Why do we celebrate flag day? Under President Truman, Congress established National Flag Day. It is, for the most part, a forgotten holiday. Children don’t “pledge allegiance to the flag” anymore. Do adults, besides veterans or active duty military, even partake in this activity?

Can the American flag contribute to a felt sense of American identity? As we celebrate Flag Day on June 14, we should reflect on the importance of “The Stars and Stripes.” The dominant symbol of the United States, as with every nation, is its national flag. Our flag is flown high above public buildings, private establishments, embassies abroad, ships at sea, and laid to rest with the individuals who defend it abroad and at home. The flag fluctuates with the United States’ emotional state; when we are proud, it rises high and when the nation mourns, we lower it to mark death. The flag, the subject of our national anthem and “the Republic for which it stands,” is the object of our Pledge of Allegiance; and, in its very composition, symbolically reflects the idea and ideal of E Pluribus Unum (“Out of many, one”), as well as something of our national history.

Through all the turmoil and changes of our country, our flag has stood as a symbol of freedom and strength. This Saturday will mark the 237th birthday of the flag of the United States – the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, the Star-Spangled Banner.