Thirty-one year old and I only found out what Flag Day was last year. You yourself probably don’t either. It’s understandable why this day gets glanced over. This day doesn’t give anyone a day off nor does it get the wide attention like the major money grabbers Valentine’s Day; Halloween; and Christmas. Let’s explore this holiday.

It was on June 15, 1777 that the first American flag was approved. Before the flag as we know today had its 50 stars; it had a mere 13 stars representing thirteen colonies. As I think of our flag in all its red; white; and blue glory I think of everyone else in the world who has a flag of their own. Not just flags representing countries, but flags representing schools; clubs; businesses; movements; and organizations.

Many of us who grew up in the states were obligated to stand -up or at at least recite the American Pledge of Allegiance in the morning at school as someone echoed the pledge through an intercom. I am grateful to have been born in the country and time that I have. This country is nowhere near paradise, but I cannot complain about having the right to believe what I want.

Being a Tennessean of course I see the Tennessee flag on the daily.

Tennessee- home state of Olympic Gold Medalist Wilma Rudolph; King of Rock & Roll Elvis Presley; and Civil Rights Leader Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. In spite of bipolar weather and monkey- like driving, I still consider this state my home.

If I’m being real one flag I detest seeing is the Confederate flag. Apparently so does Unsplash, as I could not find one photo of that particular flag. I don’t like seeing this at all because of the obvious history behind it. This was the flag of a losing side of people that wanted people of color to remain in bondage. Of course we must remember that there were racist people on both the Confederate side and Union side. However, this is American so everyone has the right to believe as they desire believe. Also, just because a person has this flag doesn’t always mean they are a racist.

Almost every church I’ve attended or visited has the Christian flag within their sanctuary. In my opinion the Christian community tends to miss the mark on love toward others by going about the preaching of the gospel in harshness. Do any of us know the pledge of our flag? I first heard a pledge as a child back in San Antonio, Texas at Vacation Bible School. The pledge says,

I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag, and to the Savior for who’s kingdom it stands. One brotherhood uniting all mankind in goodness and love

We all come from different countries; different backgrounds, but let us remember that many of us seek to serve the same God. Through Him we are all united.

Say your pledges. Wave your flags up high for all to see. Enjoy your Flag Day.

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