Fellow Americans,

The most famous, respected, celebrated and longest-living legend in the history of the United States – the American flag – celebrated its 240th birthday yesterday.

On June 14, 1777, during the American Revolution, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes red and white” and that “the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

The United States has a standard of citizenship that is based on equality.

Yet there is no flag or banner equal to or even remotely comparable with the American flag.

It stands alone in rank, order, importance, respect and reverence.

The American flag has its own United States Flag Code that establishes etiquette and advisory rules for display and care.

It is Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code (4 U.S.C. § 1 et seq). This is a United States federal law.

The American flag “represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing,” Section 8. j) of the U.S. Flag Code.

The American flag has its own Pledge of Allegiance respectfully recited by America’s citizenry.

The American flag has its own National Anthem proudly sung by America’s citizenry.

The American flag has its own national march music, “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

The American flag has its own special flag folding ceremony that is reserved for it alone.

The American flag has its own public holiday and birthday celebration, Flag Day, June 14.

Nothing compares with the American flag and to the republic for which it stands.

Proudly post your American flag and give thanks to all the men and women who have defended it over the past 241 years.

God Bless America!

Mr. Rosebrock may be contacted at rrosebrock1@aol.com