FLAG CEREMONY

The United States Flag is unique in the deep and noble significance of its message to the entire world, a message of national independence, of individual liberty, of idealism, of patriotism.  It is not the Flag of a reigning family or a royal house, but of millions of free people welded into a nation, one and inseparable, united not only by community of interest, but by vital unity of sentiment and purpose.  It incarnates for all mankind the spirit of liberty and the glorious ideal of human freedom.  It embodies the essence of patriotism.  Its spirit is the spirit of the American Nation.  Its history is the history of the American people.

The United States Flag is the third oldest of the National Standards of the world, older than the Union Jack of Britain or the Tricolor of France.  Congress first authorized the flag on June 14, 1777.  This date is now observed as Flag Day throughout America.

It was first decreed that there should be a star and a stripe for each state, making thirteen of both, for the original thirteen colonies.  As other states came into the union, it became evident there would be too many stripes.  So in 1818, by an act of Congress the number of stripes were reduced and restricted to thirteen, representing the thirteen original states.  A star would be added for each succeeding state. 

The colors of the flag are important, for they have real meaning.  Red for valor, zeal and fervency.

White for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life.

Blue, the color of heaven, for reverence to God, loyalty, sincerity, justice and truth.

A star symbolizes dominion and sovereignty, as well as lofty aspirations.

The name “Old Glory” was given to our National Flag on August 19, 1831, by Captain William Driver. 

In 1933 Marine Master Sergeant Percy Webb, as a tribute to our flag wrote a poem entitled “I am Old Glory”.  It as since been updated to include the fifty states.

I am Old Glory. For more that nine score years I have been the banner of hope and freedom for generation after generation of Americans.

I am Old Glory.  Born amid the first flames of America’s fight for freedom, I am the symbol of a country that has grown from a little group of thirteen colonies to a united nation of fifty sovereign states.

I am Old Glory.  Planted firmly on the high pinnacle of American faith my gently fluttering folds have proved an inspiration to untold millions.

I am Old Glory.  Men have followed me into battle with unwavering courage.

I am Old Glory.  People look upon me as symbol of national unity.

I am Old Glory.  Man have prayed that they and their fellow citizens might continue to enjoy the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, which have been granted to every American as the heritage of free men.

So long as men love liberty more than life itself, so long as they treasure the priceless privileges bought with the blood of our forefathers, so long as the principles of truth, justice and charity for all remain deeply rooted in human hearts, I shall continue to be the enduring banner of the United States of America.