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 JAMES HUSH BRONSON 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
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 Microsoft Corporation 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/flagofourcountryOObronrich 
 
FAST INDIA COMPANIES FLAG 
 1600 
 
 FLAG OF "THE UNION" OR 
 
 THE "CAMBRIDGE FLAG" 
 
 JAN., 2, 1776 
 
 ADOPTED BY THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS 
 JUNE 14,1777 
 
 FLAG-MAY I, 1795 
 FLAG OF 15 STARS AND STRIPES 
 
The Flag of Our 
 Country 
 
 By 
 
 James Rush Bronson 
 1 
 
 First Printing December 
 1921 
 
James Rush Bronson 
 All rights reserved 
 
 News Publishing Co., Sacramento, California 
 
IlliiimiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiimHiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiHiiiiiiMiii 
 
 'Neglect to observe the rules of conduct 
 toward the flag of the United States proves 
 one of two things — either you purposely 
 disobey the wishes of your government, or 
 you are woefully ignorant of patriotic 
 usage. 
 
 iiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiimmiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii i 
 
 947K 
 
AMERICA, WHAT BINDS ME 
 SO TO THEE? 
 
 Is it the valorous deeds of thy heroic dead? 
 
 Is it because I've known thee, 
 
 Since mine eyes beheld the light? 
 
 Is it because my baby lips, 
 
 First lisped thy wondrous name? 
 
 Or is it because thy crystal flood, 
 
 Pure as the virgin snow, 
 
 Flows ever onward to the sea? 
 
 America, what binds me so to thee? 
 
 Is it because thy door of hope swings wide 
 
 To a world accursed? 
 
 Bids the weary and oppressed 
 
 To live in peace and plenty on thy shores? 
 
 Is it because thy words of hope have reached 
 
 The blood soaked soil of France 
 
 Where loyal sons 
 
 Upheld the honor of thy name? 
 
 Perhaps 'tis thy valleys, 
 
 Fringed with mighty forests tall; 
 
 Or the thunder of the sea 
 
 Against thy granite wall. 
 
 Perhaps, the hidden treasures in thy breast, 
 
 The products of thy fertile fields, 
 
 Thy lakes, thy streams, 
 
 Or, has the glory of thy setting sun 
 
 Burst through the darkened chamber of my soul? 
 
 Methinks, it is the matchless blue of heaven's dome, 
 
 Flecked with glistening stars ; 
 
 Or the dainty kiss of twilight, 
 
 As my weary eyes find rest. 
 
 It is not subtle fear 
 
 That fans the flame of mystery; 
 
 Nor has thy boundless wealth, 
 
 Engulfed the virtues accredited to thee. 
 
What power I ask, that binds me so? 
 
 I fain would leave thee 
 
 Yet I dare not go; 
 
 I vainly struggle with thy golden chain, 
 
 But hark, 'tis the echo of a sweet refrain. 
 
 "My country 'tis of thee, 
 Sweet land of liberty, 
 Of thee I sing." 
 
 My vision clears, mine eyes behold 
 
 The heritage of passing years ; 
 
 For there on high a banner waves, 
 
 I see its glory through my tears. 
 
 List' to the wondrous message sent 
 
 To all enslaved who would be free ; 
 
 God bless each star, each stripe, each fold, 
 
 Long wave this pledge of liberty. 
 
 "Land where our fathers died, 
 Land of the pilgrim's pride, 
 From every mountain side, 
 Let freedom ring." 
 
 I know what binds me so to thee, 
 Resplendent land of liberty; 
 I love thy rocks and templed hills, 
 I love thy vales and crystal rills, 
 I love thy moon, thy sun, thy stars, 
 I love thy flag of crimson bars, 
 I love thee, love thee, love but thee, 
 Dear land of human liberty. 
 
I ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ j I ■ ! I . ■ 1 1 1 1 ■ i ■ ■ i ■ ■ I ■ ■ ■ i ■ I ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1: 
 
 Of what value are ears if one will not 
 hear, of eyes if one will not see, of mind 
 if one ivill not reason, of knowledge if one 
 refuses to use it? 
 
 ■ nun j iiiaiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiimmiiiiiiii! iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiini 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 IT MUST BE apparent to every thinking 
 citizen of the Republic that the use of the 
 Flag of Our Country, particularly in decora- 
 tions, is as varied as the imagination of the 
 individual, and its abuse, through ignorance, 
 as common. Habitually, we satisfy our 
 patriotism by exhibiting the National ensign 
 on our person or premises, and seldom if 
 ever consider the question of propriety. 
 
 We forget that England, is English; 
 France, French; Spain, Spanish; Germany, 
 German; Austria, Austrian; Italy, Italian; 
 etc., etc. But the United States is composed 
 of many races, and here assimilation must 
 begin: We fail to impress ourselves, as well 
 as the stranger, that here, there can be but 
 one country for all; one standard of justice 
 and liberty for all; one language for all; and 
 one Flag for all. - 
 
 A knowledge of the birth, growth, and 
 progress of this Flag will undoubtedly 
 hasten the hour of National understanding. 
 When once our varied population stand be- 
 neath its folds a united people, subservient 
 to law and order, a new civilization will have 
 been born. Then, and not until then, will 
 
INTRODUCTION (Continued) 
 
 political, social, commercial, and religious 
 animosities be abandoned and from out the 
 present welter of ignorance, disobedience, 
 and selfishness, will spring the new defend- 
 ers of self-government. 
 
 To the fathers and mothers of the Re- 
 public; to the girl and boy aspiring to hon- 
 orable citizenship; to the assimilable 
 stranger within our gates, this effort is re- 
 spectfully dedicated. May it encourage a 
 deeper, more profound love, not alone for 
 the Flag of Our Country, but for the Gra- 
 cious Master, whose watchful care has made 
 possible the glorious heritage of "life, lib- 
 erty, and the pursuit of happiness.' ' 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 June 14th, 1921. 
 
NARRATIVE I 
 
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiii miii mi 
 
 My friend, you are but the human thread 
 in the national fabric. God has given you 
 texture, color and strength. You must 
 emerge from the loom the weave of your 
 own making. As the shuttle of life fash- 
 ions the human fabric, let the spirit of 
 Love, Justice and Patriotism become the 
 warp and woof of the pattern conceived. 
 
 Disregard this, and the texture so made 
 will quickly fade under the penetrating 
 rays of His immutable law. 
 
 miimiiiHiiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 1111 
 
The Flag of Our Country 
 
 NARRATIVE I. 
 
 T AM BUT A CRIMSON THREAD. It is 
 -L therefore fortunate for these narratives 
 that young though I was, I possessed an im- 
 pressionable nature as well as a retentive 
 memory, else how could I now recall many 
 incidents in which I have been and am still 
 deeply concerned'? 
 
 In scrutinizing the period preceding my 
 birth, you will, in justice to me, exercise pa- 
 tience for I must depend solely upon the 
 statements of others, and verification so 
 long delayed has been perplexing, to say 
 the least. Bearing in mind this handicap, 
 and with kindly consideration for my ex- 
 treme youth, I am sure that you will not 
 expect too much of me. 
 
 Why a crimson thread was selected the 
 hero of this narrative has never been satis- 
 factorily explained, but I am free to con- 
 fess, I enjoyed the delightful mystery. 
 Probably it was because being crimson, I 
 symbolize hardiness and valor. If this be 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 true, I am ready to frankly admit, it took 
 considerable of both, particularly when all 
 the facts were of such a personal character. 
 
 Long before I became a part of the Flag 
 of the United States, I was a humble 
 crimson thread wound round the spindle of 
 a shuttle that whizzed and whirred back and 
 forth through the warp of a loom, steadily 
 fabricating yard upon yard of crimson cloth. 
 It is with grateful remembrance I recall the 
 tender care of the weaver. While I did not 
 know it at the time, I was being created for 
 a special purpose. 
 
