great article about the great American Flag.
For those in other countries, I recommend you also honor your flag. Nothing is wrong with that. Support your nation and its people.
On June 14, 1777, Congress passed a law making the Stars and Stripes America’s official flag. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established June 14 as Flag Day. In 1942, Congress passed the Flag Code, which sets forth the rules and proper etiquette for handling the American flag. On Aug. 3, 1949, President Harry Truman signed legislation making June 14 National Flag Day.
Thanks Anita. We appreciate you filling in the gaps.
🙂 Good info for those who should know about the flag. It’s worth knowing and understanding the flag’s history.