Flag Day: What does the flag mean to you?

Freedom. Patriotism. Respect. Sacrifice. Compromise. Bravery. Diversity. Possibility. Dreams. Honor. Hope.

These are some words that come to mind when I see the American flag. I know, it sounds a bit clichѐ, but seriously, it's true. What does the flag mean to you?

Flag Day is celebrated every June 14 in the United States. Why June 14? That's the day in 1777 when the United States flag was adopted by the Second Continental Congress. At that time there were only 13 stars.

June 14 was also the date when Congress adopted the U.S Army.  At that time, it was called the American Continental Army. It was established in 1775. The flag, and respect for the soldiers who fought for our freedom, seem to go hand-in-hand.

President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916 that established June 14 as Flag Day. Then, in 1949 Congress established a National Flag Day on June 14, but it's not a federal holiday.

It's a symbolic day, perhaps overlooked, but maybe we should take a little time to think about the American flag.  

It's "The Star-Spangled Banner"

Its broad stripes and bright stars gallantly streamed through the perilous fight. It waves over the land of the free and the home of the brave.