 Little did I realize in the happy, careless 
 hours of my youth, that I, a simple linen 
 thread, was destined to take so important a 
 part in the construction of a new govern- 
 ment. Had I been capable of understanding 
 this destined responsibility, I fear my youth 
 and inexperience would have robbed me of 
 the hardiness and valor credited to me. 
 
 Prom a single thread, I gradually grew 
 into a great bolt of crimson cloth. After be- 
 ing removed from the loom, I was carefully 
 rewound, and finally packed and shipped to 
 America. Upon my arrival in Philadelphia, 
 I was taken from the ship and delivered to 
 the consignee, and by him placed upon a 
 shelf with others of my kind. 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 Of course I did not know these interesting 
 facts at the time, but subsequent events 
 made this information possible. One day a 
 carpenter was engaged in repairing the 
 shelf upon which I reposed. Unintentionally 
 he weakened it, and several bolts of cloth, 
 including myself and friends, fell to the floor 
 with a crash. After being replaced upon an- 
 other, capable of sustaining our combined 
 weight, I discovered, much to my delight, 
 that I could see. In falling a corner of my 
 paper wrapping had been torn, giving me 
 opportunity for observation. 
 
 I very naturally took advantage of this 
 and soon found that I was not alone. To my 
 right lay bolts of Blue and White material 
 like myself. We exchanged courtesies, and 
 I was extremely gratified to find my neigh- 
 bor Blue a most affable companion. 
 
 Later I addressed my attention to the bolt 
 of White, and in an incredibly short time, 
 we three, Red, White, and Blue were upon 
 the most intimate terms imaginable. What 
 is still more remarkable, our association for 
 one hundred and forty-four years, has in- 
 tensified our affection, each for the other. 
 It is no idle assertion, when I emphatically 
 declare, there exists no power within the 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 attainment of man which could bring about 
 a severance of that love. 
 
 During one of our many delightful con- 
 versations, I learned that we three, Red, 
 White and Blue, had been, without our 
 knowledge, friends for many centuries. The 
 ancestral meeting occurred when the Lord 
 presented Moses with the "Ten Command- 
 ments" together with the "Book of Laws," 
 which were reverently deposited in the 
 "Ark of the Covenant" protected by "ten 
 curtains of fine linen, and purple, and scar- 
 let, and blue." 
 
 This, I learned, was the first authentic 
 mention of myself and associates, now 
 known as Red, White, and Blue. Naturally 
 this information served to cement our faith 
 in and respect each for the other. It is un- 
 necessary to add that we felt exceedingly 
 grateful to the early Jewish church for our 
 introduction to the peoples of the western 
 world. 
 
 * Our several conferences brought out these 
 facts; my crimson sheen symbolized hardi- 
 ness and valor; my friend White represent- 
 ed purity and innocence; Blue, typified, 
 perseverance, vigilance, and justice. This 
 was indeed a remarkable combination, and 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 as we symbolized the principles of liberty 
 and justice so necessary for the foundation 
 of self-government,* it will occasion little 
 surprise to know that we were selected to 
 play so important a part in the affairs of 
 the world. 
 
 As I recall the formative period, the 
 hours were not without interest. We found 
 in each other much to entertain and instruct. 
 We were, I distinctly remember, greatly 
 amused by the men and women moving 
 to and fro about the store. We feared 
 that we, like other fabrics would be pur- 
 chased, torn, wrapped and carried away, 
 heaven only knew by whom or whither. We 
 often commented upon this possibility and 
 wondered what would be our fate. 
 
 "What," we asked ourselves, "would 
 purity and innocence do without hardiness 
 and valor? And on the other hand, how 
 could perseverance, vigilance, and justice 
 exist, if separated from hardiness and valor, 
 or purity and innocence?" The loss, so far 
 as we were concerned, would be incalculable. 
 Our probable fate, therefore, caused us 
 genuine alarm. 
 
