Flag Pride

by John Stumpner

When you put your flag out this Fourth of July, did you think about what the Flag means and what it represents? Flags in various forms have been used throughout history for many reasons. Countries use their flags to claim land and territories. Armies make use of flags to show their soldiers where they are and to show them where to go. Flags can also be used to show support for a particular country, group or idea.

You have almost certainly seen the picture of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima. When the United States Marines captured the highest point on the island during the battle, they immediately raised the flag to show the enemy that they were winning, and they were here to stay. It has been said, because of that picture, there would always be a United States Marine Corp.

Armies use their flags for several things. An army can mark its location with its flag. Soldiers that are lost can find their way back to friendly lines by looking for their flag. It’s also a warning to the enemy that you better not come here unless you want to get into a fight. When an army is on the march, the flags can show the soldiers where to go. The flag or “color” bearer was a very important job in the army. It was considered a high honor reserved for only the best and bravest soldiers. The Color Guard, that you see in parades, was very important to protect the flags of the army as it was fighting. If the color bearer was hurt or killed, another soldier would drop his weapon and pick up the flag and carry it to the front of the battle.

Flags can also be a symbol of a group or idea. You have almost certainly seen the “Thin Blue Line” flag showing support for the police or the BLM flag showing support for the Black Lives Matter movement. These flags have great meaning and are a source of pride for the people supporting those ideas. During the American Civil War, the Confederates captured the Sixteenth Maine Regiment of the Union Army. The men of the Sixteenth Maine were so loyal to their regiment that they tore up their regimental flag rather than let the Confederates take it.

So, what does all this have to do with motorcycles? Many bikers like to fly flags on their motorcycles, especially the Stars and Stripes. To bikers, the United States flag represents their country and the ideas of freedom, liberty and equality. Also, many bikers are veterans, and the flag represents the pride they rightfully take in their service and sacrifice for the benefit of the rest of us.

So, take pride in your country and its flag. Remember that flag stands for freedom and equality, even and especially for those that we may not agree with or like. Be respectful of others all the time, because we are all Americans and we all have the same flag to represent our country.

John