Red, White and Blue

The flag red, white and blue. Most people of a certain age remember starting each day at school standing up and saying the Pledge of Allegiance each day.  At every competition I was in or watched there was always someone who skated out onto the ice and the Star Spangled Banner played while they proudly held the flag.

The flag has evolved over the past 237 years. It started with the 13 colonies and was sewn by Betsy Ross in Philadelphia. Back in her time she would have been considered a small business owner since she had a small shop where she did upholstery work on furniture. I am sure back then she would not have imagined that her work sewing a small flag to fly over a new America that our country would have not only made the strides it has over the years but also some of the trials and tribulations we have and are currently going through.

The flag means many things to many people. Its symbolism hope, freedom, liberty, opportunity,  our forefathers and many others over the 237 years have given their lives for the country we live in.

 My grandfather and many others have had a ceremony when they pass away that signifies that they were in the military where a folding ceremony is performed.

When my brother was a Scout he participated in many flag ceremonies. How you treat the flag as an American is extremely important.

Most of the time people don't realize how important the flag really is to them. Several years ago at a Fourth of July celebration at a small church a lesson was learned about how to treat a flag. Several boys were walking up the aisle with the flags and they kept dragging them on the floor. It was then that   I explained to them something apparently they did not realize that you are not suppose to do this that in reality if it happens you are suppose to burn them. They looked at me like I was crazy.

For some its just a day off work, picnic and fireworks time. To others it is a day to reflect on what this country means to each of us.