Somewhere between 1776 and 1760 the first flag was created, though nobody actually knows who originally designed it. The American flag has gone through 27 different designs, from the first flag which began with a simple circular ring of 13 stars and a blue background to our present day 50 star flag with alternating red and white stripes.
Every aspect of our flag represents something. The red means hardiness and valor, white signifies purity and innocence and blue is the color that represents the Chief (President). Even though the stars changed from representing colonies to states, each symbolized heaven and the goal all man had been striving for and the stripe represents a ray of light from the sun.
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| Known by many as the "Stars and Stripes" or "Old Glory", the first American flag was approved by the Continental Congress on June 14,1777. |
In elementary school, there was no question about children saying the pledge once the announcements began. For several reasons: one they showed respect, two they were aware it was the right thing to do and finally children cared and were appreciative. Now that students my age are in high school, many students and even a few teachers don’t say the pledge, much less stand up to acknowledge the flag.
From the American Revolution to the Civil War, and even the Iraq War, people have been fighting for freedom, defending our country, its core values, and what The United States stands for, all while putting their lives on the line. Soldiers have gained respect, independence and honor. Through those trials and triumphs families were torn apart and lives were lost, something many students and perhaps even Americans often forget to take into consideration.
To not say the pledge or even stand up is disrespectful to the men and women who have served to protect and defend our country. It is rude to the hard work and time spent by our founding fathers who worked so hard to instill honorable values and principles into the early foundation of our country. To those who pose the argument of “I’m not American, I’m Hispanic, or European, this is not my home country.” Well guess what? You’re still here in the United States and you have the opportunity and privilege to be allowed certain rights that many countries don’t offer to their people.
Our flag is more than just a symbol of freedom or independence; it represents unity. When tragedy struck our country on Dec. 7, 1941 in Pearl Harbor, the flag reminded everyone that we could still stand tall with respect and commitment to The United States, even in times of loss. When two planes crashed into the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, the American Flag was the symbol of hope, in a time of great despair and horror.
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| President George W. Bush patriotically waves an American flag at the Pentagon during the one month anniversary of the September 11th attacks on October 11th, 2001. |
Henry Ward Beecher once said: “Our flag carries American ideas, America history, and American feelings. It is not a painted rag, it is a whole national history. It is the Constitution. It is the Government. It is the emblem of the sovereignty of the people. It is the Nation.” The American flag is a symbol of opportunity, freedom, success, and power known worldwide that should be treated with respect,love and admiration. I ask that the next time the pledge is said during the announcements, at a sporting event, or even during a television program, that you stand up, put your hand over your heart, and proudly say the pledge you have know since kindergarten.
