Ahh, Flag Day.
On June 14th, 1777, the Flag Resolution passed, which defined what the official flag of this new nation would be. The definition from the document reads
“Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
Celebrations to commemorate the day began as early as 1861, with the “Father of Flag Day” Bernard J. Cigrand, a grade school teacher in Waubeka, Wisconsin, holding the first recognized observance of the day in 1885. However, none of these were nationwide until Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916, with National Flag Day being established by an Act of Congress shortly after.
While it’s not an official federal holiday, many states have made it a state holiday, Pennsylvania being the first in 1937. Many parades are held throughout the country, the longest running taking place in Fairfield, Washington, which has held a parade in honor of Flag Day since 1909 or 1910, although many others claim this for themselves.
It’s a day where we honor the symbol of our great nation and remember the fantastic triumphs and accomplishments that were scored under it.
How do you encapsulate what it means to be an American in a simple, single statement? A land as diverse as ours is surely hard to wrap up in a concise way, or so one would think, but I believe I have found our best example.
On this Flag Day, I want us all to remember Lane Pittman, a man who stared down the strongest, deadliest forces on the planet with nothing more than a bare chest and the Stars and Stripes.
For those who may not recognize this name, he is the hero who single-handedly stares down hurricanes, both battling the impending storm and giving Florida residents motivation to be tough through a horrible time.
Not once, not twice, but at least 6 times he has lead the Sunshine State in war against the power of a hurricane, blasting some heavy metal while holding tight to an American Flag. His bold courage and inspiring actions holds the state together, just when it appears it may split at the seems.
This is America personified; the free and brave combining to its highest ideal.
Let us honor this man, for all he has done for the United States of America.
