Winning Words 6/14/10
“You’re the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave.” (George M. Cohan) Did you know that today is Flag Day? June 14 commemorates the day in 1777 when the 2nd Continental Congress determined the design of an American flag. It is customary to fly the flag on this day, even though it’s not a national holiday. GMC’s song, “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” is one of my all-time favorites. ;-) Jack

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: In our church, as different Pastors have come and gone, we have had a dispute about the flag in the sanctuary (actually it's by the door right next to the sanctuary). Our current interim Pastor made an interesting observation at one of our Bible studies to the effect that when we have an economic system like free market or capitalism or something like it, it bodes better for Christianity than does socialism. Henri Nouwen's short meditation really speaks to me and I think it is so true, whatever political/social system we live in, heroic choosing among one's neighbors near and far of love, living one's life that way is really powerful testimony to God's Presence in this world and does give true hope. The local Presbyterian advocacy group for gays and lesbians and transgendered, etc., etc., etc. that I attend each month has for its name TAMFS (That All May Freely Serve). Just turning all of these things over in my mind this morning and coming to the conclusion that I am glad you offered up a reminder to honor our flag. I still think maybe our church's should be downstairs in the Fellowship Hall (and I also KNOW for a lot of our members that would seem like a repudiation of it or something) and I know for a lot of the U.S. citizens actually the flag hasn't always stood for THEIR or even MY freedom but nevertheless serious progress has been made I feel for more freedom in our country. Actually maybe it's the Declaration of Independence I put front and center more than the flag. Thanks for your Winning Words another day this morning, I am sure they have led a great many of us to think and reflect upon our country and our feelings about the flag. FROM JACK: Through the years, the flag (and its placement) has been both a dividing and a uniting object. To me, there is no ceremony so moving as the placement of a flag on the casket of a military veteran. To me, it is a conundrum as to how to resolve the issue of flag placement in a church. I know of a congregation that had a cemetery on its property. When the cemetery was established, the big debate was whether or not to have a large cross in the center of the cemetery. Opponents said that it made the place look "too Catholic." The congregation (and the building) are no longer in existence, but the cemetery with its Cross still remains.

FROM RI IN BOSTON: Looking over flags of the many nations of the world, our American flag design stands out. Seeing the Stars&Stripes displayed always makes me proud, and I am flying that banner on my home today. FROM JACK: I wonder if Betsy Ross ever flew the flag at her house. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" are words that can apply in various situations, including the design of flags. The man who designed the 50-star American flag was born in Michigan. As a schoolboy, he submitted the design as an art project and was given a B- grade.

FROM ML (A NURSERY SCHOOL TEACHER) IN ILLINOIS: it's the first day of summer camp today. we are celebrating flag day together by making flags and having a parade. i love this day and am surprised at how many people don't know about it. i fly a flag every day, alternating the american flag and rainbow flag. happy flag day! FROM JACK: In Proverbs 22, there's this advice: "Train up a child in the way that he/she should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it."

FROM MK IN MICHIGAN: Ours flies everyday, I would like to have one of those poles so you can have a spot light at night, have not convinced my husband yet. We have many trees not sure how well you could see it. Happy Flag day FROM JACK: Say!!! Who's the boss in your family?

FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: June 14th was my cousin's birthday (Hank Siefken....from Moline) and so I remembered him and the flag on the same day....made it easier that way FROM JACK: Steve Stone and Robin Ventura were also born on that day.

FROM PRDL IN OREGON: Long may it wave FROM JACK: I was in the ACE Hardware Store on Saturday and saw a box where you could put old flags when they were too "tired" to wave any longer. Is there any box for old and tired Bibles that you know of?

FROM GUSTIE MARLYS: I have American Flags flying all over--but you knew that. If I were still doing music for DVBS, I would sing a couple of flag songs too! FROM JACK: Singing at VBS is one of the best parts, as I remember. I even remember as far back as when I was one of the kids.

FROM MOLINER CF: I fly the flag everyday. Never take it down. Anyone looking over the ramparts will see it gallantly streaming. FROM JACK: Is it up, rain or shine and at night, too. Have you had to replace it? MORE FROM CF: It flies proudly at all Times. Flag etiquette calls for lights at night, but what does our national anthem say? I replace it about every four years.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We are truly blessed to live in this country. We fly the flag all day and night as we have a solar light on it....I plan to get another light to put on the other side. Because of our tremendous winds, I change the flag whenever it gets worn. The Boy Scouts have a special ceremony and retire the flags for us. FROM JACK: The solar light is a good idea.

FROM MG IN WISCONSIN: I always remember Flag Day but I didn't put my flag out due to off and on rainy weather. Can I put out 2 flags on July 4th to make up for it???

FROM CJL IN OHIO: It's also my sister's Ann's BD. That's another good reason to fly the flag! FROM JACK: On June 14, 1976, the Gong Show premiered on TV.

FROM NK IN WISCONSIN: I ALWAYS REMEMBER FLAG DAY- AS YOU MIGHT KNOW, THE GRAND OLD FLAG FLIES EVERYDAY IN BOTH THE FRONT AND BACK OF OUR HOUSE- I REMEMBER HOW IMPORTANT IT WAS TO MY DAD- BEFORE HE DIED HE ASKED ONLY 2 THINGS FROM ME- TO MAKE SURE HIS SERVICE MARKER WAS ON HIS GRAVESTONE WITH HIS SERVICE MARKER (WHICH HE MADE CLEAR TO ME- 1ST SERGEANT MARINE CORP) AND TO ALWAYS HONOR THE FLAG FOR WHICH HE SERVED- WHICH I DO ALWAYS-I PUT A PERSONAL FLAG ON HIS MARKER (AFTER THE VETS REMOVE THEIRS AFTER MEM DAY) TO HONOR MY DAD'S WISHES (I MISS HIM DEARLY) SO THE "GRAND OLD FLAG" FLIES HERE TO NOT ONLY REPRESENT THIS GREAT COUNTRY BUT TO ALSO HONOR MY DAD (&GRANDPA KOPP) AND FOR ALL SERVICE MEN/WOMEN THAT HAVE SERVED- I RESPECT THEM ALL- FROM JACK: Nicole--Semper Fi!