A Grand Old Flag


June 14th is a memorable day for me for three reasons. I still recall it being the birthday of a girl I had a strong crush on in my teens. It’s also the birthday of the president of the United States (Donald Trump turns 80 today). Last but not least, it was on this day in 1777 that the Stars and Stripes was officially adopted as the American flag. Although Flag Day is not an official federal holiday like Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, it’s often listed in calendars. Other countries have similar holidays on different days.

Religious groups like the Jehovah’s Witnesses oppose saluting flags or even saying the pledge of allegiance. They view these things as acts of worship or idolatry. I disagree. One can participate in patriotic acts like standing for The Star Spangled Banner without making it an idol. Scripture talks about respecting the government as long as they don’t pressure us into doing things that violate the laws of God:


“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” - Matthew 22:21


“Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” - Romans 13:7


“Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” - 1 Peter 2:17


I think it’s sad when some disgruntled Americans protest by burning the U.S. flag. While they have the Constitutional right to do that, protestors need to be reminded of the many soldiers who fought and died for their freedom. There are guidelines on how to properly handle Old Glory. It allows for burning worn out flags that are no long suitable for flying in public.


One flag I don’t have much respect for is the revised Minnesota flag that was introduced two years ago. I believe it bears a resemblance to the flag of Somalia. While I wouldn’t go so far as to burn it, I would not fly that flag if I held some official event in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Many cities in Minnesota have voted to go back to flying the original state flag. The new one wasn’t even voted on by the general public.


During sixth grade music class, we were taught a song called “You're a Grand Old Flag.” The singing of patriotic songs is becoming less common in American schools. I hope more children would learn about them. Perhaps then, they would develop a greater appreciation for the American flag.


“I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that stands for liberty, and freedom. It is the history of our nation, and it's marked by the blood of those who died defending it.” - U. S. Senator John Thune


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