MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Today we honor our nation’s flag. The first United States flag was created in 1776 based on a tiny pencil sketch done by President George Washington. He knew the new country he was preparing to lead into the future would need one symbol; a symbol that culminated the sense of pride and solidarity it took for our newly freed nation to break away from Great Britain.
Just as our country received its birthright from people of many lands, so did the stars and stripes rise from several origins. With every meticulous stitch that Betsy Ross sewed, she wove one of our nation’s greatest and most recognizable symbols, the flag. Although the first flag was woven 237 years ago and since then has been celebrated in many ways, it wasn’t until 1949 that President Harry Truman signed an act of Congress designating June 14th, of every year, as National Flag Day.
Over the years the design of the flag has changed, 26 times to be exact, but its unspoken message has remained. It symbolizes our strength. Our ability to overcome even when it seems like all hope is lost.
The words of the late President Woodrow Wilson still ring true today, “Our nation’s flag has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. Every generation has chosen to preserve and honor the flag as an emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation.”
“Throughout the country and aboard the flag floats in majestic silence above the hosts that execute those choices, whether in peace or in war. And yet, though silent, it speaks to us. It speaks to us of the past men and women who went before us and of the records they wrote upon it.”
This silence speaks to me every day. Each day I instill the flags importance into the hearts and minds of some of Moody Air Force Base’s youngest Airmen. The flag is embedded in the United States history and when it is utilized it must be done so with the highest regard. When our flag is raised it should be raised briskly. When lowered, it should be lowered ceremoniously. The same ceremonious respect should be used when folding our flag. By folding our flag with dignity and honor, we not only show our respect to our flag but patriotism to our country.
Webster’s dictionary defines a flag as a piece of fabric displayed to identify a nation, group of persons, or to serve as a signal. This definition does nothing to encompass the magnitude of what it means to me and my Airmen. When we conduct funeral ceremonies whether they are for a veteran, who served one day in the military or a retiree, who served 20 plus years we utilize the flag.
As we stand sharp, crisp, and motionless throughout ceremony we fold old glory into the shape of a cocked hat and present it to the service members’ next of kin as a final token of our appreciation for their loved ones faithful and honorable service.
Today we celebrate the day of its birth; and from its birth until now it has witnessed a great history that I hope I am able to showcase every day. The meaning of the Unites States flag will vary depending on who you ask, but as for me it means one thing: freedom.