This flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation. It has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours. It floats in majestic silence above the hosts that execute those choices, whether in peace or in war. And yet, though silent, it speaks to us — speaks to us of the past, or the men and women who went before us, and of the records they wrote upon it.
Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) 28th U.S. President (1913-1921).
Today is Flag Day. On this day in 1777 the Second Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag. Congress established National Flag Day in 1949.
There’s a lot that is wrong with our country. There’s a lot of wrong that has been done under the banner of the flag.
It’s taken a long time to get that concept that all men really are created equal.
We’re not there yet.
Still, this is the greatest and, for a while longer at least, the most free country on the face of the earth.
Sure, we’ve got problems. And sure, it seems like these days we’re a lot angrier than we’ve ever been.
Honestly, I really don’t think we are.
I’ve already talked about that this week. If we could just sit down and have a conversation instead of posting yet another meme…well…you know what I mean.
I love our flag. I love our country.
Truth is, I’ve always been pretty red, white and blue. After all, I was born on the 3rd of July.
How many of you get fireworks on your birthday weekend?
While we’ve no shortage of problems, we’re free to argue about them. We’re free to tell our politicians what we really think.
Within reason, Miss Griffin.
I digress.
Or maybe not.
We’re free to express our beliefs. We’re also free to have to face the consequences of said beliefs.
Our flag has flown over battlefields, over Olympic stadiums, and has even flown on the moon.
Likewise, it had draped the coffins of the men and women who offered up their lives so that we would be free to piss each other off.
Don’t take that for granted. Ever.
It’s still a grand old flag.
Also born on this day in 1946, Donald J. Trump, the 45th, and current, President of the United States. Whether you voted for him or not (and I didn’t), he’s the President.
Happy Birthday, Mr. President.