~I Am Your Flag~

Living in a democracy, we are inclined to accept all of our freedoms as God given rights. We lose sight of the hardships and suffering others have endured to guarantee that we live in the security of a free nation.

Our flag is our symbol of the cumulative effect the blood, sweat and tears our forefathers expended in an effort to maintain these hard won freedoms.

I have put together a few thoughts so that you might understand the meaning of flag day. June 14th has been established as the day we recognize and honor the stars and stripes, old glory or however you might refer to the precious symbol
of the freedoms you enjoy.

If you have a flag, fly it,
if you don't, get one. It is little enough to show for your love of country and flag.

"Resolved that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." as decreed by the continental congress, June 17.1777."

I was designed by Francis Hopkinson, congressman from the state of New Jersey and a signer of the declaration of independence. I was born of fire and blood, gunpowder and heartache. I was nurtured by honor and a determination to rise above all others in conflict.

I was fashioned by bits and pieces and took form under the talented fingers of an upholsterer named Elizabeth "Betsy" Griscom Ross.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"

A mantra of freedom, recited daily by millions of school children who have learned that "liberty and justice" are not just words but the promise by our forefathers being fulfilled with every breath we take.

And now the courts would have us believe that God is no longer acceptable as a credible entity in our schools and government.

I have been burned, trampled, spat upon, dragged through mud and filth not only by those who despise me but also by the very people I protect.

I have been vilified and dishonored by people who claim to be Americans but I always rise above the shame these people would impose upon me.

I am battered and bruised but I forgive you your indiscretions for these are the rights you have been guaranteed.

I suffered across the Delaware with the raiding party at Valley Forge and was there to accept the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.

I inspire the words to the national anthem by Francis Scott Key at Fort McHenry and I was with Bobby Lee in Mexico.

I flew over the Appomattox courthouse when we stopped the bleeding of too many young men and this great country once again became whole.

I was with Sacagawea and Lewis and Clark as they blazed the northwest passage. I pioneered the expansion west and chased Indians with Sheridan and Custer.

I was aboard the Maine when she blew up in Havana harbor and was in the lead when old teddy charged up San Juan hill.

I was in Belleau woods with the marines and the dough boys at Verdun . I was the last thing to be seen when the Arizona sank beneath the bloody waters at pearl.

I fought my way across the pacific from Guadalcanal to Okinawa and flew over Mt Surabachi to signal the imminent end of the war.

I was a shoulder patch worn by the paratroopers when they dropped into Normandy and I fly in silent tribute to those valiant men who stormed across Omaha and Utah beaches who now lie forever in those lonely graves overlooking that small piece of ground that soaked up their precious blood.

I fly above other isolated spots in alien lands proclaiming to all the world that those who lie below me died valiantly defending my honor.

I was aboard the Missouri when we brought the Japanese empire to it's knees and I presided over the war crimes trials at Nuremburg. I froze along with the GI's and marines at the chosen reservoir and inchon.

Viet Nam brought shame and divisiveness to many who claimed to love these colors and yet, fled to foreign lands to avoid serving under me.

I shrouded too many caskets and was placed into the loving hands of too many grieving mothers. my trials took me to the Persian Gulf and beyond.

I fly proudly now from schools, office buildings, shops, homes and automobiles but when the wind is high, the rhythmic flapping of my folds echoes the sound of the marching beat of millions of gallant men and women who have rallied around my cause.

I keep a silent and lonely vigil on the moon and was at the World Trade Center on that terrible day in history.

I will fly out of the ashes like Phoenix to a finer day as you all look to me with hope in your hearts towards the day when we can all live together in a world free of hatred and fear,

I am your flag. I am proud and defiant but never humble and challenge the rest of the world to live with me with love and charity.

Proudly ~William George Pepe~