 One day we were startled to see a military 
 gentleman enter the store, walk briskly to 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 the counter and stop directly in front of us. 
 His fine face wore a look of sadness, yet a 
 smile played about his firm lips and in his 
 eyes glowed the fire of love and truth. He 
 wore the uniform of an officer of the Con- 
 tinental Army, and his name was General 
 George Washington. 
 
 "Have you received the material order- 
 ed V he asked. 
 
 "Yes, General, " replied the clerk who ad- 
 vanced toward him, "and I am sure the col- 
 ors will meet with your approval.' ' With- 
 out another word, we three, Red, White, and 
 Blue, were taken from the shelf, stripped of 
 our wrappings and placed side by side upon 
 the counter. 
 
 "You are right; they are very beautiful. 
 You will see that they are delivered to this 
 address immediately," and Washington 
 gave the clerk a small card upon which he 
 had written our destination. 
 
 "They will be delivered within the hour," 
 answered the clerk. 
 
 "That will meet every requirement," re- 
 plied Washington, who without another 
 word, turned and walked rapidly from the 
 store. 
 
NARRATIVE II. 
 
litmiiiiiiiiiiiiu ■■■■■■iiiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiili 1 1 mi n 
 
 True Americanism can exist only in the 
 hearts of those who understand and ap- 
 preciate the Flag of Our Country. 
 
 II iiiiMiiiii i! mi ill ii i illinium iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin ill 
 
NARRATIVE II. 
 
 IT WAS NOT long before we were again 
 brought together. I distinctly remember 
 being placed upon a table beside my two 
 companions White and Blue. There were 
 several ladies in the room, and all enthusias- 
 tically praised our brilliant colors. They de- 
 clared us in perfect harmony. We were 
 also delighted to learn that the good women 
 had gathered for the purpose of making a 
 flag, and we three, Red, White, and Blue 
 had been selected as the most appropriate 
 combination of colors for the proposed 
 emblem, and if adopted, we would for all 
 time represent the highest aspirations of 
 the founders of a new government. 
 
 No one seemed to have the slightest idea 
 of the design contemplated, but we were 
 assured that we were not to be separated. 
 This decision filled us with a great joy, and 
 had it been possible for three bolts of cloth 
 to pray, we would have done so then and 
 there, in sheer gratitude. 
 
 The ladies awaited with bated breath the 
 arrival of the committee, momentarily ex- 
 pected. All were elated when informed that 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 General Washington was their chairman. 
 These charming creatures could not be 
 blamed for their anxiety. Had not the Con- 
 tinental Congress expressed the wish to se- 
 cure an appropriate emblem ? And were they 
 not assembled at the home of Mistress Ross 
 at the behest of this body? Naturally there 
 was great excitement over an event so 
 momentous. 
 
 I will never, never, forget the gracious 
 praises bestowed upon us by these splendid 
 women. Particularly gratifying were the 
 simple yet eloquent words of Mistress 
 Elizabeth Ross, to whom, more than any 
 other influence, we were to be indebted for 
 our re-creation. 
 
 " Ladies," said one, whom I later recog- 
 nized as Mistress Ross, "this is indeed a 
 wonderful privilege. We are about to re- 
 ceive a visit from General George Washing- 
 ton and a committee, commissioned by the 
 Continental Congress. They are to suggest 
 a flag for the new Republic. After the de- 
 sign has been agreed upon we are to stitch 
 it together. It will then be returned to the 
 committee, and by them presented to Con- 
 gress for final adoption. General Washing- 
 ton has, I believe, a sketch of the proposed 
 insignia. 
 
 10 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 "Red," continued Mistress Ross, " typi- 
 fies hardiness and valor; White, purity and 
 innocence; Blue, vigilance, perseverance and 
 justice." 
 
