Big Dogs Weblog

Memorial Day Reflections

by Big Dog on May 31, 2005 at 00:02 Political

I have been thinking about this day and what it means. Originally this day was called Decoration Day and it was set aside so that flowers could be placed upon the graves of those killed in the American Civil war. After WW I the holiday was changed to honor all those killed in war in service to this nation. In 1971 Congress made it an official holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.

This morning I hung my American flag outside my house like I do most days I am home. I am pretty diligent about hanging my flag on holidays, especially patriotic ones. I noticed in my neighborhood there were only a few flags out today even though we had fairly good weather. I was saddened by the lack of display. Why is it that we need a tragedy to come together as a nation and show patriotism? Have we been told for so long that we are arrogant when we wear our patriotism on our sleeves for so long that we actually shy away from any such display? I certainly hope not. I know I will always proudly display my flag.

The flag of the United States is the symbol of a great nation. There are those who will tell you that you may walk on it or burn it as an expression of free speech. This is untrue because there are federal codes on the proper display and care of a flag and these activities are not allowed. The courts have ignored federal code to grant idiots the right to desecrate our flag. Why is it that spraying a swastika on a wall is a hate crime but burning a flag is free speech? I might remind the courts that according to United States Code:

The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.

I am bewildered as to why more Americans do not embrace the history and tradition of the flag and our country. It is our symbol. Every country has one and this is ours. We have risen in just over 200 years to become the greatest nation in the world and we are ashamed of our flag.

The flag has 13 stripes, one for each of the original colonies. Fifty stars represent the fifty states. The color red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. I might add that the red represents the blood shed by many generations of heroes to ensure our nation remains free. The flag lays over the caskets of our fallen heroes. They are honored by having the symbol of the country they gave their lives for placed over them and their family receives that symbol as gratitude from a grateful nation. Why is it then that more people can not display a flag on a day that honors our heroes?

Several years ago during the Superbowl halftime show there was a wardrobe controversy. Many of you have not heard about it and many did not notice it when you saw it. I am not talking about Janet Jackson’s malfunction. I am talking about the singer Kid Rock appearing in a poncho made in the likeness of the American Flag. This is a violation of the flag code and it shows disrespect to the symbol of our nation. I do not think that was Rock’s intention. Sadly he, like many other people, did not know the difference. Many years ago school children learned these things. Organizations like the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts taught these things. Now they are too busy fighting lawsuits from the ACLU and their group of hateful anti-Americans.

America, it is time to wake up and show pride in your nation. We do not need a 9/11 to show pride in our country and its rich history. Get a flag and display it properly. Those who served and especially those who died preserving our freedom deserve nothing less.

Great information:
Flag History
Memorial Day History
Flag Etiquette
Title 4 USC

Tags: Political