It breaks my heart that there is the disrespect for the American flag that exists today!  It saddens the heart of this Veteran, Patriot, Christian, American, and Lover of Freedom that people would burn, tarnish, and disrespect that symbol of freedom.   I served in Vietnam in 1967 and would serve again if my country asked me to defend her or the freedom of others in the world.  I do not regret serving.  If that makes me evil in your eyes, then so be it.

I want to utilize some pictures in my blog post and reminders of the transition to the current American Flag that has 50 Stars.  It has been a long journey and the blood of multitudes has been shed to acquire and maintain this Republic as the Free Constitutional Republic our Founders envisioned and we have enjoyed!

A declaration that I have always deeply appreciated is: “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.” That was written on June 14, 1777, when a Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution establishing a new flag for the United States of America.

The first United States flag was the Stars and Stripes flag.  Prior to June 14, 1777, it was the Grand Union Flag and still bore the Union Jack in its design.

The resolution signed on June 14, 1777, gave no instructions as to how many points the stars should have, nor did it mention how those stars should be arranged on the blue union.  One popular design was the Betsy Ross flag.

Another popular flag in American history was the Bennington flag.  It was used by the American militia during the Battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777.

In 1795, the number of stars and stripes increased from 13 to 15 to reflect the entry of Vermont and Kentucky as states of the union.  It was this flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner.

In 1818, after five more states had gained admittance, Congress passed legislation fixing the number of stripes at 13 for the original 13 colonies and requiring that the number of stars equals the number of states.  The last new star, bringing the total to 50, was added on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became a state.   That is the flag that flies today.

“The colours of the pales are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valor, and Blue, the colour of the Chief signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice. The Olive branch and arrows denote the power of peace & war which is exclusively vested in Congress. The Constellation denotes a new State taking its place and rank among other sovereign powers. The Escutcheon is born on the breast of an American Eagle without any other supporters to denote that the United States of America ought to rely on their own Virtue.”

Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, in his Remarks and Explanation of the Great Seal – June 20, 1782:

“I honor God first in my life, but my respect for the Flag of the United States of America is not something I compromise.  When I see it misused and disrespected it bothers me more than a little.  When I see it despised by other nations, my anger rises, but I understand their hatred for it and us.  When I see it despised by those who are citizens in this country or are here illegally or legally and are not citizens, I have zero tolerance for that attitude.  If you don’t want to be here don’t!  If this country is not for you, find one that is.  If you cannot be respectful when you are in our house, you are not welcome in our house.  I would not come into your home and be disrespectful.  America is my temporary home and I expect you to respect that.  Heaven will be my eternal home and I guarantee you would respect God’s home so don’t disrespect ours!  Thank you!”

America’s emblem that is recognizable around the world and regarded by multitudes as a symbol of freedom should never be tarnished.  If you feel it is your right to burn, trash, deface, or otherwise disrespect the American flag I would suggest you might be in the wrong country.  No, I am not saying you have no right to your point of view but to disrespect the sacrifices of those who died serving this nation are unacceptable.

If you believe America is a corrupt evil empire that needs to be transformed, then take your efforts to the polls and vote for candidates who share your views.  But, show a modicum of respect for the sacrifices that were made to afford you that privilege and do not kneel during the National Anthem.  Do not burn the American flag.  Do not otherwise tarnish or deface it.  If you do, you demonstrate that you do not believe what you claim to believe.  If you believe that there should be equality and justice for all then civilly fight your fight, not in rioting, looting, or tarnishing the flag and the memories of those who served.

I do not expect everyone to agree but I stand for the National Anthem and respect the Flag. I kneel before God only!  I will not be intimidated or coerced into ceding to the demands of those who want America transformed into a Socialistic nation.  I will continue to stand firmly for Faith, Family, and Freedom. 

God bless you and God bless America!