 "It is such a heavenly blue," exclaimed a 
 shortish lady. "And the White," added 
 Mistress Ross, "as pure as virgin snow! 
 Behold them, ladies, Red, White, and Blue! 
 Were they not made for each other? To- 
 gether, they will form a flag, for which men 
 and women will gladly die. These colors are 
 to be the harbingers of Liberty and Justice. 
 These colors will champion the right and 
 defend the weak. Such a flag will guarantee 
 to all equal rights. Beneath its sacred folds 
 all may openly worship God, each according 
 to his will. So ladies, as it assumes form, let 
 each stitch emphasize an appeal to heaven 
 for the safety of every hand raised in its de- 
 fense. Let our work represent the love and 
 devotion of the wives, mothers, and sisters 
 of men who, by their loyalty and sacrifice 
 make possible a free and happy people." 
 
 At this moment a knock was heard, and 
 Mistress Ross, amid a joyful chorus of 
 "Oh's" and "Ah's" crossed the room and 
 opening the door, ushered in the belated 
 committee, composed of General George 
 Washington, Robert Morris and Colonel 
 
 n 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 George Ross. After an exchange of courte- 
 sies, General Washington drew a paper from 
 the pocket of his great coat, and presented 
 to those assembled a rough sketch of the 
 proposed flag. 
 
 "You will observe," said Washington, as 
 he displayed the penciled outline, "we re- 
 tain the thirteen alternate stripes of red and 
 white, originally found in the flag of the 
 East India Company, chartered by Queen 
 Elizabeth in the year 1600. I may add that 
 no less a person than Benjamin Franklin in- 
 formed me; "That it was fortunate for us 
 that there was already a flag, with which 
 the British Government was familiar, and 
 which is not only recognized, but protected.' 
 
 "You will undoubtedly recall the fact that 
 the red and white alternate stripes of the 
 East India Company's flag," continued the 
 General impressively, "were selected quite 
 recently for the * Cambridge Flag,' better 
 and more affectionately known as the 'Flag 
 of the Union,' first raised by Captain John 
 Paul Jones, December 3rd, 1775; and later 
 at my headquarters at Cambridge, Massa- 
 chusetts, January 2nd, 1776. 
 
 "There are several reasons why these 
 stripes should be retained, the most import- 
 ant of which is, that the colonies selected 
 
 12 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 them as favorable for combined representa- 
 tion. They were placed in the * Cambridge 
 Flag' in the hope of impressing the world 
 that the Federation of the Colonies was a 
 deliberate action; furthermore, that the 
 Colonies so united were at that time loyal 
 to the Mother Country. We proved this by 
 placing the crosses of St. Andrew and St. 
 George in the upper left hand corner of the 
 design. But we have now determined to 
 obtain our independence; we will no longer 
 submit to unjust taxation; we resent the 
 many indignities heaped upon us by our 
 royal masters and propose to repudiate the 
 crosses, and in their place suggest a field of 
 blue, flecked with glistening stars of white, 
 emblematic of the redemption, aye, the sal- 
 vation of human liberty. Ladies, we present 
 for consideration, this sketch, which in- 
 cludes the thirteen alternative red and 
 white stripes, together with this field of 
 blue, containing thirteen white stars, one for 
 each colony; four in the first or top row; five 
 in the second or middle row; and four in the 
 third or bottom row, correctly representing 
 the thirteen united colonies forming the new 
 Republic." 
 
 "General," said Mistress Ross, as she in- 
 tently studied Washington's design, "you 
 
 13 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 have selected a star of six points, why not 
 one of five?" 
 
 "I am afraid, Mistress Ross," answered 
 the General, "that one of five points will 
 look awkward, out of proportion." 
 
 "I assure you, General, one of five points 
 will not appear ungainly or out of propor- 
 tion," replied Mistress Ross, as she dexter- 
 ously folded a bit of paper, and with a single 
 clip of her scissors, cut a perfect five-pointed 
 star. 
 
