As Americans observe Flag Day, The Morehead Minute is sharing a patriotic reflection written by the late Rev. Lloyd Dean.
Rev. Dean was well known throughout the region for his ministry and community involvement. In this column, originally published years ago, he shares his personal thoughts on the meaning of the American flag, the freedoms it represents, and his hopes for future generations.
What the Flag Means to Me
By Rev. Lloyd Dean
Let me start by citing Isaiah 65:1:
"I am sought of them that asked not for me: I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name."
I really believe that verse applies to America and its Flag and all it stands for. The Flag has stood, through war, peace, political turmoil and has helped make America a more patriotic nation.
From 1777 until now our fifty stars represents a unity of purpose, with the red stripes representing the blood that has been shed for freedom, and the white strips represents a sense of purity throughout the land.
The Flag represents the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and even though they burn the Flag they cannot burn what it stands for.
Our Flag also represents help and comfort to other countries who have suffered calamities such as storms, famine, diseases or other unusual developments beyond their control.
As our Flag remains a member of the family of nations of the world, it still represents the land of the free and the home of the brave.
This Flag, I hope will be the Flag of untold millions yet to be born in America.
God Bless America.
Editor's Note
The views expressed in this historical column are those of the late Rev. Lloyd Dean and are presented as a reflection of local history and community heritage.