Posted on Jan 25, 2014
What Does the American Flag and the Colors - Red, White and Blue - Mean to You?
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<p>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. </p><p> </p><p>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? </p><p> </p><p>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.</p><p> </p><p>So, what does the American Flag and its colors mean to you? Please feel free to share your thoughts.</p>
Patriotism
United States
Flags and Vexillology
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 14
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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!
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SrA (Join to see)
I feel your heart and your passion as a Patriot and Marine. Thank you for sharing.
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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.
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SrA (Join to see)
CPL Rowell, I feel your Patriotism. I have high respect for Green Berets. One of my favorite songs: "The Ballad of the Green Berets" by SSgt Barry Sadler. I salute you, brother.
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Nicole Thomas
My dad was 5th SF Abn 1st Special Forces Company C
.He was a Communication Instructor at Bragg along with O'Boyle
Perhaps you knew them. My dad was MSG Phillips Larry Currin
.He was a Communication Instructor at Bragg along with O'Boyle
Perhaps you knew them. My dad was MSG Phillips Larry Currin
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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.
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SrA (Join to see)
Well said, MCPO Y. I remember those days - observing colors on deck when I was onboard the USS Carl Vinson. I don't miss Reveille but I do miss the beautiful moments such as colors, especially during sunrises and the sunsets. I miss those days. Thanks for sharing.
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Suspended Profile
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.
SrA (Join to see)
<p>1LT Annala, </p><p> </p><p>I understand where you are coming from. The Flag represents much heartache and pain as well. I remember when we were laying my Stepdad to rest at San Joaquin National Ceremony. My mom had him buried there with full honors. I can't believe it has been 10 years since he has been gone. It never gets easy to live without the ones you love. However, we must live on and live our lives the way they would want us to live - to celebrate life and to celebrate the good times we shared and, that one day, we will be reunited with them in Heaven.</p>
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CMC Robert Young
<p>Petty Officer Richards, I have a similar feeling when I think about watching my dad's funeral. The Army's Honor Guard was incredible. Taps. The 21 Gun Salute. The Flag Presentation. It was a moving moment. </p><p><br></p><p>I had the flag presented to mom at the service encased in a walnut and glass display box which sits in my mom's house. Every time I visit her, I look at the flag and remember that I am where I am because of his sacrifices. That flag is a constant reminder to work hard; to do the right thing; to honor our heritage.</p>
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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
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To me, it means freedom and all the sacrifices that our Service Members have made in the name of defending it.
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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.
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The American flag means America to me. It represents all I took an oath to defend
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