The American flag, the most famous, respected, celebrated and longest living legend in the history of the United States.
The American flag celebrated its 240th birthday on June 14.
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 no flag or banner is 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 of the national flag of the United States of America.
It is Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code (4 U.S.C.§1et seq.).
This is a 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, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
The American flag has its own special flag folding ceremony that is ritually executed at funerals of all members who serve in the armed forces.
The American flag has its own public holiday and birthday celebration, Flag Day is June 14.
The American flag is displayed at the presidential inauguration and swearing-in ceremony.
The American flag is displayed on top of the White House and in the Oval Office where official business is conducted.
The American flag is displayed on the front right fender of the presidential limousine, on the tail of Air Force One and near the entry to the Marine One helicopter.
The American flag is portrayed atop the White House on our twentyand ten dollar currency.
The American flag is displayed atop all ships in our U.S. Naval Fleet and Coast Guard.
The American flag is displayed outside the U.S. Capitol Building and in side the Congressional Chambers where our elected public officials of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.
The American Flag is displayed outside and inside the U.S. Supreme Court, and it stands inside every county, state and federal courtroom, a representative reminder of Liberty and Justice for All.
The American flag is standing to the right of every elected public servant and civil servant in their official government photos.
The American flag is displayed at all federal buildings.
The American flag is displayed in all public schools.
The American flag is displayed at all polling booths on designated public election days.
The American flag is present at all major sporting events and its Anthem sung.
On Feb, 23, 1945, the United States Marines displayed the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.
On July 20, 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin Displayed the American flag after landing on the moon.
The American flag has its own language and conveys special messages to the public without saying a word.
The American flag with the Union up is sending its message that it proudly represents “we, the people” and our free republic.
The American flag with the Union down is sending its message that life and property are in extreme danger.
The American Flag lowered at half-staff is sending its message of honor in memory of deceased government dignitaries.
The American flag, lowered at half-staff on Memorial Day until noon and then raised, is sending its message in honor of our Military Veterans who have defended our nation’s colors since the American Revolution.
The American flag is the honored and revered shroud that covers the caskets of military troops killed in action, as well as upon the death of all United States Military Veterans.
The men and women who serve in the armed forces principally pledge their lives to defend the American flag.
Over 241 years, 1,343,812 have delivered on that noble pledge while 1,529,230 were injured and 38,159 are still missing.
“In combat our flag has always been a guide and inspiration to our Armed Forces” – President Kennedy
“Let us never forget that in honoring our flag, we honor the American men and women who have courageously
fought and died for it over the last 200 years – patriots who set an ideal above any consideration of self and who suffered for it the greatest hardships. Our flag flies free today because of their sacrifice” — President Reagan
“We pledge allegiance to one flag, and that flag is the American flag” – President-elect Trump.
Mr. Rosebrock may be contacted at rrosebrock1@aol.com