Flag Day

                    On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States of America.  Flag Day was first officially observed in 1877 on the centennial anniversary of the selection of the flag, but it was not officially recognized until 1949 when President Harry S. Truman signed the National Flag Day Bill.

Some people may wonder why we pledge allegiance to a piece of cloth.  This piece of cloth with its red and white stripes and fifty stars on a field of blue is the flag of the United States.  This flag stands for America's values, her traditions, her history, her heritage, her majesty, her nobility, her compassion, and her humility. When we pledge allegiance to the flag, we promise loyalty to all that the flag represents.

The most popular name for the flag of the United States of America is the Stars and Stripes, but it is known by several names, including Old Glory and the Star-Spangled Banner.

                    The colors of red, white, and blue stand for our land, our people, our government and our ideals. The flag of our nation stirs patriots to joy, to courage, and to sacrifice. Our flag - as well as the flags of all nations - should be treated with respect at all times. People who burn flags or desecrate them in other ways are rude and without proper manners or knowledge. There are many, many and much better ways to show opposition than to burn a nation's flag.

                    Gordon B. Hinckley said, "May God bless this nation of which you and I are a part.  Bless her leaders that they may rise above pettiness and live after the tradition of the Founding Fathers.  Bless our industry that it may benefit all mankind.  Bless our science that out of it may come health and happiness of the peoples of the earth.  Bless the people of this nation, you, every one of you, and me, and all who walk beneath its glorious flag with gratitude and appreciation, with respect and reverence, as well as with love."  (Stand A Little Taller, p 173.)

Flag Day is an important day in the United States, and the people of the nation display the flag on their homes, businesses, and public buildings.  Flag Day is an excellent day to ask God's blessings upon our nation.  Next Thursday is June 14th - Flag Day in the United States.  Flag Day is a wonderful occasion to fly the flag!