Now, I've been told that when I first entered this world, I wasn't exactly standing at attention. But let me tell you, that didn't last long.

Even though I was a little fella, I remember seeing two big flags hanging on the altar at our cozy country church in Dongola: the Christian flag and the American flag.

By the time I reached first grade, what was I doing every morning? That’s right, pledging allegiance to our magnificent flag. Every classroom had one, and each day began with a sacred moment of reverence and respect. 

Back then, it seemed as though every event, from baseball games to community gatherings, began with the playing of our National Anthem. Whenever it played, you rose to your feet, removed your ballcap, and placed your right hand over your heart. Or, if you were in the military, you would salute.

I learned back in my Army days that when reveille sounds, you don’t just casually stroll by. No, sir. No, ma’am. You stop in your tracks, pivot towards the flag, come to full attention, and snap a crisp salute. It's a moment of respect; A silent gesture of appreciation for everything the flag stands for.

And friends, our flag means everything to me.

Old Glory exemplifies the land of the free and the home of the brave. Ah, yes. Freedom. Don’t you just love it? Sure, we abide by various laws and regulations, but even so, there’s no other nation on this Earth that offers freedom quite like ours. Our flag reminds us of that every day. 

Every year, when Flag Day rolls around, my mind wanders back to the time of our nation's birth. Ours is a land born of a fierce desire for freedom. Our founding fathers bravely declared independence from Great Britain and chose to chart their own course and shape their own destiny. Our flag has been carried into countless battles as a powerful symbol of freedom and sacrifice.

I often pause and reflect on the many lives lost in defense of what our flag represents. 

In Vietnam alone, over 58-thousand Americans were sacrificed. World War II claimed over 418 thousand American lives. Those aren’t just numbers; they’re mothers and fathers and sons and daughters who gave their lives in exchange for the freedoms we cherish today. 

That's why I’m so passionate about honoring our flag, it deserves every ounce of respect we can muster.

For me, the lesson of respect began at home with my father. Dad served in World War II and was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. He instilled in me a sense of reverence, not only for the flag, but for fellow Americans and strong moral values. 

 

It’s only fitting that two very special holidays, Flag Day and Father’s Day, are to be celebrated back-to-back this year.

I hope you’ll take a moment to salute our flag... and to honor your father. 

I know I will. 

Be well. Stay well. Thanks for readin’.

-Francis Pass

P.S. – Flag Day commemorates the official adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. But who really designed the flag? Was it Betsy Ross or Francis Hopkinson? Well, I'll leave that for you to decide.