News

Flag represents national identity, ideals

  • Published
  • By Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II, Air Force Sustainment Center commander
AFSC Airmen,

Every year June 14 is a special, nationally recognized day to honor our flag, which remains an enduring symbol of hope, liberty and freedom.

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution establishing the United States flag as having 13 stripes alternating between seven red and six white; and that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation. Our flag has since added more stars, but remains the enduring symbol of liberty and freedom it has always been for our Nation. The 13 horizontal stripes represent the original 13 colonies, while the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white signifies purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Flag Day observances were initially held at a local or state level until the first nationally recognized Flag Day occurred in 1916 by proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson. While Flag Day celebrations continued in various communities after the proclamation, in 1949 President Truman signed an Act of Congress officially designating 14 June of each year as National Flag Day.

Our flag represents our national identity and ideals, and remains a banner of freedom that unites us all. It continues to carry the message of freedom and inspiration to Americans at home and abroad.

Thank you for all that you do for our Air Force and our Nation. Your contribution in the Air Force Sustainment Center is vital in delivering combat power for the warfighter. As always, I am proud to serve alongside you.