"And let us never forget that in honoring our flag, we honor the American men and women who have courageously fought and died for it over the last 200 years, patriots who set an ideal above any consideration of self. Our flag flies free today because of their sacrifice." - President Ronald Reagan
Each year on June 14, we pause and recognize the day as Flag Day to celebrate and honor our American flag. While we all know the American flag is the symbol of our freedom and our national pride and the history behind Flag Day is important to know and understand.
On June 14, 1777, a resolution from the Second Continental Congress called for an official United States flag. The resolution called for the flag to "be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." Then in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson wrote: "I therefore suggest and request that throughout the nation and if possible in every community the fourteenth day of June be observed as Flag Day with special patriotic exercises." And in 1949, President Harry S Truman signed Flag Day's permanent observance into law.
The "Stars and Stripes" symbolize our freedom and strength, as well as the American spirit that others around the world have come to know and respect. Many of our fellow Americans have made tremendous sacrifices to preserve all that our American flag represents.
In the House of Representatives, there is a congressional flag program which individuals in the 3rd District can request a flag that has been flown over the United States Capitol. Each year, my office receives dozens of requests from Eagle Scouts, veterans, individuals retiring or celebrating an anniversary and would like a flag to hang outside their home or keep inside. The price of the flag depends on the size and material. If you are interested in having a flag flown over the Capitol or if you have any questions, please call my Washington, D.C., office for more information. My staff would be happy to help.
I encourage you to take a moment and reflect on what the American flag means to you and to those who defended our country over the last hundreds of years.
Lastly, I wanted to take a moment to discuss the tragedy that happened in Washington this week. Please keep my colleague and friend Steve Scalise, staffers and Capitol Police who were all injured in your thoughts and prayers. It is because of the remarkable response from our nation's Capitol Police that kept this horrible event from being even worse. Their heroism saved so many lives.
U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., shares his perspective each week on national issues, including ones that affect Missouri. He represents the state's 3rd District, which includes Jefferson City. His local office can be reached at 573-635-7232.