 "Splendid, excellent," exclaimed the sur- 
 prised and delighted Washington, "it is the 
 very thing; look gentlemen, is it not per- 
 fect?" 
 
 So it was unanimously agreed that the 
 five-pointed star should replace the one of 
 six, and after the width and length of the 
 red and white stripes, as well as the dimen- 
 sions of the blue field, which was to contain 
 the thirteen white five-pointed stars, were 
 agreed upon, the committee thanked the 
 gracious ladies for their interest, and de- 
 parted, leaving behind them a group of 
 happy women who were first to fashion and 
 then sew together the emblem of a mighty 
 nation. 
 
 14 
 
NARRATIVE III. 
 
1111111 I inilllllllllllllll I llll III lllllllllllllll I I I I M I I I III II lllllllllllllll llll II I II 
 
 The welding together of all our national 
 life assures unity. This is the cornerstone 
 of our political liberty; it is the very es- 
 sence of truth and justice; that truth and 
 justice reflected in the folds of the Flag of 
 the United States. 
 
 milium iiiiiim in iiiiiiiiiiiiin 1 1 mi n ill :iiiiliini:iiiiui nil minium 
 
 ^ 
 
N 
 
 NARRATIVE III. 
 
 EVER was a flag born at a more oppor- 
 tune moment. The gallant American 
 Army was thought to be broken beyond re- 
 covery. Turn to the eloquent pages of our 
 country's history and let us together read 
 the record of personal sacrifice made by 
 courageous men and women, who suffered 
 and endured, that you and I might enjoy 
 the blessed privileges of American citizen- 
 ship. 
 
 The Continental forces led by the redoubt- 
 able Washington were thought to be beaten. 
 There remained but a handful of poorly 
 disciplined, imperfectly armed men, so 
 destitute of clothes, that many froze to 
 death while on duty. Others stained the 
 snow with the blood that freely flowed from 
 their bruised and naked feet. These men, 
 to obtain the liberties we enjoy today, must 
 meet and conquer a well trained and superb- 
 ly armed force, well fed and officered. I re- 
 call the scene as if it were yesterday, when 
 I was first presented to these intrepid men. 
 They greeted me with great enthusiasm. 
 They smiled through their tears as I floated 
 
 17 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 before tliem. They came from out their rude 
 shelters, proclaiming me the harbinger of 
 victory. Many knelt in the snow and ice 
 praying to Almighty God for the triumph 
 that would assure them freedom of thought 
 and action. 
 
 I run before my horse to market; I must 
 not neglect to mention a few events preced- 
 ing my birth. We are so very apt to over- 
 look important facts unless we continually 
 hold ourselves in check. 
 
 Immediately after the gentlemen com- 
 prising the committee had departed the 
 ladies began work upon the proposed flag. 
 The sharp clip of a pair of scissors brought 
 me to myself. I realized that Mistress Ross 
 and her patriotic aids were engaged in cut- 
 ting and basting together the red and white 
 stripes and shaping the blue which was to 
 contain the thirteen five-pointed stars of 
 white. 
 
 Never will I forget the secrecy surround- 
 ing my birth. A short time preceding this 
 event we were three bolts of cloth in far-off 
 England. We had leaped from obscurity 
 into the realm of a wonderful present and 
 future. It was indeed enough to turn the 
 head of a more experienced texture. 
 
 18 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 With anxious hands, Mistress Ross and 
 her associates completed their task, and as 
 she held me aloft, after the last stitch had 
 been taken, a beam of sunlight burst 
 through the window and bathed me with a 
 flood of golden light. 
 
 "Ok, you beautiful Flag," ske exclaimed, 
 "with all my soul I love you. God grant that 
 you, dear Flag, will lead us to an honorable 
 victory. You are to be dedicated to the 
 cause of liberty, and may your influence en- 
 circle the earth. Guard us, Flag, and lead 
 us forever in the path of sympathy and 
 service." 
 
