American Flag Tribute
Judith L. Trest PMA Manchester NH and El Cajon, CA June 1976
For over 200 years, Our Flag, the Stripes of Red and White with Stars on field of Blue, has been a symbol of American Freedom and Independence – an ever constant reminder, to us, the people of these United States, of those who sacrificed their lives, so that we may live in freedom.
The 13 red and white stripes represent the original 13 colonies and the struggle during the Revolutionary war for the right to freedom and the pursuit of happiness.
The Red stands for courage, and denotes the courage that the men and women of our country have shown, in defending our Flag against tyranny. It inspires our citizens to courageous deeds in its name, and bears silent witness to those to whom the ideals and the honor of a nation, have been dearer than life itself. There is hardly a corner of this
great country, which does not pay tribute, to the heroic deeds performed in the name of our Flag.
White stands for liberty – the land of the free – equality for all – It invites the oppressed of the world to come unto it and prosper. It reminds us of the Civil War when brother fought against brother to free the enslaved, and who, after the war, joined together to make our country greater than ever.
Blue stands for loyalty – the blue of the heavens and the thousands loyal to our country through good times and bad, through suffering and hardships. It symbolizes men and women who hesitated at nothing to serve their country, and their Flag, even at the cost of their lives. When called upon to serve, they responded with deeds of patriotism, not words.
Each star on that field of Blue represents the entrance of each State in our Union. It is a symbol of the toil and strife, not only of our Forefathers, but also to all those who follow them.
In the name of our Flag, we have fought for independence, and national unity. Our Flag is a jealous mistress, who requires the undivided allegiance, of each generation, to uphold its own patriotic duty, and endure as those who have come before. It is because of this allegiance, that our country became one of greatness.
And so our Flag stands today, a symbol of Hope, flying in the name of peace, and the brotherhood of man. It is a tribute to the accomplishments of yesterday, and the dreams and hopes of tomorrow – the future of mankind. Our Flag represents the people of the United States of American – you and me. Let us stand by the Stars and Stripes, now and forever, as a symbol which inspires brave men and women to uphold our freedom.