Guest blog post by National Americanism Committee Chair Sallie Rossman 
 
The Second Continental Congress adopted a resolution creating the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. The resolution specified 13 alternating red and white stripes with 13 stars on a blue field. However, the resolution provided no direction on the placement of the stars or the stars’ number of points, which led to the variation of the flags. History states that the first celebration of the establishment of the U.S. flag was in 1877. However, only the states and local governments adopted and celebrated Flag Day on the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777. Not until 1916 — by the proclamation of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson — was June 14 recognized as a national event, and then on Aug. 3, 1949, an act of Congress designated June 14 as Flag Day. 

In a 1931 article written by U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, he stated, “The stars and the red, white, and blue colors have a significance of their own, but when combined and arranged into the flag of our nation, they take on a new significance which no other form or color can convey. We identify the flag with almost everything we hold dear on Earth. It represents our peace and security, our civil and political liberty, our freedom of religious worship, our family, our friends, our home. We see in it the great multitude of blessings, of rights and privileges, that make up our country. But when we look at our flag and behold it emblazoned with all our rights, we must remember that it is equally a symbol of our duties. Every glory that we associate with it is the result of duty done. A yearly contemplation of the meaning of our flag strengthens and purifies the national conscience.” (1) 

As American Legion Auxiliary members, our mission is to mentor all citizens — regardless of age — to understand that the flag gives hope for all citizens who live free and achieve their dreams, creating a brighter future where freedoms are protected by liberty and justice. The Stars and Stripes represent the history of this country’s growth together, with the red stripes symbolizing the sacrifices of those who fought for this country. Each star represents the citizens of each state working together to create a strong country. For this reason, stars are not cut from the flag, as that action would be symbolic of lessening the strength of our country. Under the U.S. flag, we work inclusively to continue growing strength and unity.  

On June 14, celebrate the flag of the United States as you share with your community that our flag stands for the essence of Americanism: liberty, justice, strength, sacrifice, and inclusion. These are the reasons to stand hand over heart for the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.
 
I Am Old Glory
by Howard Schnauber
 
I am the flag of the United States of America.

I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America’s halls of justice.
I stand side by side with the Maple Leaf on
the world’s longest undefended border.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth, and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is a little higher,
my colors a little truer.

I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped — I am saluted.
I am loved — I am revered.
I am respected — and I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war
for more than 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh, and Appomattox.
I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, and the beaches of Normandy.
Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me,
I was there.

I led my troops, I was dirty, battle worn, and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.
I have been burned, torn, and trampled on the streets of
countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt,
for I am invincible.

I have been soiled upon, burned, torn, and trampled on
the streets of my country. And when it’s by those whom
I’ve served in battle — it hurts.
But I shall overcome — for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over
the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all of America’s finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded
comrades on the battlefield, when I am flown at
half-mast to honor my soldier, or when I lie in the
trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their
fallen son or daughter, I am proud.

MY NAME IS OLD GLORY. LONG MAY I WAVE.