 It would be useless to attempt to express 
 the feeling of exultation that took posses- 
 sion of me. Little did I realize in this hour 
 of glory that I would one day suffer many 
 bitter experiences; ordeals that would crush 
 and wound. It was well for me that I could 
 not penetrate the future for I would have 
 deemed myself unequal to the task. It is 
 well that I did not forsee the suffering and 
 privation that must be endured before my 
 defenders would enjoy the liberty sought. 
 
 Lost in the joy of the moment I knew 
 notking of tke migkty clask of contending 
 forces; of tke kunger, disease, and deatk. I 
 
 19 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 knew nothing of the citizen who, under the 
 cloak of patriotism, would rob, cheat, and 
 even kill his fellow-man for gain. I was a 
 stranger to the men who would devise 
 vicious and cowardly attacks upon recog- 
 nized authority. I little dreamed that dis- 
 contented States would one day seek the 
 destruction of the Union formed. I did not 
 think it possible for justice to be mocked and 
 law defied. I did not realize that hearts were 
 to be broken; that the assassin would plunge 
 the nation into the depths of sorrow from 
 which we would emerge soaring, Phoenix- 
 like, above the ashes of disloyalty, disobedi- 
 ence, ignorance, superstition and greed. 
 
 It is little wonder then that this day of 
 days impressed me. We were no longer bolts 
 of cloth; we had lost our original identity as 
 Bed, White and Blue, and had become the 
 Flag of the United States. We were no 
 longer separate units. We were forever 
 united. We were one; joined in a common 
 cause, and like the citizens of the new Re- 
 public, inseparable. 
 
 In the midst of my rejoicing, a sudden 
 fear took possession of me. Suppose the 
 Continental Congress, to which I was to be 
 presented, should reject me. This would be 
 indeed a personal calamity. Did I correctly 
 
 20 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 represent the principles they espoused? As 
 many such questions passed through my 
 mind, I became exercised over their possible 
 decision, and wished the matter settled 
 quickly. The suspense was well-nigh un- 
 bearable for I fully realized that no matter 
 what might be said in my favor the final 
 settlement rested entirely in the hands of 
 the representatives of the people. 
 
 All things must end, and the hour of my 
 presentation to the Continental Congress 
 drew near. It was a period filled with 
 anxiety. I was finally placed upon a staff 
 and incased in a covering of soft material. 
 Soon I felt myself carried forward. There 
 was a hum of voices, a sudden stillness. Be- 
 fore I had time to realize what had hap- 
 pened my covering was suddenly removed 
 and I was disclosed to every eye. 
 
 First, I was received in silence followed 
 by a mighty cheer. "Hail, thrice hail, oh 
 glorious Flag of liberty," shouted a portly 
 gentleman as he struggled forward. 
 
 "Long may you wave o'er land and sea, 
 the emblem of justice and equality,' ' cried 
 another. 
 
 When quiet was restored, some one sug- 
 gested a re-arrangement of the stars in my 
 
 21 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 field of blue. "It seems to me," declared the 
 gentleman, "that as the stars now appear, 
 in three straight rows, four on the top; five 
 in the middle; and four on the bottom; they 
 give no idea of the unity of our purpose. I 
 therefore suggest that the stars be placed in 
 an unbroken circle, signifying a unanimity 
 of interest, and an indisputable union of the 
 colonies." 
 
 "A most excellent idea," replied some one. 
 And so it was agreed. I was returned to the 
 home of Mistress Ross; the stars altered as 
 proposed, and again presented to the Conti- 
 nental Congress. On the 14th day of June, 
 1777, amid scenes of great rejoicing I was 
 officially proclaimed the Flag of the United 
 States. 
 
