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By Everett Langworthy
Splendor, majesty, and dignity are but a few words
used to describe Old Glory as it furls atop its flagpole perch.
Across America this symbol of our democratic freedom and national
pride is more evident today than at any other time in our history.
A young Russian immigrant woman recently expressed
to me the amazement she felt upon her arrival in the United States.
"I had never seen so many flags—it made me feel so proud
and privileged to now call America my new home."
The story of Flag Day, June 14, is not common knowledge.
On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the following
June 14, just 15 days later, as the first official Flag Day. Many
Americans, then and now, celebrate Flag Day by displaying the
red, white, and blue in front of homes and businesses. School
children share patriotic stories and pledge their allegiance to
the flag.
Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the Stars
and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. Some 140
years earlier, Betsy Ross was commissioned by George Washington
to design a flag for the new republic. There have been 27 versions
of the flag over the years. Most of the changes have come as territories
have been granted statehood. As this has occurred, corresponding
stars have been added to the flag. The current version dates back
to July 4, 1960 when Hawaii became the 50th state.
I recently began to contemplate even more deeply
the meaning of the flag of our republic. A 25-foot fiberglass
flagpole and a five by eight-foot flag proudly stand outside my
living room window. This addition to my landscape is the focus
of my reflection during many evening hours.
The magnificent symbol typifies my feeling and transcendent
appreciation for our great country. It is an imposing sight! When
sunset and nightfall darken the southern skies of North Carolina,
the display light illuminates Old Glory in a regal and courtly
manner. I recently acquired this white fiberglass pole from a
veteran who owns a flagpole company here in the eastern United
States. Please contact me at 910-256-1998 if you need assistance
in locating a flagpole.
I encourage all of us to consider procuring a flag,
large or small, and displaying it appropriately as a manifestation
of our loyalty to this great nation. As a footnote, I suggest
three dates on which the flag should be displayed at half staff:
May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day; July 27, Korean War Veterans
Armistice Day; and December 7, Pearl Harbor Day.
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