Flag Day - Time to Rededicate Ourselves to the Republic

Although Flag Day was first thought of in 1861, it was not until 1916 that it was officially recognized within the federal government. President Woodrow Wilson’s proclamation - the first - explained the purpose of Flag Day is stunningly relevant language for today:

"Many circumstances have recently conspired to turn our thoughts to a critical examination of the conditions of our national life, of the influences which have seemed to threaten to divide us in interest and sympathy, of forces within and forces without that seemed likely to draw us away from the happy traditions of united purpose and action of which we have been so proud, It has therefore seemed to me fitting that I should call your attention to the approach of the anniversary of the day upon which the flag of the United States was adopted by the Congress as the emblem of the Union, and to suggest to you that it should this year and in the years to come be given special significance as a day of renewal and reminder, a day upon which we should direct our minds with a special desire of renewal to thoughts of the ideals and principles of which we have sought to make our great Government the embodiment.

"I therefore suggest and request that throughout the nation and if possible in every community the fourteenth day of June be observed as FLAG DAY with special patriotic exercises, at which means shall be taken to give significant expression to our thoughtful love of America, our comprehension of the great mission of liberty and justice to which we have devoted ourselves as a people, our pride in the history and our enthusiasm for the political programme of the nation, our determination to make it greater and purer with each generation, and our resolution to demonstrate to all the world its, vital union in sentiment and purpose, accepting only those as true compatriots who feel as we do the compulsion of this supreme allegiance. Let us on that day rededicate ourselves to the nation, "one and inseparable" from which every thought that is not worthy of our fathers' first vows in independence, liberty, and right shall be excluded and in which we shall stand with united hearts, for an America which no man can corrupt, no influence draw away from its ideals, no force divide against itself,-a nation signally distinguished among all the nations of mankind for its clear, individual conception alike of its duties and its privileges, its obligations and its rights."

Although almost a 100 years old, Wilson’s statement still resonates today.  We seem to be struggling with intense discord, and threats exist from within and without threatening the very fabric of our republic, and our ability to survive as a free people.

Lets rededicate ourselves to the flag and the republic for which it stands.  The alternative is too terrible to contemplate.

DDAY - Liberation on behalf of Freedom

Today marks the anniversary of DDay, which was the beginning of the end for the Nazi regime.  Thousands of brave Allied Forces stormed the beaches of France to liberate Europe from German oppression.

Many Americans lost the lives on that day to preserve liberty for Europe, America, and the world.  On D-Day, the Allies suffered approximately 10,000 casualties. The Battle of Normandy involved over 400,000 total casualties.  

On the 40th Anniversary of D-Day, Ronald Reagan addressed Americans who stormed the beaches and reflected:

It was the deep knowledge ­­ and pray God we have not lost it that there is a profound moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. You were here to liberate, not to conquer, and so you and those others did not doubt your cause. And you were right not to doubt. 

You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you.

Reagan was right.