The American Flag: Colors You Can Depend Upon

It is ironic that there is a simmering debate over the symbolism of a flag as Americans prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, a day for displaying our nation's colors.  Like the Confederate flag, Old Glory has not escaped criticism and has often been the object of scorn, too.

Many times in the nation's history, desecrating the American flag has been a popular form of protest both at home and abroad.  The red-white-and-blue banner has been burned, stomped, shredded, ripped and spat upon.  Yet it still flutters undaunted from standards across the U.S. and overseas.

The colors of the flag have stood the test of time.  Since 1777, when it was officially adopted, the banner has undergone a series of revisions. But its colors have remained intact, a scared reminder of our founding fathers vision for a new country built on the cornerstone of the rights of a free people.

Those colors were not chosen by happenstance.  The hues were selected after much deliberation, according to Charles Thompson, the secretary to the First Continental Congress.  Thompson, born in Ireland, emigrated with his Protestant family to the colonies to escape religious persecution.

He opposed British rule and became a patriot in the cause to chisel a new nation.  His name appears on many early historic documents, such as the Declaration of Independence.  Thompson was a trusted ally of a host of America's revolutionary heroes, including George Washington.

In writing about the American flag, Thompson penned the following: "white signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and  valor; blue, the color of the Chief (God); and the broad band above the stripes signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice."

When Thompson jotted those words, this country was far different from today.  His description would have been saluted by most in America.  In today's era of political correctness, many would object to Thompson's characterization of the flag as militaristic, religiously offensive and jingoistic.

Some would call that a sign of progress or tolerance.  However, it is a sad commentary on the current state of affairs.  America's colors, once a proud badge for every citizen, are viewed by a growing number of Americans as a symbol of a past best forgotten because of the country's perceived sins.

But in the throes of great national despair, the flag still serves as a rallying point for the nation. Think back to the horrific events of September 11th,  Flags sprouted on churches, on office buildings, in front yards and on highway overpasses.  It united Americans in their resolve to rebound from the attacks.

Let's hope it doesn't take another dark day to remind Americans that Old Glory still represents freedom.  The plethora of diverse and often contentious views expressed by Americans are the fruits of a nation founded on the right of free speech.  That freedom even extends to dishonoring the flag.

Americans have died under the banner of the flag protecting the country and securing the freedom of others facing oppression.  The flag has also proudly flown in times of peace and triumph.  It is a symbol of everything that is admired about America.

Charles Thompson's narrative about the virtues of the flag's colors ring true even today.  This is still a country of hardy individuals, who are vigilant and persevering, even in the face of economic, cultural and constitutional challenges.  They are bound by a common duty to each other.

Take the opportunity this Fourth of July to show your colors.  Fly the flag as a symbol of hope and liberty to many abroad and to citizens of the United States.  There is no flag like the red-white-and-blue because no other nation has done more to protect and defend human rights than America.

May that grand old flag forever wave over a free people.