American Flag Truths
Honoring The American Flag
Flag Day is the celebration of the American Flag which occurs once a year on the anniversary of the flag’s official adoption, June 14, 1777. What patriotic Americans call the Stars and Stripes was adopted by the Continental Congress as the official American flag (which passed the Flag Act). (Cortney Moore/Fox News; Journals of the Continental Congress 1774-1789, 8:464; A Capital Fourth; The History of the American Flag)
Although Flag Day is not an official holiday, truths about the flag of America deserves our attention, consideration, and adoration.
Catch these quotes about the American Flag: “I believe our flag is more than just a cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that stands for liberty and freedom. – (John Thune) Ronald Reagan said, “When we honor our flag, we honor what we stand for as a Nation: Freedom, equality, justice and hope.” George Washington said, “Let us then, be true to the country we love, and the flag we honor.”
The fact is flags have been used as far back as Biblical times and all over the world to proclaim the truth of the heart in the people who laid down the foundations of their nations. Therefore, we Christians can:
Fly the Flag High
As a Christians' Banner
Psalm 20:5 says, "May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!" The word banner (?????? dag_al) is a verb meaning to carry a flag or a standard. It indicates the display of a symbol of loyalty and commitment to the Lord for His victories. God's people are to show their loyalty to the Lord by raising their flags (banners) in His name. (Expositors Bible Commentary; Matthew Henry Commentary)
Countries design and display flags, not just to have something to fly in the air but to make a particular statement. Much time and money are invested in the design of a flag. Everyone who sees a flag displayed should know from that symbol just what the country stands for. Many Americans display flags outside their homes to show national loyalty, cultural pride, or affiliation with specific interest groups and organizations.
The American flag was designed as a banner to celebrate America's freedom, but also stands as an icon of world diplomacy. (Flags and Their Importance, United States Flag Store) The Word English Dictionary says that to fly the flag “is to represent or show support for one's country, an organization, etc."
On June 14th, 1777 the Continental Congress passed a resolution, "The flag of the United States will be thirteen stripes, alternating red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, which will represent a new constellation." (Journals of the Continental Congress, Vol. VIII, p. 464, June 14, 1777) "Since that time, generations of Americans have celebrated the flag as a symbol of our God-given freedoms, as well as being a God-blessed nation. In every American military campaign, the flag has been a symbol of our freedom." (David Barton, The Real Story Behind Old Glory - 06-11-2012)
Interesting U.S. Flag facts are: "The National Flag Day Foundation holds an annual observance for Flag Day on the second Sunday in June. The program includes a ceremonial raising of the flag, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance with singing of the National Anthem. The week of June 14 is designated as 'National Flag Week.' During National Flag Week, the president will issue a proclamation urging U.S citizens to fly the American flag for the duration of the week. The flag should also be on all government buildings" (Wikipedia, Flag Day) The Pledge of Allegiance spoken during the ceremony says, "I pledge alliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." (Celebrating America's Freedom, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) The national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner is sung at the annual ceremony as well. In the 4th stanza are these words, "Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, and this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust’ And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave." (National Anthem - United States Of America Anthem Text Lyrics / MetroLyrics)
Christians want the flag flown high because their study of the Bible and their respect for the Founding Fathers of America, enables them to appreciate our flag as a symbol of freedom brought forth by and sustained by God our Creator.
Remembrance, In Every Fold
Spiritual Truth in The Folding of The American Flag
Have you ever taken time to watch the flag being folded and then handed to a loved one at the graveside of a military serviceman/woman who gave their life in service to this country? I have often wondered if there was any meaning to each fold. Research shows that there is no official nor required meaning that should be given as the American Flag is being folded. (TruthOrFiction.com; Snope.com) However, there is no shortage of scripts available that can be read aloud during a flag folding. There is a meaning of the 13 folds of the folding of the American Flag that is not without importance and deserves our attention. This script has an unknown author, however reflects a spiritual heart which has a Biblical understanding of the heart of God, the heart of mankind and truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This writing shows a Holy Spirit enlightenment of the whole of Scripture:
The American Flag is Folded Thirteen Times
"The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His Divine guidance. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.' The sixth fold is for where our hearts lye. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. With the final fold the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, 'In God We Trust.'"
The Bible gives us this exhortation: “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” (Romans 13:7)
Our Flag Edict
The Bible says we are to give honor to whom honor is owed." (Romans 13:7b) The week of June 14 is National Flag Week. Many died protecting the freedoms our flag stands for. Many Christians today see the American Flag as a banner (?????? dag_al) - stating a standard, proclaiming a truth - we are a blessed nation under God - the God Whom we trust. In honoring those who died to give us the freedoms we enjoy and in honor of those who sacrifice time away from family so we can continue to enjoy those freedoms, let us consider some flag edict: 1. No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America." (Section 8) 2.) "The Flag represents a living country and is itself consider a living thing" (Section 8J) 3.) The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag should be spoken while standing at attention, facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute." – ("Flag Code” from Section 8 of Federal Law)
When to Display the American Flag
It should be noted: The Flag should be displayed at every public institution and in or near every polling place on election days, and at schoolhouses during school days.
