What is the Flag? A flag or standard is a military tool used for centuries to distinguish a distinctively different force. It is an insignia of leadership and a rallying point for troops. Henceforth, it becomes the first object of attack because, when stripped from its post, it immediately brings confusion and dejection resulting in a victory for its attackers. To strike the flag or pull it down in a fight is undoubtedly a sign of submission, surrender and defeat. On June 14, 1777, after George Washington had requested a flag for his soldiers, the Second Continental Congress took a break from the crafting of the Articles of Confederation to clearly define the description of the Patriot’s flag. In 1861 it became a rally banner for the Union forces, and with the invention of print on fabric became widely distributed in common households. By 1916, Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14th Flag Day. On February 23, 1945, the United States Marines overcame entrenched and unrelenting Japanese to top Mount Suribachi. From land to sea, Americans cheered as they did under the pen of Sir Francis Scott Key years before when they saw the stars and stripes rise from the rubble. The Marines at Iwo Jima rallied and surged to victory and that little flag was soon replaced by a 96 x 56 inch flag that was undeniable to all! On July 4, 1960, President Eisenhower stood over the first-to-be-flown, 50 star-American flag and people of all ages pledged allegiance to the flag “under God.” The Flag is for distinction. It is for leadership. It is for rallying the troops. AND it is the first to be attacked and replaced. Americans - fly the red, white and blue!
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