by Dr. H. Wade Paris
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Few things excite our patriotic fervor as much as waving an American flag. My heart moves up into my throat when I face the flag with my hand over my heart and sing the national anthem.
I can still remember my grade school teachers, more than one of them, explaining the meaning of the flag. The stars represent the states, one for each state. The blue on which the stars are laid speaks of loyalty and courage. The red stripes tell us that our freedom has often been written in blood. And the white says we want to be pure and good. At least, that is the way it was explained to me.
I remember those lessons being given to me during World War II when my brother was “somewhere over there” fighting — for me.
I mix all those thoughts and feelings together in my heart when I stand and pledge allegiance to the flag. I am a loyal American. I am proud of my country. On Flag Day, June 14, I will proudly fly the flag on my house.
Yes, Flag Day. Many hardly know there is such a day. Not all states observe it as a holiday. There is some confusion about when and where it began. In a few places, they have parades on Flag Day, but not everywhere. Observance of the day falls somewhere between a sacred obligation and a privileged choice. No one can force you to observe Flag Day, or respect the flag for that matter. The choice is yours, and that is as it should be.
While I am proud of my country, I want her to be her best self as represented in the flag. In recent years, there has been much debate about the words, “In God We Trust,” with reference to our country. The words are on our coins and buildings and in our pledge of allegiance.
Are you aware those words are also in our national anthem? Unfortunately, they are in the second verse which we seldom sing; but they are there, “And this be our motto: in God is our trust.” If our country will trust Him, we will be great!
I don’t believe faith and patriotism are the same. God comes first. But I do think being a person of faith makes me a better citizen. And with those thoughts, I proudly salute our flag.