When we moved to a 55+ community in Connecticut in 2015, one of the first tasks we did was to install the Red, White, and Blue on our porch.
Immediately, we received a call from “the association”. According to the regulations, unless one or both of us were veterans, the flag must be removed. I won’t reveal what my husband’s response was, but though disappointed and upset, we complied with the regulation.
Fast forward to October 2018 in North Carolina…The day after the movers left, my husband tore through
the moving boxes until he found our flag. With a new flagpole and tools in hand, he installed the flag.
The flag represents the unity of the United States. It serves as a reminder that despite our diverse backgrounds, we are all part of one nation. The stars and stripes symbolize the states coming together to form a cohesive whole. It also stands for individual freedom and self-expression. Each star represents a state, and each state has its unique identity. This celebrates the idea that within our unity, there’s room for individuality and diversity.
When we see the flag raised during moments of victory (like at the Olympics or after a military triumph), it becomes a symbol of success and achievement. It’s a way to honor those who have worked hard and overcome challenges.
Conversely, the flag is lowered to half-mast during times of mourning or loss. It pays tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for our country. The flag’s presence at military funerals is a solemn reminder of this sacrifice.
The flag has flown over battlefields, space missions, and historic events. It represents daring endeavors, courage, and the spirit of exploration. Chivalry, too, is reflected in the respect and honor we show toward the flag.
As a public school employee, I had the honor and privilege to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning of every school day for 37 years. For 2 or 3 minutes each day, my thoughts were not of cafeteria duty, parent conferences, bus duty, or lesson plans, but rather of lessons learned by those who fought to secure our freedoms. Still, today, I think of my immigrant grandparents who caught sight of Old Glory from a ship; of my father and uncles who fought in the European campaign in World War II to secure democracy for the world; of my son who put his advanced college plans on hold to join the U.S. Marines; and left his wife and baby son in 2003 to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Even today, despite the controversies and turmoil, the Stars and Stripes provide direction, a sense of purpose, and a shared identity. When we look at the flag, we’re reminded of our collective journey and the principles we hold dear.
Born and raised in western Massachusetts, Jo-Ann Roberts was fascinated by America’s Old West and always felt she was destined to travel on a wagon train following the Oregon Trail. With her love of history and reading, she began reading historical romance during high school and college. Victoria Holt, Jude Deveraux, and Roseanne Bittner were among her favorites. Influenced by her father, she fell in love with John Wayne, James Garner, and her all-time favorite, James Stewart and grew up watching Wagon Train, Bonanza and Rawhide.
A firm believer in HEA with a healthy dose of realism, Jo-Ann strives to give her readers a sweet historical romance while imparting carefully researched historical facts, personalities, and experiences relative to the time period. Her romances take her readers back to a simpler time to escape the stress of modern life by living in a small town where families and friends help one another find love and happiness.
When she isn’t creating believable plots and relatable heroes and heroines, Jo-Ann enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandson. She also enjoys baking, quilting and eating way too much chocolate.
After 38 years in public education in Connecticut and Maryland, she’s now calls North Carolina home.
So true. She’s a grand old flag!
Happy 4th of July!
Welcome, Denise. She certainly is. Even with the strife and turmoil, she continues to fly proudly. I pray no one decides to alter its design or destroy what it represents. Thanks for commenting.
Happy 4th! It would gave been funny if you would have put a light to project the flag on the house ot had flag curtains.
Welcome, David! It would have been funny, but instead, we bought some red, white, and blue bunting to string on our fence.
Happy 4th of July. So many memories. I loved it when saying the pledge of allegiance at school was the first thing we did. When I woke up this morning, my husband had already put out the flag on our house. Cool. As I look outside, it seems to be the only flag out at the time. 🙁 quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
Welcome, Lori. Always loved starting out my mornings with the pledge of allegiance. We are one of the few families in our neighborhood who fly the flag. I wonder if it’s a generational thing, or if they teach students how the flag came to be and what it represents. Thanks for commenting.
I remember saying the Pledge of Allegiance everyday in school and I am not sure why they took it out. It just doesn’t seem right to me. We need to honor the flag.
Happy Fourth of July to everyone.
Because of Madeline Murray O’Hara! It has God in our Pledge of Allegiance.
Welcome! I agree with you about honoring the flag. To me, nothing is more patriotic than seeing Old Glory waving in the breeze. Thanks for your comments.
So true. I was a teacher as well and we did the pledge every day and I come from a military family. we truly do need to honor the flag.
Welcome! I have to admit that my heart really does skip a beat whenever I see our flag. I remember silently adding the word “Amen” at the conclusion of the pledge. Thanks for commenting.
I get so sad at the controversy over flying the US flag. I love to see the flag flying in the breeze and remember quoting the Pledge of Allegiance every morning when I was in school.
Welcome, Barbara! I agree with you. Controversy seems to be everywhere these days. I just wish people would be more respectful of other’s opinions. Thanks for commenting.
Happy Fourth! I remember saying the Pledge of Allegiance every morning throughout school! We used to also say the Pledge of Allegiance at VBS along with the Pledge to the Christian Flag and the Pledge to the Bible.
Welcome, Trudy! How wonderful to voice your love of country and love of your faith. Thanks for commenting.
I have lived here for 44 years and my flag flies every single day. I love my flag and what it represents. God Bless America! Happy Independence Day!!!
Welcome! Except for the threat of a hurricane here in NC, we proudly display our flag every day. I wish more people would be courageous enough to proclaim their love of the USA. Thanks for commenting.
Happy 4th of July God Bless The USA
Welcome, Sarah! Thank you for your kind wishes on our nation’s birthday!
Nicely put. We have flown the flag proudly for the 32 years we have been in this house after my husband retired from the Air Force after 24 years of service. It is a bit frustrating to see flags left out long after they have become tattered and faded and should be retired. Most veteran’s organizations will collect them from you and make sure they are disposed of properly. Despite the issues facing our nation, we are lucky enough to live in what we consider the greatest country in the world.
I hope you are having a wonderful 4th.
Welcome, Patricia! When I see a tattered flag, I think of how much strife our country went through over the years and, unfortunately, continues to do so today. Yet, it still flies proudly. Our feed store in town has a bin for discarded flags as does the VFW. Thanks for commenting.
Awesome support for our country and the freedoms we enjoy
Welcome, Roxanne, and thanks for your kind words. Hope your holiday was fun-filled.