Today is a major holiday for many, especially in my line of work. However, for far too many in our country, it is as celebrated or known as Arbor Day.
Interestingly, it is actually TWO days of note: Flag Day and the United States' Army's Birthday.
These two days are closely intertwined, as one is empty without the other.
The Army was born on 14 June 1775, predating the Declaration of Independence by slightly more than a year. The United States Army has experienced many highs, and lows, in its storied history. Glorious victories, humiliating defeats, examples of Courage and Valor, and sadly, despicable acts of criminal wrongs - all can be found in the Army's history.
On Army flags, you can find now over 180 campaign streamers. These streamers document the many cases where the Army has seen action, oft in battles lost to the history books. Scrolling through the list of streamers is easily a reminder of our nation's history - as our country expanded and encountered challenges from other nations and from within, the Army was there. (Of interest, if ever given the opportunity, definitely watch an Army streamer ceremony where each streamer is attached to the Army flag. It's dramatic.)
Two years after the Army was born, and nearly a year after declaring our Independence, the Continental Congress adopted our national flag. Ever since, the flag of the United States, in its various incarnations, has been carried proudly to all corners of the world and seen both deeply below the surface and from the roof of the world. It's also been carried to the Moon.
On the right shoulder of my uniform, there is a patch of the US Flag. It's commonly thought to be backwards, yet it is meant to be viewed as if it's always advancing. The flag would not be without the US Army (to be fair, our sister services also play an important role). And throughout history, armies follow and fight for their country's flag. Is it any wonder that one of the more iconic images in our nation's memory is the raising of the flag over Iwo Jima (yes, yes, I know... It was raised by Marines, and we love them for it)?
Our own National Anthem captures the spirit of the meaningfulness of the flag flying, as remembered during the Battle of 1812. The capital already burned, our nascent nation's future was easily at stake as the British worked their way north. In Baltimore, they came upon Fort McHenry. A pitched battle ensued, and there was serious question as to whom might prevail.
"Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,..." and "...Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there." captures that vision of the next morning seeing the flag still flying defiantly.
Today, there may be much grumbling as people start a fresh week at work. However, it is a special day. Today, we (should) honor both our Army which has stood watch on the erstwhile ramparts of our nation and the Flag which has flown over our free land and home of the brave. May they both continue to do so.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
1 comment:
Gratitude for both.
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