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National President
Barbara Hale Ray
The Red, White, and The Blue
What does it mean when you see this Flag waving in the crisp morning sky? What emotions surface from you just to see it fly?
Sometimes it is hard to put our expressions on paper or talk about feelings we wish to share with others.
Flying a flag can evoke a wide range of emotions, often depending on the context, the flag itself, and personal experiences. Here are some common feelings that flag flying might evoke:
1. Pride: Seeing a flag, especially one representing your country, community, or a
cause you support, can fill you with a sense of pride and belonging.
2. Patriotism: A national flag can evoke a deep sense of patriotism, reminding you
of your homeland and its values, history, and achievements.
3. Unity: Flags often symbolize unity and solidarity, bringing people together under
a common identity or cause.
4. Respect: Flags are often flown to show respect, whether for a country, a group of
people, or a particular cause.
5. Remembrance: Flying a flag can be a way to honor and remember those who
have served or sacrificed.
6. Hope: Flags can be symbols of hope and resilience, especially in times of
struggle or after a significant event.
7. Joy: Seeing a flag flying during celebrations, such as sporting events or festivals,
can evoke feelings of joy and excitement.
I found when I drove in the Commerce City Parade a little while ago, I witnessed all
seven emotions displayed by drivers on I70 in Colorado. I drove our black truck all
dressed up with five Red, White, and Blue flags waving for all to see. To me, I was
so filled with pride and all-over ecstatic feelings, I just couldn’t contain myself with
pride.
No matter how much education you feel you know about the flag, there are many
opportunities you must use to educate people, especially younger generations about
the history and significance of the flag and the nation’s heritage.
Here are 10 interesting facts about the American Flag:
1. There have been 27 versions of the American Flag
2. The flag can be displayed for all 24 hours with proper illumination.
3. The colors were chosen carefully. The founding fathers wanted the colors to have
meaning, not just to look pleasing. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white
symbolizes purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance
and justice.
4. The current design wasn’t professionally made. High school student, Robert G.
Heft, of Lancaster, Ohio who submitted the design in the contest in1958. It was
chosen out of over 2,500 submissions by President Dwight Eisenhower.
5. The current flag is the only one to have lasted more than 50 years.
6. A snippet of the flag the Star-Spangled Banner was written about was sold in
2011 and a 2” x 5” swatch of it was sold for $38,000. The rest of the flag is on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History,
7. The Flag has a National Day of Recognition. Flag Day which celebrates the
anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777, was established by the Proclamation
of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916 after years of local celebrations.
8. Flags should be disposed of in a “dignified manner.” You can burn it with dignity.
9. The flag can touch the ground and still be used. If a flag is soiled or touches the
ground, it can be washed and dry cleaned and continue to be used.
10.Five American Flags have made it to the moon. Neil Armstrong is the person we
see with an American Flag, but 5 additional Apollo missions, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17
ended with an Astronaut placing a flag on the moon.
I have 3 wonderful neighbors’ kids to write, “What Red, White, and Blue Means to
Me”. Below are their articles in their own language, depending on their grade level.
1. The meaning of Red, White, and Blue:
By Sophia Muresan
The meaning of red, white, and blue is a bigger meaning than a flag and it shows the people how they served our country and states. It shows to never give up and kindness and loyalty.
2. What Red, White, and Blue Means to Me
From Juliette B.
Since I am from America red, white, and blue are just normal colors to some people but to me they mean a lot more. Red means fallen soldiers as in their blood to honor them as much as we can. White means the states because in most states all across the world statues are white in their paint. Blue means the ocean as in how the
colors of a flag means much more to me.
3. What Red, White, and Blue Means to Me
By Joaquin B.
The American flag holds a special significance, and its colors carry deep symbolism. Understanding what these colors represent
provides insight into the values and principles that the flag embodies. The color red, with its vibrant hue, symbolizes courage and bravery. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice and courage displayed by the American people throughout history. Whether in times of conflict or crisis, the red in the flag represents the
unwavering spirit and resilience of the nation. In contrast, the color white reflects purity and innocence. It stands for the hope and unity that binds the diverse population of the United States together. As a symbol. As a symbol of peace and
harmony, the white in the flag represents the collective aspirations for a better future.
Finally, the color blue embodies vigilance and justice. It serves as a reminder of the determination and resilience of the American people in upholding the values of freedom and equality. The blue in the flag represents the commitment to justice and the continuous pursuit of a better society for all. In conclusion, the American flag’s red, white, and blue collectively symbolize the courage, unity and justice that are fundamental to the nation’s identity. Understanding the profound meanings behind
these colors reinforce the importance of honoring and respecting the flag as a symbol of the values and principles that define the United States.
Flag Day or Red, White, Blue Day commemorates the adoption of the American Flag
and is a time to reflect on the country’s history, celebrate its achievements, and reaffirm their commitment to its ideal. Ultimately, the emotions associated with flag flying are highly personal and can vary widely among Seeing the red, white, and blue, particularly in the context of the American flag can evoke a variety of strong emotions and associations.
Barbara
BarbaraR.MOPHA@gmail.com
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