Now About the Flag…..

For those of you who were not in attendance at the latest Delegates Assembly, or did not watch it on YouTube, the WPRF representative was asked to bring up for a vote the disposition of  the Somerset flagpole, which normally flies the American flag. The choices were:

1. Leave the flagpole up. WPRF would send security every day to raise the flag and lower it at Sunset. Eva said that would not be a problem at all.
2. Determine if there was lighting already in place. If so, a flag could be obtained and raised, where it could remain 24 hours a day.
3. If lighting was not in place, install lighting to allow the flag to remain up 24 hours a day.
4. Remove the flagpole.

For some inexplicable reason that I find incredibly appalling and insulting to the millions of soldiers who sacrificed their lives, limbs and minds to ensure that Old Glory will never be removed from our sacred soil and sovereignty, that someone would even consider the idea of removing the flagpole, much less a group of people at UCO and/or WPRF agree to it. It shows a total lack of respect for the American flag and America, and what they represent.

Now it would be understandable if the pole was a danger to the public due to damage or old age, or some other safety reason. But that was not the case here.

Now it is my understanding that the committee has decided to reconsider the decision and will bring it back up at next month’s meeting. That’s a good thing. However, it doesn’t negate the ideas of those who wanted to eliminate the flagpole in the first place…

Let me say this about those who were so eager to jump at the opportunity to remove the flagpole:

• If I’m not mistaken, and I’m pretty sure I’m not, because I watched the YouTube video as if I was sitting in the room, the suggestion was made to remove the pole simply because no one was flying the flag on the pole anymore. IMHO, it is ludicrous and insane to believe that they would want to spend thousands of dollars to remove a flagpole when the simple solution would have been to simply obtain a flag and raise it up the flagpole! It would not have been necessary to even purchase one. You can contact any congressman or senator and they will provide you with a flag absolutely free of charge. Not only that, but many residents volunteered to pay for the flag themselves.

• The question arose as to whether or not the flagpole was lighted. Several people said that they did not know whether the flagpole had a light on it or not. May I suggest, and this goes for any motions discussed by the committee, that if the  circumstances or facts required to make an educated and informed decision are unknown, the idea should not have been brought up for a vote at all, or they should have simply tabled the motion until all of the facts were obtained.

• The fact that several people were so eager to vote for removal of the flagpole without consideration of the negative impact of their decisions, is simply appalling to me.

It sounds like a few people need to be reminded or  “reeducated” on what the American flag represents.

The American flag is a powerful symbol of the United States, representing the nation’s history, values, and ideals. The history of the American flag is rich and fascinating, reflecting the evolution of the United States as a nation. Here are some key aspects of what the flag represents:

• Unity and Patriotism: The flag is a unifying symbol for Americans, embodying a sense of national pride and patriotism. It brings people together, especially during national holidays, events, and times of crisis.

• Freedom and Democracy: The flag stands for the core American values of freedom and democracy. It represents the country’s commitment to liberty and justice for all. The American flag’s journey from its early versions to the current design mirrors the growth and changes of the United States itself. Each iteration of the flag tells a part of the story of the nation’s development and the values it holds dear.

• Historical Significance: The flag’s design, with its 13 stripes and 50 stars, reflects the nation’s history. The 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies, while the 50 stars symbolize the current 50 states.

• Valor and Sacrifice: The colors of the flag also have specific meanings. Red symbolizes valor and bravery, white represents purity and innocence, and blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

• Resilience and Hope: Throughout history, the flag has been a symbol of resilience and hope, especially during challenging times. It has been a source of inspiration and motivation for many Americans.

More importantly, the American flag has flown over many battlefields during the course of our history, symbolizing the sacrifices of countless men and women who have fought and died to protect the values it represents. Here are some notable examples: (Click on the highlighted areas to explore in more detail)

• Revolutionary War: The fight for independence saw many patriots give their lives to establish a nation free from British rule. The flag they fought under became a symbol of their struggle and ultimate victory.

• War of 1812: During the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, the sight of the American flag still flying inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The defenders of the fort, including many who died, ensured the flag remained a symbol of resilience and hope.

• Civil War: Over 600,000 soldiers died in the Civil War, fighting to preserve the Union and end slavery. The flag represented the unity and freedom they fought for, and Memorial Day was established to honor their sacrifice.

• World Wars I and II: American soldiers fought and died on foreign soil to defend democracy and freedom. The flag they carried into battle became a symbol of their courage and the nation’s commitment to these ideals.

• Modern Conflicts: From Korea and Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, American service members have continued to sacrifice their lives. The flag draped over their coffins serves as a poignant reminder of their bravery and dedication.

The American flag flies today because of the sacrifices of these brave individuals. Their commitment to the nation’s ideals of liberty, justice, and democracy ensures that the flag remains a powerful symbol of hope and resilience. Overall, the American flag is more than just a piece of fabric; it is a representation of the nation’s identity, values, and aspirations. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and the ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union.

I am a proud combat veteran of 11 years, as was my brother with me, and our father before us, who served for 30 years, and his grandfather before him. We  served in different conflicts around the world. My fifth great grandmother was awarded the illustrious “Daughters of the American Revolution” award, for standing up to the Tories who were terrorizing the American Patriots. She led her children, by foot, mind you, from Atlanta Ga all the way to King’s Mountain, South Carolina. By the way, The Patriots were victorious over the loyalists in the Battle of King’s Mountain..

If I had to do it over again, I would rejoin the military in a heartbeat. My country has always been worth saving, especially today more than ever… That’s why you see the American flag waving on every email message I send out…

And that’s my take, but not taken lightly….

Lee