Today is Flag Day, a day that commemorates when the United States officially approved the design for its first flag. That was back in 1777. The flag looks different now as it evolved as our nation grew. As a veteran and American citizen, I’m proud to display the stars and stripes (even if I am the only one on my street). Here’s why I fly the flag:
The American flag should be a unifier. The resolution back in 1777, stated that the union (the blue rectangle with stars in the upper left corner) be “white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” We were a new experiment, an independent nation created for and by the people (fortunately "we the people" has evolved). The union should always be located at the top. It symbolizes our strength as a people, our new idea, and the unity of states. We are all part of one nation, even though we may live our lives differently. That’s the beauty and the foundation of the United States. I see unity and freedom when I look at the flag.
Mandated by law or presidential proclamation, there are places in the country where the flag is flown 24 hours a day –– The White House, US custom ports of entry, and the US Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima) to name a few. If you’ve been to CEG (Tower 1 and Tower 2 😀), you’ll see the American flag flying as well. It’s not a law that we must fly the flag (that’s part of being American), but it is my own personal mandate.
I love my country. But we are not a perfect nation –– yet. We’ve made mistakes and will probably make more in the future. We’re human after all! In my life, I wish I could go back and do things differently, but that doesn’t mean I love myself less or stop wanting to be better. The flag reminds me to honor what I value, continue to improve, and be proud of how far I’ve come. It’s a daily reminder for me to have purpose.
The flag symbolizes the collective values of people living under our Constitution. It’s not the symbol of one political party over another. It transcends that. It’s for all of us and represents the strength of we, the people. And like the flag during 911, Pearl Harbor, and the Civil War, we will persevere during difficult times, as we have before. The flag reminds me to persevere whatever comes my way.
Our flag is made of broad stripes and bright stars, and that to me, means hope and celebration. I think of it perched on the moon or flying high on a breezy, blue sky, and sunny day. I think of the athletes who will look up from the Olympic podium this summer to see it soaring because of their hard work and success. I think of the code talkers from WWI and WWII holding it in their hands, knowing they helped save lives and our way of living. The flag instills pride.
Conclusion
The flag is a living piece of history. My history. Your history. My grandson’s history. With each wave in the wind, lift on the arm of someone in uniform, or drape over the coffin of a fallen soldier, it is our visual recommitment to freedom, liberty, and justice. It’s a remembrance for growth and a more perfect union. It’s a symbol of hope for “we, the people.” Americans –– a diverse group of families and individuals with multiple perspectives, religions, and ways of living. And that matters.
Jeff Salzbrun is the owner/broker of Commercial Equities Group (CEG). As a veteran-owned real estate brokerage, CEG has been involved in thousands of sale and lease transactions, ranging from single offices to 250,000+ square foot buildings. At CEG, we get your deal done. We know space, and we know the CRE business.
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