Rather you are a Christian or Non-Christian the flag is a symbol; of respect, honor and patriotism. It may be displayed on any day of the year according to the following guidelines:
• The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement.
• The custom is to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on flagstaffs in the open, but is may be displayed at night – if illuminated – to produce a patriotic effect.
It would be taking the high road in life to display the American Flag daily, however there are days we should make it a point to fly the flag:
• New Year’s Day, January 1
• Inauguration Day, January 20
• Martin Luther Kings Jr’s birthday, third Monday in January
• Lincoln’s birthday, February 12
• Washington’s Birthday - third Monday in February
• National Vietnam Wars Veterans Day, March 29
• Easter Sunday
• Mother’s Day
• Armed Forces Day – third Saturday in May
• Memorial Day (Half-staff until noon) the last Monday in May
• Flag Day – June 14
• Father’s Day – third Sunday in June
• Independence Day – July 4
• National Korean War Veterans Day, July 27
• Labor Day, first Monday in September
• Constitution Day, September 17
• Columbus Day, September 17
• Navy Day, October 27
• Veterans Day, November 11
• Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
• Christmas Day, December 25
• Birthday of States
• State Holidays
General Guidelines for Displaying the Flag
Reminder: In truth, the flag may be flown at night anywhere that it may be flown during the day, provided that it is properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. There are eight guides to displaying the American Flag:
• When the flag is hung vertically on a wall, window, or door, the Union (blue section) should be to the observer’s left. When the flag is hung either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the Union should be to the observer’s left.
• In a procession, the American Flag should be to the right (the flag’s own right) of any other flag or, if in a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
• When displayed from a staff projecting from a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff.
• When the flag is displayed otherwise than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out; or so suspended that its folds fall as freely as though the flag were staffed.
• When displayed over a street, the flag should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street, or to the east in a north and south street.
• On a platform, the flag should be above and behind the speaker, with the union uppermost and to the observer’s left.
• When displayed from a staff in a church or auditorium, the flag should occupy the position of honor and be placed at the speaker’s right as he faces the audience.
• When the flag is used to cover a casket, the union should be at the head and over the left shoulder.
In closing: The history of our Flag is a fascinating as that of the American Republic itself. It has survived battles, inspired songs and evolved in responses to the growth of the country it represents. The name Old Glory was given to a large, 10-by-17 footlong Flag by its owner, William Driver, a sea captain from Massachusetts. Inspiring the common nickname for all American flags. Driver’s flag is said to have survived multiple attempts to defeat it during the Civil War. (The History of the American Flag, A Capital Fourth article) After a British bombardment, amateur poet Francis Scott Key was so inspired of the American Flag still flying over Baltimore’s Fort McHenry that he wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” on September 14, 1814.
In an article written by Marcus Charter, Iowa State Daily on September 20, 2001 we read this amazing account – which birthed forth the Hymn, The Star-Spangled Banner:
“In 1814, America was attacked by the British. The British had already captured Washington and now wanted Baltimore.
At this time there was a young lawyer by the name of Francis Scott Key living in the Georgetown, Maryland area. The British had American prisoners, so Mr. Key and other men went to negotiate a prisoner exchange. The prisoner exchange was looking very promising, until the British commander felt that Francis Key may have heard too much about their attack on Fort McHenry. Mr. Key was force to stay aboard. It was explained to Francis Key that those ashore had been told, the attack would stop if they would lower the large American Flag, it would be a sign of their surrender.
Sure enough – on September 13, 1814, the bombardment began. It was an unmerciful and brutal attack. Continuous bombing made a deafening noise, while Key looked in horror. One shell after another struck the flag directly, and yet the flag stayed up. When Mr. Key could, he would yell down to his comrades who were held hostage with him, ‘It is still standing.’ He could hear their cheers and prayers rise from below.
Night fell and Mr. Key could no longer see, but the red glare of the rockets and the bombs bursting let him, and everyone else know the flag was still there. The British command was in a frenzy. They told Key they could not understand what was happening at the fort. British scouts had reported numerous direct hits on the flag, but yet, it would not fall down.
Morning came. Sept. 14, 1814. As the pre-dawn mist gave way to morning light, Key noticed the shelling had stopped. He made his way to a vantage point where he could see, and as he gazed upon Fort Henry, he realized the shelling had not stopped because of surrender; the shelling had stopped because the British had given up. Twenty-five hours of explosions had not been enough to bring the flag down.
Key was released and allowed to go back to shore. As he approached Fort McHenry, his eyes met those of dead patriots fallen for the love of a nation. He made his way to the flagpole. There the flag rested, torn, tattered and almost unrecognizable. The pole itself was battered and bent, and would have fallen if not for the bodies that held it up. The British had indeed uprooted the flagpole, but as it fell towards the earth, it was caught and held up by American soldiers who realized what that flag really stood for. When the next bomb came crashing down, killing those men, more rushed to take their spot, until the British realized they could take down a fort, but they could never crush the American spirit.
After witnessing these events Francis Scott Key wrote a poem that we now sing at ball games, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Make time in this season of Flag Day, to share with others the truths in this message.
