The Wilmington morning star., 1940-06-15
HALLECK DELIVERS
ADDRESS ON FLAG
Wilmington Elks Lodge
Hears Rector Discuss
u. S. Principles

An address on the flag and the
allegiance Americans everywhere
owe to the principles for which it
stands by the Rev. E. w. Halleck,
rector of St. Johns Episcopal
church, marked a Flag Day meet
ing at the Elks lodge here Thurs
day night.
The Rev. Mr.. Ha1leck said:
On June IA throughout the Unit
ed States the B. P. o. E. has the
beautiful custom of observing Fag
Day. AS American citizens we pay
homage to this symbol OF our ma.
tional Unity and this symbol OF
our inalienable rights under the
Constitution. AS we see, one nation
after another deprived Of its free
dom, we cannot fail to realize
more clearly and more vltaly than
ever before the real meaning and
the growing importance of our flag
in the world today.
The American Congress on June
IA, 1777, in the earliest and dark
est years of the Revolution, de-
creed that the magnificent banner
of stars and stripes should be the
permanent flag of the new Nation.
The anniversary of that historic
occasion has never been without
GREAT significance and has never
been feld lightly by the Ekds
lodges throughout this American
nation.
In war and peace the American
people have always remembered
to pause in their undertakings and
enterprises to recall the incidents
and inspiration which gave shape
and character to their beloved flag.
It has never been mere bunting
and color to us and never will be.
It has always lived as truly as
we have lived, and has embodied
the soul and spirit of America,
and wherever it has flown it has
always quickened the pulse and
the eye of those priv.
eleged to be under its protection.
This year 1910, it is somehow
different
Not different entirely because
there are new and grave perils.
Nowhere on earth does its ap-
proach herald the coming of op-
tyranny, cruelty and bar
berity.
Nowhere on earth do its unfurled
folds accompany forces of aggres-
sion, plunder and destruction
turning peaceful country sides into
devastated and desolated battle
fields, and turning whole popula-
tons into helpless and hopeless
refugees.
Wherever it appears, this flag of
ours is a symbol of peace, and
mercy, and humanity.
Wherever it fies-the American
flag promises charity, comfort.
happiness and brotherly love.
Awed and almost unbeieving
that such a flag remains to shelter
and inspire any country on earth
Millions of suffering people in per-
secuted lands envy us this beauti-
full and splendid banner of free
dom, faith and truth.
Why should we not with great
pride revere such a flag?
Why should not the whole Aneri-
can nation emulate the B. P. o. E.
and set apart day recalling the
origin of the flag?
Why should we ever let it out of
our sight or minds or hearts?
In recent days ships bearing the
American flag have entered the
harried harbors of belligerent or
War-menaced nations, and h ave
come away laden with those fleeing
disaster and death.
These fortunate people can tell
us what it means to see the stars
and stripes at the masthead be-
speaking peace and safety.
These people can tell us what it
means to be coming back to Amer
lea under that flag.
Their tears of gratitude an d
guide us all.
Shall any of us be less glad than
they that this is America and that
the flag Of the United States is our
flag.
Hold the flag aloft, lift your shin
ing eyes to it, praise it and wave
it.
1t is the grand and glorious flag
OF our priced and beloved America.
Show and shout your American
ism, and be an American, Because
the flag is in our keeping. Ours to
protect and defend; ours to re-
spect and cherish; ours to pass on