June 13, 2010
The following is an editorial written by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga). If you have questions about this commentary, please contact Rep. Byrum's office by calling (517) 373-0587.
One day in June of 1885, a Wisconsin school teacher named Bernard J. Cigrand had a special assignment for his students. Instead of their normal lessons, he placed a small flag in a bottle on his desk and told his students to write an essay about the flag and its importance to our nation. That day, June 14, would eventually become a national holiday known as Flag Day here in the United States.
The history of our flag is an echo of the history of our nation – a tale of strife, struggle and triumph. In 1777, Congress passed the first Flag Act, which established the flag of the United States to be made up of alternative red and white stripes and "that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."
Over the years, as our nation grew, so did flag – adding stars as more states joined the union. After Hawaii joined the union, we adopted a new flag with 50 stars on July 4, 1960. In 2007, this version of the flag became the longest serving version of Old Glory.
The flag means many things to many people, and as our nation has changed, the way that people perceive the flag has changed with it. But one thing has not changed – identifying the flag with our brave men and women in uniform. From George Washington's crossing of the Delaware to the iconic raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, and from our highest highs to our lowest lows, our flag has been there.
The Star-Spangled Banner, our national anthem, is a tribute to Old Glory. The lyrics come from a poem written by Francis Scott Key, titled "Defence of Fort McHenry." After watching the British bombard the fort during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, Key was inspired to pen the poem when he saw the flag still waving over the fort in the morning after a long night of battle.
Today, we still use the flag to honor our armed forces. When one of our brave soldiers falls in the line of duty, we honor them by lowering the flag to half-staff. The flag is also folded and presented to their next of kin, to show the respect and gratitude of our nation for their ultimate sacrifice.
As you hang your flag outside your house this Flag Day and everyday, take a moment to think about what the flag has meant to so many that came before you, the hope it provides to millions today, and what it will mean to our children and grandchildren. We all have a part to play in building this great nation, and our flag is a symbol of all our country stands for.
Editor's note: please insert as a sidebar.
Many people do not know the meaning of the folding of our American flag.
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second is a symbol of our belief of eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor of remembrance of the veterans leaving our ranks who gave their lives to defend this country and attain peace in the world.
The fourth fold represents our frail nature. We turn to our higher power in times of peace and war for guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country. To paraphrase Stephen Decatur: Our country in dealing with our countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country right or wrong.
Where our hearts lie is represented in the sixth fold. We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America with our hand over our heart,
The seventh fold is made in tribute to our armed forces. It is these brave men and women who protect our country against enemies, whether foreign or domestic.
The eighth fold is in honor of our mothers, for whom the flag flies on Mother's Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood. The undeterred faith, love and loyalty of women helped mold the character of countless men and women who have made this nation the greatest in history.
The tenth fold is a tribute to fathers. They have given their sons and daughters in order to defend our country.
The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, glorifying the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The twelfth fold represents eternity and glorifies the God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The thirteenth brings the stars uppermost, reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust."
