The Colors of Freedom Don't Run

I thought I would continue my thoughts on patriotism and our flag. I started with the idea that we've heard different versions of what the red, white and blue stand for. I think everyone has heard the red is for the blood, etc. Well, in looking it up, I discovered that the initial founding fathers really had no reason for their choice. It came later on -- but they discussed the colors in the seal.

"Their significance was explained by Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, and included in the book "Our Flag," published in 1989: White represents purity and innocence; red represents hardiness and valor; and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice." They also had this:
"Also this from a book about the flag published in 1977 by the House of Representatives...
"The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun."

I thought that was cool. Once more sign that our forefathers revered God and strived for his guidance in their lives.

It kink of makes me laugh though -- I guess the seal had more importance than the flag in the beginning. I had figured the colors came from the flag of Britain, since it had the same colors in it and they probably wanted something to start with. Who knows. I think it's amazing, our flag, and it doesn't really matter why or how the original flag was designed. It's ours now, and it's here to stay.

What I did want to know, was how they created those colors. I am an artist, we discus art and the like here, so that's something we would want to know. (sounds like inquiring minds, right?) That's a little trickier to find out.

Back in the 1700's, colors were all done naturally. Blue or Indigo, was made from a plant -- it was most common for the new blue jeans. Red was made from a bug out of Mexico. Isn't that a lovely thought? Ugh. At least they didn't need to dye things white -- I guess. Strange thought.

When thinking about our flag, and the freedoms it represents, it always reminds me of Moroni and the title of Liberty.

I feel like our country is very much like that right now. The government is very corrupt, despite the good men working there, and the media distorts good to bad, and makes bad look good. It's enough to make a grown man run for the hills.

Instead, our men are taking up standards and proving what we are made of. I was impressed with a talk by Glenn Beck that he gave at the Marriott Center this past week. He told them that they were the future of America. I don't think anyone seems to remember or realize that. Sure, we have the leaders in government now, but they are all going to retire or die within the next 10 to 20 years. Who is going to take over for them?? The youth and young men and women of today.

But I got sidetracked. (again)

The flag is much like what I've been talking about with art the past couple of weeks. It is something so much more than what it seems...it resonates within us, it's beauty is much more than the simple colors -- it is all about representation. The flag represents freedoms and rights and that is why so many are drawn to it.

There is another blog on the ldsneighborhood that is similar to mine this week. I recommend all who read mine, go check her's out. Muriel Sluyter has pretty much the same take on our country as I do. Her blog talks about choices. I think all of us are making choices everyday. I just think some of us make better choices than others.

Choices that liven up our colors and lives, bringing joy to those around us. Celebrate this month of patriotism with your family -- there's nothing better you can teach your children than the colors in their hearts.

Kind of like this family in Bountiful...what an example to their neighborhood and children. What are your traditions for your family? It's never too late to start.

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