American Legion Volunteers to Fly Flags This Weekend for Veterans Day
It’s time to show your colors—the red, white, and blue of our flag, the symbol of freedom and service. These colors have been official since June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress established the Flag Act.
Our flag’s colors are carried into battlefields, flown over government buildings, schools, and cemeteries. In 1782, the Continental Congress assigned meaning to the colors: Secretary Charles Thomson explained that red represents valor and bravery, white stands for purity and innocence, and blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
"Red represented valor and bravery, white stood for purity and innocence, and blue symbolized vigilance, perseverance, and justice."
— Secretary Charles Thomson, 1782
Flag Care and Education by the American Legion
Members of the American Legion regularly repair flags damaged by wind and weather, such as those flown at Graceland Cemetery. During one workday, members Gene Williams and Steve Struchen demonstrated the proper way to handle the American Flag, while LuAnn Jackson explained the symbolism behind each fold as they carefully folded it.
This respectful process is frequently performed at schools by American Legion members to educate youth about the flag and maintain the utmost respect for this national symbol of service and sacrifice.
Patriotism Woven into the Flag’s Colors
Within the flag’s colors flows the patriotism celebrated throughout the year. Thanks to the continuing efforts of the American Legion and many volunteers, the flags will proudly fly again this Veterans Day weekend.
Author’s summary: The American Legion and volunteers uphold the tradition of honoring our flag by flying and respectfully caring for it, preserving its deep symbolism ahead of Veterans Day.