Flag Day: Remembering the importance of red, white, blue

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  "To the Colors" echoes throughout the base as the American flag reflects in the mirrors of Bldg. 500. Airmen stand at attention as they salute the flag in silence.

For some, June 14 was just a normal Friday morning at Malmstrom Air Force Base. But for others, hearing "To the Colors" at 7 a.m. on this special day sent goose bumps down their spine

It was in fact not any normal day; it was National Flag Day. Members of Team Malmstrom, the Great Falls community and Montana Air National Guard came together to celebrate and honor the flag and all that it represents during the 29th annual Flag Day ceremony at Broadwater Overlook Park in Great Falls.

".. Now therefore I, Michael J. Winters, the mayor of the city of Great Falls, do hereby proclaim and declare June 14, 2013, as Flag Day and call upon all of our citizens to observe Flag Day by displaying the flag and to celebrate our heritage in public gatherings and activities; and to publicly recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America," the mayor said. "Our flag has proudly represented our nation for [more than] 200 years. As we reflect on our heritage, let us remember that our destiny is stitched together like those 50 stars, 13 stripes and in red, white and blue."

Following the proclamation given by the mayor, Lewis and Clark Boy Scout members lead the Pledge of Allegiance as the MTANG Honor Guard performed the posting of the colors. The unwavering hands of many were placed in a salute, as the Great Falls High School choir sang the "Star Spangled Banner." Those in attendance watched with pride as the 30-by-50-foot flag was raised 110 feet off the ground as the loud roar of a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk flew over.

Cari Kent, retired Air Force chief master sergeant, then recited a poem titled "The Monologue of the Flag," followed by the event's two guests speakers, Col. Robert Stanley, 341st Missile Wing commander, and retired Army Brig. Gen., John Walsh, lieutenant governor of Montana.

"In 1777, when the flag was created, the red, white and blue really didn't symbolize anything," Stanley said. "When the national seal was created, red, white and blue was used. The red stood for heartiness and valor; the white, for purity and innocence; and the blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice. That's powerful. I think that flag flying behind me stands for hope. A poem that is attributed to Father Dennis O'Brien, something that is memorized at our military academies, is something I think is very powerful. 'It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us freedom to demonstrate. It is the solider who salutes the flag, serves the flag and who's coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.'"

Following his enlistment as a soldier in the Army in 1979, Walsh commissioned as an officer and served in the Montana National Guard. In 2004, he led the MTNG into Iraq and commanded the 750 soldier, 163rd Infantry Battalion and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman Badge for his actions.

"The flag is continuing to inspire tens of thousands of U.S. service members during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan," Walsh said. "So today, we are here not only to honor the flag, but we must also honor the memory of all those men, women, soldiers, sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and civilians who have sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom - both past and present. They are all true Americans heroes. We owe a great deal of gratitude to each of these patriots who left the safety of a life in this great nation to give their life on foreign soil. And this year is no different. Our troops are engaged around the world, and we must be mindful, that these dedicated and courageous men and women have set aside comfortable lives right here in Montana and other cities around the United States, and have answered the call of duty for their country and for our citizens."

From active duty to retired, from young to old, all those in attendance were reminded to never forget the importance of the American flag, of the freedom and hope it instills and the sacrifice of many who have and continue to keep freedom alive.

"The words of Franklin D. Roosevelt are as true today as they were in 1936, 'Freedom cannot be bestowed, it must be achieved,'" Walsh said. "Until the day when the world is free form tyranny, our freedom will be protected only if American men and women are willing to answer the call to selflessly serve so that others will enjoy the benefits of their service."