Dr. Boozman's Check-up

Celebrating Flag Day

Jun 14 2012

The American flag is a prominent symbol that is recognized with high regards and reverence. We honor the significance of this patriotic emblem with a special day, Flag Day which we celebrate today. 

Prior to the war of 1812, the flag was primarily used as a symbol to identify ships and forts, no significance or honor was accorded to the flag. That changed on September 14, 1814, after the 25 hour bombardment of Fort McHenry in the Baltimore harbor. 

The importance attached to the flag changed thanks to the efforts of a Francis Scott Key, on a ship four miles away. After the smoke cleared, Key saw the American flag still waving above the fort. An inspiring image that moved him to write a poem that we’ve since adopted as our national anthem. The sight of the flag was a symbol of American’s endurance and triumph. 

The beholding of the “broad stripes and bright stars” as Key wrote fanned the flame of pride and patriotism in what the United States of America represents. Since this historic day, the American flag took on other meanings and significance to people all over the world. Over time, the American flag has represented America’s freedom but it also serves as an icon of world diplomacy. It is a symbol that demonstrates unity and represents hope not only to American citizens but to people all around the world. The American flag also proclaims an unwritten statement that, “no matter what befalls America, we can overcome.” 

Our flag serves as a living piece of history that tells a story to current and future generations. It stands for the qualities and ideals that the United States prides itself upon such as liberty, justice, freedom, equality, love of country, national pride and national purpose. The flag represents democracy at its best while serving as an expression of national identity. This is best represented in the colors on the flag and the meanings they hold. Red means hardiness and valor, white is for purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. 

The American flag has become a symbol that citizens and allies connect with and claim as their own. Representing the ideals and values of this country, our flag is a dignified symbol that is always with the American people during the time of war or peace, celebration or crisis, unity or protest. People have raised and will continually raise the American flag to express their passion, pride and patriotism for what it means to be an American. The flag has become a powerful tool that portrays America’s beliefs and values to the rest of the world.

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