As spring gives way to summer, and we enjoy the season of vacations, barbecue picnics and fun with our families, we should all take a moment and mark June 14 on our calendars.
As most NRA members (especially veterans) know, June 14 is the birthday of America’s Army. On that date in 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the enlistment of expert riflemen to serve the United Colonies.
No matter about any of our political or cultural differences, the American flag and anthem should always be things that unite us all.
The following year, America declared its independence from British rule, and just a year later, on June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution adopting the flag of the United States.
To commemorate that occasion and honor our nation, Americans have celebrated June 14 as Flag Day ever since.
As any historian knows, British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered his troops in 1781 at Yorktown, Va., and America finally won its freedom.
But that wasn’t the end of American conflict with the Crown. In August 1814, after the British burned the White House and the U.S. Capitol, Americans feared the Union Jack, the British flag, would soon fly over our nation all over again.
It was just three weeks later when a Maryland attorney, Francis Scott Key, was so moved at seeing the U.S. flag victoriously flying over Fort McHenry that he scripted the “Star Spangled Banner”—now our national anthem.
America’s Anthem. In praise of America’s flag.
No matter about any of our political or cultural differences, the American flag and anthem should always be things that unite us all.
After all, we are all Americans—regardless of any differences that may exist between us.
George Washington, in his presidential farewell address, said: “The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.”
That is why as Americans united in patriotism, national pride and freedom, we stand to honor our flag and our national anthem.
We stand to honor democracy as the world’s most noble form of government of a free society.
We stand to honor the principles of liberty and justice for all. We stand with pride of our individual freedoms and the opportunity that freedom offers for all of our citizens.
We stand for the more than 1 million Americans who have lost their lives at war—on behalf of us and our liberty.
We stand and honor the flag draped across the coffins, respectfully folded, and honorably presented to the grieving families of brave men and women who have paid the ultimate price for freedom.
We stand to show the way for our children and grandchildren—to teach them patriotic respect for our country and its flag.
We stand at ballgames and parades and concerts and special events. Even while others may sit or kneel or do whatever else popular trends may dictate, we stand with hands over hearts in honorable reflection upon our freedom and those who have fought for it. With pride and strength, we rise to our flag and sing our anthem, resolved to never be forced to “take a knee” when it comes to honoring and defending our uniquely American liberty.
So take a few moments, this coming June 14—and every June 14—to think about the birthday of America’s Army and our national Flag Day.
Stand for all who have sacrificed to save our freedom. Stand for our Stars and Stripes, and national anthem. Teach your children and grandchildren about what this day means for their country and their future as free Americans.
There is no greater sense of patriotism and duty than that which rests in the hearts and minds of NRA members. We stand out from the crowd. We stand!
