June 14th, is Flag Day, a day for all Americans to celebrate "Old Glory", our national flag. On this day we remember its meaning and history. Our flag is a symbol that we all can embrace, regardless of our religion, our race, creed or national origin. It unifies us as a people. Flag Day is also a good time for flag maintenance. Many of us have been flying our flags day and night (properly illuminated, of course) since September 11th. Oftentimes they become faded, ragged and torn and we don’t notice. Flag day reminds us that it is time to replace the tattered American flag with a bright, new one. Our flag, not only represents our country, it represents our history, our distinctive culture and reminds us of the great future we hope to leave to our descendants. Let’s remember to celebrate today, Flag Day.

A moth-eaten rag on a worm-eaten pole
It does not look likely to stir a man’s soul,
‘Tis the deeds that were done ‘neath the moth-eaten rag,
When the pole was a staff, and the rag was a flag.
~Sir Edward B. Hamley, 1824-1893

Johnny Cash’s Ragged Ole Flag, from Alabama DAR.