What Does the American Flag and the Colors - Red, White and Blue - Mean to You?

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 19:46:18 -0500

Last night, I had the privilege of attending a local Toastmasters group. One of the Table Topics up for discussion was regarding what the American Flag and its colors represent and mean to each individual. Immediately, the pride as a Veteran and Patriot flooded my spirit, soul and body and I quietly reflected on the meaning of the Red, White and Blue - this powerful symbol that represents so much - so much of our history and our heritage.  To me, the Flag represents the sacrifice of the blood, sweat and tears of our brethren that, throughout the years of war and turmoil between nations, colonies, and political parties, had fought for so much - all in the name of God, country, family and freedom. Freedom for what?  Freedom to live the way we desire and want to live. Freedom to live the American Dream, whatever that American Dream means for each individual. Freedom to live according to the Declaration of Independence - the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness: all those actions necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of one's life, for one to think and to act on his/her own judgment, and one's happiness that protects the individual’s ability to live for his/her own sake, rather than for the sake of society. Basically, it represents the right to own one's life and so much more. So, what does the American Flag and its colors mean to you? Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 25 at 2014 7:52 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 19:52:12 -0500

Petty Officer; very well said. Bottom Line for me: The American Flag means "FREEDOM". Freedom that came with a price, it was earned by many Americans who sacrificed a lot. One of the things I missed most when I was overseas is being able to proudly display the American Flag in front of my house.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 8:31 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 20:31:39 -0500

PO3 Richards. I believe in my heart of hearts everything you mention in your introduction.

But, it also means for me, way too many memorials for friends, colleagues, and patients, most of whom died way too young and with whom we can now only share a drink in spirit.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Jan 25 at 2014 8:42 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 20:42:51 -0500

I will post my beliefs about this once I'm no longer in service. My check might be small but it pays the bills right now.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 27 at 2014 3:56 PM

CMC Robert Young — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 15:56:23 -0500

The nation's flag represents our history as the great experiment. It represents the ideology of a group of extraordinary individuals who conceived, and whose successors have defended for more than 200 years, a new way of life; a life of freedom and an opportunity never before known to the world. Freedom and opportunity not found anywhere else in the world.

One morning during formation where there was too much horseplay, and not enough decorum, a good friend told a group of our subordinates that one of the greatest privileges was the opportunity to observe Morning Colors to honor our nation's flag. He was so very right. The mood changed immediately. It's hard not to be in awe every time the Colors are hoisted.

Response by CPL Jeffrey Rowell made Jan 27 at 2014 5:07 PM

CPL Jeffrey Rowell — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 17:07:20 -0500

Freedom, patriotism. It is the reason I joined the US Army. The reason I joined and earned the right to wear the green beret in 1982. I am an oath keeper and will defend the US Constitution to my death if necessary for will always be a green beret. I will always hold in high esteem the men and women who died for this great country. Especially my brothers in 5th Special Forces.

Response by 1SG Michael Minton made Jan 27 at 2014 9:51 PM

1SG Michael Minton — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 21:51:53 -0500

It means three things to me.....1) It represents America and our way of Life..2) FREEDOM......3) All the Americans through our history that have sacrificed to protect and preserve our security and way of life. And the courts got it wrong when they say you can burn and desicrate the flag under freedom of speech. yet graffitti is against the law. Anyone that wants to defame our flag should be arrested or deported if not american. and if they say they are expressing their freedom of speech, then it should be fine for me to express my freedom of speech when i put a foot in their ass!! If you want to disgrace our flag, then get the hell out!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 6:25 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 18:25:04 -0500

I have removed my original post, as it did not come across as I had intended. I definitely don't view myself as better than any other and agree with you that we are all one in the same, at least on the outside. I like that you agreed with what I believe the flag represents. If I were able to speak the words to you, I think you would have a different understanding of my comments.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 19 at 2014 12:05 AM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 00:05:53 -0400

All the responses are heartfelt. But it means to me what it stands for.

Red, for bravery and valor. Remember all the blood shed defending these United States.

White, for purity and innocence. We, as soldiers, typically come into the service when we are young, innocent and pure of heart. Maintain pure intention, that of a patriot.

Blue, for vigilance and justice. We stand vigilant against all threats. We believe in justice for all.

The 13 stripes are for the original 13 colonies that declared independence. The white stripes between the red indicate separation from the home country. The stars in a blue field represent a new constellation in the heavens, and our divine goal to which we aspire.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution authorizing a committee to develop a seal that reflected the Founding Fathers’ beliefs and values, as well as the sovereignty of the new nation. The colors are found in our Great Seal, which was officially adopted on June 20, 1782.

Response by SSG Marvin Vick made Apr 19 at 2014 10:20 AM

SSG Marvin Vick — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 10:20:38 -0400

for me personally it means the red is for the blood we shared, the blue is for the the beautiful clear sky from above and the white is for purity.....even though we have done so much o tant it...

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made May 22 at 2014 5:29 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Thu, 22 May 2014 17:29:13 -0400

To me, the American flag means freedom that had a heavy price. It represents every person regardless of branch of service, race, ethnicity, or religious belief that has ever served in it's defense.

The flag represents unity as displayed by the stars against a dark blue back ground. The stars, representing the states, were established as united under heaven.

The flag represents the spirit of unity, sacrifice, and dedication to it, the people under it, and the constitution which is as much a part of us as it is. Our enemies may burn or defile it thinking they are harming the United States.

The only thing they are doing is solidifying our faithfulness to the flag, and fueling the fire in our hearts that burns for it's defense.

No enemy that has fought against it will ever forget the price they paid for the mistake of thinking they could defeat us.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made May 26 at 2014 2:42 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 26 May 2014 14:42:21 -0400

To me, it means freedom and all the sacrifices that our Service Members have made in the name of defending it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 3:41 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 03:41:37 -0400

620–750 nm
Continuous spectrum
450–495 nm

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 7 at 2014 3:55 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 03:55:55 -0400

The American flag means America to me. It represents all I took an oath to defend

Response by Nicole Thomas made Dec 6 at 2018 11:13 AM

Nicole Thomas — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 11:13:03 -0500

For me the blue represents Our trust in God the stars name our solar systems the Heavens. Red the blood she'd in White as life, for freedom