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.

Join the Neighborhood Newsletter . . . Subscriptions are free and joining is easy. Just by signing up and maintaining your subscription to receive the yourLDSneighborhood.com newsletter, you become eligible for our "Thank You" prizes. Our dozens of giveaways range from a trip for two to China, to iPods® (each with a $50 gift certificate for LDS music), cruises, and more. Learn about our amazing monthly, quarterly, and annual giveaways by clicking here.

Return to the Neighborhood

The Colors of Patriotism

Since Friday is the 4th, I decided we need to focus a little on patriotism and how we show our colors.

If you're anything like me, you're very patriotic. I love decorating the house in red, white and blue! Our next expense is going to be putting in a flag pole so that we can fly the flag while our son is gone to basic training.

But even before we afford that, we hang all the stuff we can find up. What about you? There is some that is tasteful, and there is stuff that is -- well, tacky. While I guess it could be said that tacky is still patriotic, I think it needs to be thought out a little.

I used to have a little flag for my car, but it broke. It was a cheap one! (grin) We have had the magnetic strips that clink to the car, but someone moved it off our truck and now it's gone. sigh. I guess it's time to find another one.

You know what is interesting? I discovered that there are rules regarding how the flag is to be displayed! I found this information on a site about the flag:

* The American Flag can't be draped over anything or used as a covering. It shouldn't touch anything beneath it. The only time the flag can be used as a covering is for a casket. This is common practice for the funerals of servicemen, veterans and government officials.
* Don't draw the flag into folds. It should always be able to fall free.
* Never use the flag or its image to advertise products or merchandise. The only instance where it may be used in advertisement is when the product advertised is an American Flag.
* The flag can be displayed behind a speaker, but it cannot be used to decorate a platform or stage.
* In a church or auditorium, if a flag is displayed on a staff, it should be located to the speaker's right as he/she faces the audience.
* Don't wear the flag as clothing or use it as bedding or drapery.
* A flag patch or pin may be worn by military personnel, policemen, firemen, and members of patriotic organizations. It should be placed near the heart.
* Do not use the flag or its image to wrap a gift or to carry anything.
* The flag shouldn't be marked with designs, drawings, letters, words or anything else.
* It is acceptable to add gold or yellow fringe around the border of a flag as long as nothing is added to the body.
* Representations of the flag shouldn't be printed or embroidered on paper products or anything else meant for temporary use and disposal.



Now I understand why it was such a big thing in the sixties and seventies when the protesters were wearing shirts of the flag...and I always thought it was just patriotic. Interesting.

The 4th of July always makes me think of food and fireworks. We usually have a big breakfast with family, watch the local parades, and then have a BBQ later before going to watch fireworks somewhere. We usually see them from our own neighborhood, as we live between two large shows. It amazes me how LONG the firework shows are now! Seems like they lasted a whole 10 minutes when we were kids, and now they go one forever...grin. Almost feels like they are too long.

My favorite part of the fireworks is the music that is played with it. For many years when we lived in Salt Lake, we were right by Sugarhouse park. They would have a big firework display sponsored by KISN radio and they would play music that you could get on the radio while the fireworks were going off. It was sooo inspiring. There is one song, I'm Proud to be an American, by Lee Greenwood that ALWAYS makes me cry. It is so touching and true.

So, despite what your traditions or favorite thing to do this holiday weekend, I hope you spend it with family and reaffirm your desire to live in this country of the free, land of the brave -- and support our soldiers who are out there fighting for that right.

I want to add the words to his song so that if you care, you can sing along with the song. I've changed my play list at the bottom of the page for this month, so you can also hear it.

If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,

From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there’s pride in every American heart,
and it’s time to stand and say:

I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.

God Bless The U.S.A. Words and Music by Lee Greenwood

Also, there is a great song at the neighborhood jukebox. Have you checked it out yet? This song is an appropriate one for our nations birthday. Go listen to it and check out some of the others. I love the jukebox!

Have a safe and wonderful 4th!

Join the Neighborhood Newsletter . . . Subscriptions are free and joining is easy. Just by signing up and maintaining your subscription to receive the yourLDSneighborhood.com newsletter, you become eligible for our "Thank You" prizes. Our dozens of giveaways range from a trip for two to China, to iPods® (each with a $50 gift certificate for LDS music), cruises, and more. Learn about our amazing monthly, quarterly, and annual giveaways by clicking here.

Return to the Neighborhood