As we celebrate our nation’s independence this July 4th, we find a reminder of what noble expectations we are to expect of ourselves as citizens of these United States of America by reflecting upon our flag. As a symbol, our flag is rich in its power to convey meaning, evoke memory and stir up feelings; it appeals to the whole person: intellect, heart, memory, conscious and subconscious feelings. The evocative power of our flag lies in its deliberate design, bearing as it does a likeness to the country it represents…to which we are called to be.
Our flag point to virtues we should all continually strive to live; it serves as a symbol of the noble expectations to which we are called as citizens of this unique and blessed nation. Let us not be dismissive of or take for granted our independence. It has been hard-fought for and it can be lost if rather than striving for virtue we plunge headlong into vice.
Father of all nations and ages, we recall the day when our country claimed its place among the family of nations; for what has been achieved we give you thanks, for what work still remains we ask for your help, and as you have called us from many peoples to be one nation, grant that, under your providence, our country may share your blessings with all the peoples of the earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
David J. Conrad
- The red of our flag represents hardiness and valor. Think of hardiness as being robust, able to endure difficult conditions. Valor is being courageous in the face of danger.
- The white of our flag represents purity and innocence. By purity think of moral goodness. Innocence is when one does not seek to injure another.
- The blue of our flag represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. Vigilance involves keeping watch for possible danger or difficulties. Perseverance means to continue doing what is right even in the face of difficulty or apparent lack of success. Justice is the quality of being right and fair.
Our flag point to virtues we should all continually strive to live; it serves as a symbol of the noble expectations to which we are called as citizens of this unique and blessed nation. Let us not be dismissive of or take for granted our independence. It has been hard-fought for and it can be lost if rather than striving for virtue we plunge headlong into vice.
Father of all nations and ages, we recall the day when our country claimed its place among the family of nations; for what has been achieved we give you thanks, for what work still remains we ask for your help, and as you have called us from many peoples to be one nation, grant that, under your providence, our country may share your blessings with all the peoples of the earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
David J. Conrad
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