Glorious
The Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, Flying The Colors.
All of the above are used to describe the United States flag. There are other variations of American flags flown in our nation, each taking Old Glory and altering it to add a particular perspective of one group or another. The Stars and Stripes itself has gone through many progressions since colonial times, mostly to add stars each time a new state joined the union, yet today’s topic revolves around the one flag. You know, 13 alternating red and white stripes, and 50 white stars stitched onto a brilliant blue background.
I have no military experience. My family’s history is not rooted in a rich heritage of civil or military service. While our nation has its share of challenges, I am proud to live here, and I support the women and men who have stepped up and made the selfless decision to serve in our country’s military.
As you might know from previous posts, I belong to a motorcycle club (no, we’re not a gang, though we have been described as a motley crew at times) and we have joined in on the Nation of Patriots’ Flag Ride for several years. For those of you not familiar, this is a group who coordinates a massive effort to get the same U.S. flag transported to all fifty states, via motorcyclists, and all in support of US veterans and their families. Please see links for this worthy organization below.
https://nationofpatriots.networkforgood.com/projects/222597-2024-patriot-tour
https://www.nationofpatriots.com/
I have joined this ride in support of our veterans the past few years, but it wasn’t until this year that I flew the flag, via a flagpole attached to my trike. Our Road Captain was the official flag bearer, and as such received the flag from one group and was responsible for handing it off to the next group to continue this flag’s journey. While the reason I transported the flag started as a logistical one, since I have the proper hitch setup, something extraordinary happened along the two-hour ride.
When I secured the flag to my Harley and headed down the road, the enormity of this honor hit me full-force. The 15 square feet of cloth flying behind me had been cared for and carried by so many others along its journey before that day. The flag flew in sun and in rain. it represented the struggle and sacrifice so many―including some members in our club―have endured, and all to help ensure freedom for the rest of us. The farther I rode, and the more I reflected on the thousands of bikers involved in this nationwide effort, I realized we are all Americans, regardless of our position on any of today’s difficult issues. Old Glory represents the very freedom we all have to express our difference of opinion, to hear that of others, and to be able to discuss, debate, and still head down the same road together.
The effort our group put forth that day paled in comparison to what our veterans and their families endure on a daily basis, yet we were all there to highlight their valiant service and to offer a way to help them in a meaningful way. Here are those web links again. Please consider a donation today. Any amount you can afford makes a huge difference.
https://nationofpatriots.networkforgood.com/projects/222597-2024-patriot-tour
https://www.nationofpatriots.com/
Thank you so much for your help. I’d also like to thank all those who made our leg of the Flag Ride a success:
The American Legion Post #81 in Contoocook, New Hampshire for giving us such a great sendoff. https://www.legion.org/
Seacoast Harley-Davidson, who cheered our entrance, then provided a dedicated place to hand off the flag to the next group and fed us so well! https://www.seacoastharley.com/
My fellow Heritage Riders Club members for showing up, riding along, and donating their hard-earned money to the cause. https://www.heritageriders.org/
Nation of Patriots for continuing to believe in our veterans. It was a true privilege to sign the banner and carry the flag so many others had before me.
And for those who’d like more flag info, here are some interesting stats I gleaned from the almighty internet:
The first state to ratify and become part of the union was Delaware, in 1787
8 states ratified in 1788, including New Hampshire at number 9. This is the most for any year.
The last state to join the union was Hawaii in 1959, 8 months after Alaska.
Arizona was the last contiguous state to join, in 1912.
16 states joined during the 1700s, 29 in the 1800s, and 5 in the 1900s.
The 13 stripes represent the original colonies who revolted against the British empire.
50 white stars stand for each state in the union.
Red symbolizes valor and bravery, and is also said to represent the blood shed by those who fought for the nation's freedom.
White symbolizes purity and innocence, reflecting the nation's ideals and its independence.
Blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice, highlighting the nation's commitment to these principles.
Thank you all for joining me on this ride week after week. If you enjoy the scenery, I’d love it if you could tell your family and friends. Let’s share in the freedom we have to discover and express our perspectives, while exploring those of others.
While you’re at it, whatever you are, feel the glorious freedom to be a good one!
-Dave
