Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1917-06-11
What the Flag Means.
by REV. II. n. BURTON
lEnIlInaNIlln DLlnA

= our American Flag stands out as a
beacon light. as an emblem or type
or sign Of loyalty, liberty and for pure
democracy
II is composed Of three colors-red
white ana blue
II Is not generally known and comes
as "A surprise TO most Americans 10
realize that the Stars and Stripes IS
/ the oldest national Flag IN existence.
France comes next. Englands royal
standard was not adopted until 1901.
The English flag was the flag Of
this country for more than one hun
drod and fifty years. So different were
the symbols of the colonies, regiments
and ships that General Washington
wrote, PLEASE fix on some flag by
which our vessels may know each
other" In 1717 congress selected
committee consisting Of Washington,
Colonel Ross and Robert Morris to
designate a suitable flag for the ma
ton.
This committee, as ali the world
knows. conferred with Mistress Betsy
Ross. and Afterwards recommended n
flag in which the stripes recently in
trod,iced were retained. but in the
crosses the symbol of British author
ity gave place TO the stars which were
hcuceforth to shine for liberty. The
com llllllit ltIbIl'N Oll june / > i Z = : d
IA old mdcpcndouce' hail. In the city
of Philadelphia. congress adopted the
following resolution: Resolved, that
The flag Of the thirteen United states
be thirteen stripes, alternate red,
white and blue; that the union be
thirteen stars, white in a blue field,
representing new constellation. The
stars TO be arranged in a circle En-
ter here the star Spangled Banner to
wait the song for 81 years that to
immortalize the name. written and
composed bv Francis scott Key. As
each state was added TO the union II
star was added TO this blue field, un-
I'll we now have As.
our Flag is frequently called old
Glory, because she floats over glo-
rious and grand country that has been
purchased by the blood of its martyrs.
OF all the national flags ours ex-
cells all in attraCtVeness and beauty.
Some have asked what these various
colors represent The question is n
pertinent and proper one.
Yes, they mean something Let us
notice what II Is.
Did you ever think how the red
blood of our bodies supplies the very
life power to the body? And when
we think how the life blood of man
has been poured on the battlefield In
defense Of the Flag we cannot help
thinking of the bravery OF these men.
So the red in the Flag stands for
courage. The white for purity and
suggests honor which is the strength
OF our nation and keeps us from do
ing anything that would weaken the
law. Then we know that blue stands
for loyalty All have heard the eX-
preston true blue, SO the blue in
the Flag means patriotsm-that love
for our nation which mikes us proud
of every noble deed of our country
men and willing to make any sacri-
flee for the sake and safety OF our
beloved country. We, the United
States of America, have one Flag, one
common country; then let us stand by
our Flag as we should, and now, en-
terinF into this great international
and bloody war, let us cling TO our
Flag and cheer for our country. One
Flag one God. to whom we give praise
forever, and say. Long may Old
Glory wave over the land of the free
and the home OF the brave"