By: Emilee Tatom
Father MAJ Jason Tatom, U.S. Army
If I were to go back in American history and participate in one event, it would be the making of the American flag. The American flag represents unity and freedom. These should be core values of all American citizens. The flag displays fifty stars, each representing a state. The thirteen stripes represent the original thirteen colonies. The red symbolizes the courage and valor of those who fought for our freedom. The white symbolizes purity and hope, both portraying the idea of a country free from corruption and the concept of a fair and just government. Symbolizing prudence is the blue on the flag. To be prudent means to be loyal, just, and trustworthy. All these traits are goals that the American government and people should display.
The American flag unites the nation, as a common ground and a reminder of the principles on which we stand. I would love to be in the room where it was decided what the flag would look like and why. As previously mentioned, the original flag exhibited thirteen stars and thirteen stripes for the thirteen colonies. Obviously, the original flag looked different than it does now, however the creation of the flag intrigues me. I would love to see firsthand the decisions that created the flag that we as Americans love today.
Many believe that it was Betsy Ross who made the first American flag. She was born in 1752, in Philadelphia. Her full name was Elizabeth Griscom Ross, and she was an upholsterer and seamstress. According to her grandson, she was asked by George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross to create a flag for the nation in 1776. Whether she made the first American flag or not, she was an extremely talented seamstress at the time and was well known for making many flags during the Revolutionary War.
Regardless of who actually sewed this flag together, it became a means of identity, support, perseverance, and patriotism to the newly founded country. To this day, proud Americans fly this glorious flag above homes, schools, shops, government buildings, and more, to honor the patriotism, service and sacrifice of those who have served under it, fought for it, and paid the ultimate sacrifice honoring the ideals it stands for. This flag serves as a proud reminder of the core American values and the struggles that shaped our country. Soldiers, like my dad, who sacrificed so much for this country and have asked for very little in return. That very little is that the next generation has the same freedom and pride in our nation. This is why I love the flag and would love to have seen the look in the soldier’s eyes the first time they saw it. The pride, the honor, the service and the unity it brings to our country. I understand the meaning of the flag more and more each day. I smile every time I see one flying proudly because I truly know the sacrifices and pride it stands for.
