Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-13
FLAG DAY.
BY DR.. FRANK CRANE.
Copyright. 1914. by Frank Crane.l
June II is Flag day.

June II is Flag day.
How should 1t be observed7
The flag should be displayed on all
schoolhouses and other public build
ings; also on all homes and at all
places Of business. We should accustom
ourselves to looking at the flag as g.
symbol of our whole national life
! that Is. Of home and business and every
day politics, as we'll as Of war.
Why?
Because the flag is not only to fight
| under. but to live under. 1t means the
intelligent. loving cooperation Of citi-
zens in their daily life.
What reason have we to be proud OF
our country?
We should be proud. not because we
have perfect government, but because
We have the kind of government the
people want.
Are there not many forms Of injustice,
privilege and oppression among US?
There are. Also in every other nation.
Our case is different from the others
principles which bring justice and equal
opportunity to all as fast as we find
out what to do and how to do 1t, and as
fast as the majority wants the desired
results.
For instance7
First Of all, the great working prin-
ciple In this country is democracy.
which means that as soon a! as the people e
whatever they will.
What other advantages does this
nation have2
that is not racial 1t is the first to rest
upon basis Of humanity. We are COM
posed not of English. French, German,
negro. or of any other one blood. but
of all races. We are nation of human
beings.
The United States Of America il
formed on the principle Of federation,
and not of empire. That means we want
choice Of its people. We have discarded
the program of conquest.
Our flag is a menace to no other land.
but stands for friendship to all.
1t means the open door of opportunity
to all people. Every man is not pros
porous and happy. but every man has q
chance.
We have no caste system, no heredi-
tary nobility.
Our flag means freedom Of speech,
free press. freedom to express ones
opinion. freedom of orderly assembly.
1t means that no one shall be dis
eliminated against on account Of his
religion.
1t means that the child Of the poor
and the ignorant can secure an educa-
ton in the public schools.
1t means that the way to success, to
honors and office is open to every human
being.
1t means that we are not under the
curse of militarism, and that every
young man does not have to give two
or three of the best years Of his life
to army service.
1t means thousands and thousands Of
happy homes and contented workers
It means a growing public conscience
which more and more is causing men
Of wealth to realize their civic re-
sponsibility.
It means 9 nation Of people bounding
toward wealth, power and Intelligence
more rapidly than any other nation.
1t means women treated with rever-
ence and increasing Justice, children
cared for and trained, workers free to
organize and to improve their condition,
and. altogether. strong. virile and
IT means that every day the sun rises
this country is growing in intelligence
in morals, in altruism and in Justice
Our flag stands for the country that
Is the star of hope in the sky Of the
world, that shall shine on until the
poets vision be realized. and
all mems good
Be each mans rule, and universal peace
Lie like shaft Of light across the land.
And life lane of beams athwart the sea,
Through all the circle of the golden year.