“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…” We’re all familiar with this phrase, it has been ingrained in our existence as Americans since the first days of elementary school. In fact, the members of the Ohio House and Senate continue this tradition, reciting the pledge before session each time we meet. As public servants of this great nation, our loyalty to “Old Glory” is of the utmost importance; we must uphold the values it represents.
The American flag is not just a piece of fabric, it is the greatest symbol of the United States. It symbolizes our republic, its indivisibility, and the liberty and justice the country was founded upon. June 14th marks the day that our flag was formally accepted, and while national Flag Day was not established until an act of Congress in 1949, this year marks 240 years that our flag has flown.
The flag has evolved many times as the United States expanded, and it changed to reflect the addition of new states. Despite its evolution, the 13 stripes remain, representing the 13 original colonies at the founding of our nation. The stars remain, each standing in place of a state, 50 in all. But more than that, the values and principles that the flag signifies have remained the same. Through the ups and downs of our history, the flag is still there, waving over the land of the free and the home of the brave.
In its resilience, it has kept the notions of what it means to be an American alive. Our land continues to be free. Over two centuries after its adoption, many countries around the world still do not know what it is like to experience real freedom. Such people are suppressed, but we as Americans are able to build our families and pursue whatever dreams we wish. This is the tenet upon which we were founded, and it remains true today.
We continue to be the home of the brave, boasting strong military forces and veterans to which we owe much gratitude. They fight and sacrifice each and every day in the name of our flag, a symbol that deserves the utmost respect. With Flag Day just on the horizon, it is an easy time of the year to reflect upon the blessings we have every day as Americans. Look upon the flag and remember what it means to be free.
