This is Flag Day, the anniversary of congressional adoption ,June 14, 1777 of the Stars and Stripes as the national emblem. After 199 years (the first national ensign having been approved nearly a year after the Declaration of Independence was adopted), what does the flag mean to you’? The meaning of its design, of course, is the same as explained by George Washington: “We take the star from Heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity representing liberty.” But what the Stars and Stripes symbolizes to Americans today may depend upon the individual citizen. The llerald likes to think of it as representing the glory of the past, achievements and aspirations of the present, and the ideal of what our country can become. We think of it, on this Flag Day 1976, as symbolizing: – National unity, patriotism, and devotion. – Cornerstones of the American way of life freedom, justice, democracy, equality, and humanitarian and spiritual values. – livery citizen’s right to do what he wills, provided he doesn’t interfere with a similar right on the part of someone else. – The right to speak out for or against issues at any level of government; indeed any legitimate dissent- but not lieense to vilify or misrepresent. Power at the ballot box to approve or reject political leaders or propositions. – The Constitution and other sacred documents. – Individual responsibility in preserving the destiny of the Republic which the Founding Fathers entrusted to us. V The Flag means obligations as well as freedoms. it means that D academic freedom requires academic responsibility; freedom of the press requires responsible journalism; freedom of religion assumes responsible tolerance; freedom of speech means listening to others’ – viewpoints also; and free agency means responsible choice. Our national ensign stands for opportunity under the free enterprise system for job-giving industries, fertile farmlands, productive mines and work and character and faith plus honesty and trust. To us it symbolizes patriots who loved liberty as much as life itself; stalwart citizens of all generations who have sacrificed to make this country what it is today; valor against tyranny and in defense of freedom. Further, the flag symbolizes national spirit motivation for good 1 government and efforts to correct mistakes and solve eroding problems such as decaying morality, irresponsible spending, inflation, and creeping “isms” that are counter to the American way. On Flag Day this Bicentennial year, let us rckindle patriotism and recmphasize principles and ideals which can overcome problems and enlarge upon the greatness of this nation.