Posted 6/13/01 Flag Day is more than just honoring a piece of colored cloth On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted an important resolution. It stated, ěresolved that the flag of the United States be made of 13 stripes, alternated red and white, that the union be 13 white stars in a blue field representing a new constellation.î These historic words informed the world that a new nation had been born and that it was a country where the personal and religious freedom of all citizens would be fully observed. Since then the American flag has been recognized throughout the world as a symbol of manís continuing struggle for freedom. On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that June 14 would be celebrated throughout the nation as ěFlag Day.î In his 1917 Flag Day speech, President Wilson said, ěThis flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our power, our thought and purpose as a nation. It has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours. It floats in majestic silence above the hosts that execute those choices, whether in peace or in war. And yet, through silence, it speaks to us - speaks of the past, of the men and women who went before us, and of the records they wrote upon us.î The flag is a symbol of national unity. It speaks of equality and liberty under law. It speaks of honor and courage, and it serves to remind us that each new generation must dedicate itself to an undivided allegiance to this country and its high ideals. We who belong to the VFW and our ladies auxiliary have seen men and women sacrifice their lives in defense of our flag. Above their resting places we keep the stars and stripes waving proudly as a continuing tribute to their courage and sacrifice. Our flag symbolizes peoplesí hopes, sacrifices, struggles and achievements. But in essence, the flag is exactly what the people make it. If they choose to follow in the footsteps of our noble, idealistic forefathers, it will continue to be a great flag that waves over a free and powerful America. VFW Citizenship/Community Service Department ©Post Review