Our beautiful flag is far more than “just a piece of cloth.” It is, in part, a remembrance of those who died or seriously injured for that piece of cloth, and the hope and prayer that future Americans shall never forget the cost of that piece of cloth and the privilege of flying, holding, having in their possession that piece of cloth.
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution that a flag representing all thirteen colonies formed into one union would be produced and fly high over every colony, the small colonial navy, troops going into battle against the British, and homes showing love and support for our fledging little nation. That ALL the people of the colonies could come together salute, praise and fully support this new enduring symbol – the official flag of the new union. The battle for complete freedom and independence from Britian was only a year old, and already colonists had given their lives for prayerful freedom and independence, but the experiment of self-governance was still very much in doubt. By passing the resolution to create a unifying flag representing all thirteen colonies Congress made a declaration not just of independence from Mother Britian but for our new identity as a United States not mere independent colonies.
Today, June 14, 2026, our nation is nothing like the colonies. Our nation is stronger times one hundred or one thousand from the days of the birth of our flag. How many wars have we fought to introduce or return freedom to others? How many countries cried out for America in times of their catastrophes? How many instances has the United States of America, all 50 colonies if you allow me, assisted militarily or financially or both to keep the peace and allow freedom to prevail in other countries? That special cloth designed in 1777 is known world-wide, immediately recognized and in many ways still highly respected if not revered.
I believe, also, our nation is in trouble. We are facing issues that are threatening the very foundation of our unique country to crumble. Our moral and spiritual roots are eroding, the economy is hurting, family life is under assault and even disintegrating, and political forces are at odds never before seen. There are very, very few leaders willing to take a consistent and public stand placing God first and service to others second. Our founders would be aghast!
That special piece of cloth colored in red, white and blue has been shot at, bombed, taken down by force and death to be put right back UP by force and death. That special piece of cloth colored in red, white and blue has stood for 250 years as a reminder of what God presented to a group of men meeting in Philadelphia forming this exceptional nation, unlike any other before or since. In their seasons of distress and uncertainty, with hardship and threat of death hanging before them if the colonies being formed into Untied State of America did not succeed, they also came to know that unless they humbled themselves before Almighty God, they would not see healing and success to come to this infant nation apart from submission (cooperation) to God and His Word.
The 56-men who signed the Declaration of Independence bowed at their desks prior to coming forward and signing their names on that piece of paper. They had come to know, through ups and down, via arguments and reflections, during the myriad of hardships they had to address, and the few bright spots they celebrated, that no matter what they accomplished, it would be in vain unless they reached a point where they could say, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12).
I pray you look at the colorful cloth of Red, White and Blue and see all I have written but also see the gift given to us by God, through the work of men (and women) of the colonies and beyond, and the Hand of God who directed all this exceptional nation has experienced. Like them, I pray we each submit to God’s will for our lives, not our own determinations and egos, but submit (cooperate) to the Lord’s plan for the fulfillment of that special Red, White and Blue cloth; what it was intended for and can still be, as well as each of our roles no matter what level, local, state, regional or national.
June 14th is my birthday, Donald Trump’s and mine though he is five years my senior. My wife gave me a wonderful present, a wall plague that reads: “God is still writing your story. Quit trying to steal the pen. Trust the author.” May every reader of this article agree to what the plague said. Our nation, also.
