Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

Thirteen red and white stripes with 50 white stars set boldly against a blue field. The basic specifications of a banner that stands proudly, today, Flag Day, for the United States and for Iowa.

What does the American Flag mean to us as Iowans?

The flag is a symbol that encompasses freedoms we prize and cherish. It is also a sacred reminder of those who have fought in defense of those freedoms.

Flag Day is a time to reflect on those who have given the ultimate sacrifice — their very lives for the lives and freedoms of their families, friends, and complete strangers — fellow citizens of every race and creed.

As a banner of our national unity, our national endeavor, and national aspiration, the flag serves as a constant reminder of freedom, honor and duty.

Throughout our lives, the American Flag travels with us marking important places and events.

Whether it’s at a high school football game in Ft. Dodge.

At a funeral of a World War II veteran in Oskaloosa.

In an elementary school classroom in Dubuque.

On a parade route in Decorah.

In the Governor’s Office in Des Moines.

In a courtroom in Independence.

Or on flag poles and front porches, all the way from Keokuk to Sioux City.

The American Flag is always there.

For all of us.

Our flag has been taken into national and international conflicts time and again in defense of liberty.

Our soldiers have carried the “Stars and Stripes” into battle as they fought to preserve the Union, as Americans traveled overseas to fight in World War I, and as our troops succeeded in defeating a fascist tyranny in World War II.

Let us also remember that our flag has stood for the ideals of freedom and democracy in Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf.

Most often Americans are filled with pride and a sense of honor when the flag flies overhead.

Unfortunately, there are too many events in recent history where patriotic emotions have been eclipsed as our flag all too frequently comes to rest at half staff in observation of tragedy.

From the senseless assassination of President John Kennedy to last year’s bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City, recent American history has been painted too often with snapshots of the flag, half-mast, in sorrow.

At these times, “Old Glory” has stood as a sad reminder that many in our country have abused and taken for granted our liberties.

The American Flag means that we cannot, as Iowans and Americans, rely solely on the courage and valor of our ancestors who fought so honorably for our flag, our country and our future.

Most important to remember is that to each generation comes a special duty.

We share an individual responsibility — to defend freedom with life itself in hope, courage, and in the spirit of citizenship.

Spend a moment today to pause and take a good look at all the flags proudly waving in your community.

Remember that, above all else, it should be our true hope that this banner of 50 stars and 13 stripes should remain a symbol of what humanity may aspire to when the gun fire ceases and the many wars are over.

America: forever proud, forever free.

Paul D. Pate

Iowa Secretary of State

Marion, Iowa

Special Note: You can purchase an American Flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., from the U.S. Government.

You can also specify which day you want the flag to be flown over the Capitol, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or other meaningful day to you or a loved one.

For assistance on procedures for ordering a flag, please call my office at (515) 281-5803.