In general, the three colors in the flag have the following meaning.

The white: Purity and innocence

The red: Hardiness and valor

The blue: Vigilance, perseverance and justice

Originally one stripe was added whenever a state was added. Now, for practical reasons, they decided to make it thirteen stripes, one for each of the original colonies. Within the blue field, there is one star for each state. I had the privilege to have lived under a flag with 48 stars, then 49, then 50.

The concept was that Hawaii would add another republican state and Alaska another democrat state, which only goes to show that things don’t always turn out the way you expect. Sometimes I wish I could have bought a few of the flags with 48 stars. They just might be collectors items.

Over the years, more and more, the red has represented the blood that was given by those who gave their lives to protect both the banner and the nation for which it stands.

Now I ask you, what is it about that flag that makes it unworthy of our respect.

Maybe the nation it represents isn’t perfect. Nonetheless, it symbolizes a nation that is constantly striving to be worthy of the standards it represents. And even if you cannot bring yourself to respect the banner, you should at least respect those who died for it… and your right to complain. The vast number of nations since the beginning of recorded history never had that that right, not even the English who answered to a king until a short time before the American Revelation.

So, go ahead. Tell me what nation has provided its modern citizenry much in exchange for so little. Those who were before us paid for our freedom. With that freedom comes responsibilities. If we abuse our freedom, those behind us will not enjoy it.

So. Next time you see the flag, you just might remember what it cost.