Dorothy Brush "Random Thoughts" Published June 12, 2002

American flag is more
than just a symbol

Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes -- our American flag has served as the symbolic inspiration for Americans since its official adoption as our flag on June 14, 1777. It was the Second Continental Congress that recognized this emerging country needed a flag. They acted. "Resolved: that the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."

George Washington added more poetic words of explanation: "We take the stars and blue union from heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity representing liberty."

In all the 225 years since then, it has been present at battles, parades, funerals, on podiums and flag staffs. It has been stomped and burned. There have been periods in our history when the red, white and blue was pushed into the background, and then came Sept. 11, 2001. On that day and for all the long months following, our flag was prominent at Ground Zero. Across the country flags appeared on homes and businesses whose owners had seldom given any thought to the flag before. Now it embodied the liberty and freedom so often taken for granted.

When flags reach the end of service, they must be treated with respect. The veterans organizations accept these old flags and annually hold a solemn ceremony where they are burned. Last year I attended such a service along with four veterans and the wife of a veteran. As the flames consumed the flags I wished we had been surrounded by young people. They would have seen and felt the emotions of an older generation's deep respect for the flag.

A friend told me about a private flag burning ceremony they held. Their son, his wife and their 6-year-old grandson were visiting at the time they put up a new flag. The grandfather and father explained to the boy how important it was to dispose of the old flag properly. Then this small family group gathered around the container which held the flag. They each told what the flag meant to them, and then the grandson was given the honor of lighting the fire. With hands over their hearts they said the Pledge of Allegiance, then stood quietly as the flames consumed the old flag. They concluded by singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America."

My friend was especially touched when they turned to leave. The young man, with no coaching, faced the container holding the ashes and saluted. Can anyone doubt that youngster will remember what the American flag means through the actions of his loved ones?

Friday, June 14 is Flag Day, a birthday to a symbol that has served our country well. George Washington knew all those years ago how important the flag would be when he predicted it "would go down to posterity representing liberty."

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Dorothy Copus Brush is a Fairfield Glade resident and Crossville Chronicle staffwriter whose column is published each Wednesday.