Fly Flag Veterans Day
“You can’t have that American flag in your window—take it down,” the president of the condominium Homeowners Association demanded of my friend. “You might offend others who live here who are from other countries,” she added.
My friend moved the flag from her outside window to her inside window. But she is not taking it down and it can still be seen by those who pass by. So far, she can find nothing written in the condominium HOA “rules” that forbids displaying her U.S.A flag. It means a great deal to her that her brother, dad and grandad all served their country in the military under that flag.
When she called to tell me about this situation, I glanced over at the American flag that was given me at my husband’s graveside. Four years he served defending it and the people who live here. I keep a flag on his grave. And one flying out front from our garage door. Almost every house in my neighborhood has one flying too—and I live in the same state as my friend.
A Scripture came to mind as she spoke: “Stand fast, therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1 NKJV)
History books used to tell us about the dangers our Founding Fathers faced when they signed their names to our constitution—they could be killed for opposing England’s tyranny. Men and women through the decades have defended that document that gives us freedom. My mother’s cousin, Huey, for example, survived the Bataan Death march in World War II. Years later he told me about his experience as a POW.
Many of us can remember when our community observed a special day when a multitude of American flags waved over our city. On November 11th at precisely at 11:00 a.m. each year a parade made its way down our Main Street. Bands played patriotic songs and groups of veterans and Boy and Girl Scout troops marched. Civic leaders waved from their cars while hundreds gathered on the sidewalks watching the parade go by.
Hands went over hearts whenever the flag passed us. We expressed our patriotism and love for our nation on Armistice Day. This holiday, now known as Veterans Day, is not only celebrated in remembrance of the date when World War I ended in Europe, but to remember veterans who served in wars that followed. Flags. Picnics. Family gatherings to swap stories.
Parades on Veterans Day ceased sometime back in many cities. However, a few towns are reviving them. One American Legion post member whose group formerly sponsored them said, “These parades are a great opportunity to express our gratitude for our freedoms as well as celebrate our country.”
Sometimes we tell our grandchildren what patriotism meant to our older generation. And how many of us like to see our flag honored. Thankfully, many of our grandkids do too. Sometimes they help us get those stars and stripes up and flying at our house.
I hope my friend gets to continue to display hers too.
“The theme for Veterans Day 2021 is centered on the centennial commemoration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Located at Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb was initially dedicated by the Army on Armistice Day, November 11, 1921, with the burial of an unknown service member from World War I.” 1
The Veterans Day National Ceremony to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces will be observed at Arlington National Cemetery, beginning precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns It continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries.
Let’s look at the history:
World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles in France. But fighting had ceased seven months earlier when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Thus, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”2
“In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day…The United States Congress officially recognized it when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926,:“Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations;.…”3
Did you notice the resolution suggested that citizens commemorate the day with thanksgiving and prayer? It suggested in other messages also to briefly stop business at 11a.m. in observance. The original plan was to display flags and encourage parades.
“In 1954, the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.” 4
Our flag. Long may it wave!
Prayer: Lord, Thank You for the privilege of living in this nation whose forefathers fought for this nation to enjoy freedom. Thank You for all those who have defended it over the years –and continue to defend it. Thank You for our flag which represents our country. Amen.
Scripture: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV)
1.U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/history.asp
2.Ibid
3. Ibid
4. Ibid
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