OUR FLAG (A WCHL Commentary)

Today, June 14^th is Flag Day.  It’s not a Federal holiday but a special day none the less.  In a time in our nation’s history where people wrap themselves in the flag as a way to advance their agenda, the importance of our flag can get lost in that kind of posturing.  Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened on June 14^th, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.   

The first public proposal for a Flag Day was made in the June 1886 when, Bernard Cigrand wrote his articles, “the fourteenth of June” emphasizing the need for an observance of a national Flag Day. His efforts finally paid off when the President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916 that recognized June 14 as Flag Day.  But it was in August 1949 when this day became official for the very first time when the President Harry Truman signed the legislation passed by Congress declared June 14 as Flag Day.  In some communities, parades are held in honor of Flag Day and some communities place emphasis on the proper display and treatment of our flag.   

The great George Cohen honored the flag in song, so on Flag Day it’s good to remember his words:

You're a grand old flag,

You're a high flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave.

You're the emblem of

The land I love.

The home of the free and the brave.

Let’s honor our flag everyday!