Daily Devotion - Friday, June 5

Preparing for Flag Day

Something you might want to read: Romans 13: 1-7

I pledge allegiance to the flag
Of the United States of America
And to the Republic for which it stands
One nation under God,
With liberty and justice for all.

--Revised version
Original version written in 1892
by Francis Bellamy

Flag Day is coming up soon-- June 14th to be precise. Over the years I have enjoyed a number of travels that have deepened my strong emotions about flags. Some of us put out our flag in the morning and take it in at night, others have opted to light their flag and fly it boldly day and night (even if it means a few cents more on the electric bill).

Flags are important in uniting groups of people. Citizens of every country of the world carry those same strong emotions about their flag that we do about ours. Whenever we gather for the summer or winter Olympics, we witness this truth as the national anthem of the country is played while the flag is raised and tears of joy and pride well up in the gold medalist’s eyes.

Our pledge to our flag contains a powerful phrase “with liberty and justice for all.” This is a phrase worthy of some sincere reflection. It is a phrase that sounds pretty inclusive. It is a phrase that deserves continued dialog and discussion. Clearly, there are many struggles ahead for all in this global village, a world filled with many patriotic people in every country.

Give thanks today and in the coming days for this land and for our old red, white and blue. May we each do our part to bring liberty and justice for all.

--Ben Keckler
06.05.09