Published: July 04, 2008 12:17 am            

Old Glory an enduring symbol of freedom

He walked slowly to the podium, his gait slowed by the relentless advance of time.

The occasion was the recent dedication of a memorial to members of pilot training class 55-Q at Vance Air Force Base.

Ernest Boehler was a member of class 55-Q, a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force. No longer the young, eager airman he was in the mid-1950s, Boehler is now silver-haired, sporting sunglasses and a droopy gray mustache. But his pride in the nation he served was fiercely evident as he gripped the podium to steady himself, then turned to look at a nearby American flag and said, in a clear, strong voice, “Let your eyes rest upon the most glorious national symbol that has ever flown on the land, on the sea or in the air.”

He then began reciting the following tribute to the American flag. Here is the poem in its entirety:

“Here’s to the red of it, there’s not a thread of it, no, nor a shred of it in all the spread of it from foot to head. But heroes bled for it, faced steel and lead for it, precious blood shed for it, bathing it red.

“Here’s to the white of it, thrilled by the sight of it, who knows the right of it, but feel the might of it through day and night? Womanhood’s care for it made manhood dare for it, purity’s prayer for it keeps it so white.

“Here’s to the blue of it, beauteous view of it, heavenly hue of it, star-spangled dew of it constant and true. Diadems gleam for it, states stand supreme for it, liberty’s beam for it brightens the blue.

“Here’s to the whole of it, stars, stripes and pole of it, body and soul of it, oh, and the roll of it, sun shining through. Hearts in accord for it, swear by the sword for it, thanking the Lord for it, red, white and blue.”

His voice, not surprisingly, broke a little as he finished his recitation.

It’s our flag, after all, the enduring symbol of 232 years of liberty.

We are more than 300 million strong, we Americans, and it seems we are of 300 million different minds on nearly every subject. But under that flag we all stand as one.

That flag is known throughout the world and still stands proudly on the surface of the moon.

We fly it from tall flagpoles or from our front porches. We wear it on our lapels, on T-shirts and blouses as well as neckties and kerchiefs.

Some wear it carelessly, with no thought to preserving its dignity. Such is not the case with those who wear it most proudly, however, the men and women of our military serving their country at home and around the world. For them, that flag patch on their uniforms is a source of fierce patriotic pride.

Our flag has inspired poets and song writers, has sparked courage and resolve in the hearts of warriors and has flown in the face of tyranny.

It flies over government buildings, ballparks, schools and factories. Its presence says, “We are united and strong. We are America. Stand with us if you will, stand against us if you dare.”

We are far from perfect. We have made our share of mistakes, and we admit them. What we don’t do is back down from our principals.

Our flag flew proudly over Fort McHenry, over Appomattox Court House, over the Battle of the Bulge, over Pearl Harbor, over the remains of the World Trade Center.

Today is the day we celebrate ourselves, that we celebrate America. Have fun, go to the lake, have a picnic, take in the fireworks, eat your fill of ice cream and apple pie.

But at some time during the course of the day, give a thought to the flag and what it stands for, and say a prayer of thanks for it and all who have fought, and died, to keep it flying.

Happy Fourth of July.



Mullin is senior writer of the News & Eagle.