The Flag

Today is Flag Day. You don't hear a whole lot about flag day. There are no big celebrations or long weekend associated with it. It is just a day to remember.
It was June 14, 1777 when the Continental congress approved the design of the flag. Interesting that this was a Saturday. Wouldn't get congress to do anything on a Saturday anymore.
In 1949 President Harry Truman designated June 14 as National Flag Day. There were celebrations prior to that  but nothing official. Now it is pretty much just a note on the calender. It is in the same category as say, National Hot Dog Day or National Pizza Sauce day. A sad thing really, given the importance of our national standard. I am a bit surprised that Flag makers aren't having huge sales in honor of this occasion.
My flag will be up as it is most days. I do take it down for bad weather and sometimes I am remiss about putting it back up. It is a comforting thing seeing the flag waving. In today's world we do not pay the respect to the flag as much as we should. Only after 9/11 did we see a resurgence in that area. I still see many people wearing the flag as an article of clothing or displayed in what I consider inappropriate situations. I've even written to the mayor of Greensboro on one occasion for the sorry condition the flag was in. No action was taken.
All too often I see the flag dirty and torn flying from some flagpole. It is a sight I do not enjoy. Flag day is an excellent time to replace your flag. You always hear them saying replace your smoke detector batteries when you change the time. How about replace your flag every Flag day,at a minimum.

Our flag is a touching symbol of hope. Hope for the future. To millions of people around the world that flag represents freedom and opportunity. As an American I fly it with pride. I want it draped over my coffin. The flag is no small thing. It should be treated with respect at all times.