 In justice to myself I should add a few 
 important facts concerning my progress. 
 When first ratified by Congress I had thir- 
 teen white stars in an unbroken circle upon 
 my field of blue, and thirteen alternate 
 stripes of red and white. The admission of 
 two more States, Vermont on March 4th, 
 1791; and Kentucky on June 1st, 1792, 
 changed this. 
 
 It was natural that these States should 
 seek recognition in the national Flag, so on 
 January 13th, 1794, Congress passed an act 
 
 22 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 authorizing that I consist of fifteen alter- 
 nate stripes of red and white, and a corre- 
 sponding number of stars. This abolished 
 the unbroken circle and my stars appeared 
 in five rows of three stars in each row. I 
 then became known as the "Fort McHenry 
 Flag." 
 
 In this form I remained up to and through 
 the war of 1812, and it was not until April 
 14th, 1818 that I was again changed. The 
 admission into the Union of Tennessee, 
 June 1st, 1796; Ohio, November 29th, 1802; 
 Louisiana, April 30th, 1812; Indiana, De- 
 cember 11th, 1816; and Mississippi, Decem- 
 ber 10th, 1817, made the alteration neces- 
 sary. 
 
 A Congressional committee, duly appoint- 
 ed, suggested the addition of five stars and 
 five stripes. But this was found to be im- 
 practicable. It was evident that if this rule 
 were continued, the result would be an 
 awkward, unwieldy ensign. After a year of 
 debate it was decided to reduce the num- 
 ber of stripes from fifteen, to the original 
 number of thirteen, and to add stars alone 
 as required. This met with general ap- 
 proval and I then became firmly established 
 on the 14th of April, 1818. 
 
 23 
 
NARRATIVE IV. 
 
■■■■■■■■■lllllilllllll III. Ill 1 1 II Ml IIMMIIIII II III lllllilllllll Ill) 
 
 The Flag of the United States stands 
 for righteousness, and so points the way to 
 moral leadership. Firm as a rock it stands, 
 exemplifying the fundamental principles of 
 self-government. 
 
 II I llll III I II I ■■■■Ml lllllilllllll I I I II I I • I I ! 1 II II I I || 
 
NARRATIVE IV. 
 
 I HAVE endeavored to tell you, my friend, 
 in my own way, the stirring events that 
 crowded my youthful years and as I have 
 but recently, June 14th, 1921, celebrated 
 my one hundred and forty-fourth birthday, 
 I feel that it is necessary to devote a few 
 moments to my several relations. 
 
 Even a Flag should know something of its 
 progenitors, and it is therefore not unnat- 
 ural for me to investigate my ancestors. I 
 frankly confess that before I assumed the 
 task I had no idea of the number of Flags 
 claiming relationship. I am further com- 
 pelled to add that it has been quite em- 
 barassing for me to acknowledge the slight 
 relationship to some, after becoming ac- 
 quainted with their past. 
 
 In seeking a starting point, let us refer to 
 the world's history, in order that the origi- 
 nal Flag may be revealed. 
 
 In a manuscript known as "The Book of 
 Knowledge of all the Kingdoms, Countries, 
 and Lordships, that there are in the World, 
 and of the Ensigns and Arms of each Coun- 
 try and Lordships, Etc., Etc.," written by 
 
 27 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 an anonymous Franciscan friar, one hun- 
 dred and fifty years before Columbus dis- 
 covered America, this interesting fact was 
 disclosed. 
 
 "There are in the Kingdom of Castile, 
 twenty-eight cities, and many other towns, 
 castles, and villages. 
 
 "Know that this Kingdom of Castile and 
 Leon, has all the sea coast of the west, as far 
 as Bayona the Greater, and borders on 
 Navarre and Aragon, and Granada. 
 
 "The ensign of the kings of this Kingdom 
 is a Flag with two Castles and two Lions, 
 quarterly." 
 
 It appears to me that this flag mentioned 
 by the old friar was closely related to the 
 Royal Standard of Spain carried by Colum- 
 bus when he first landed upon the shores of 
 the new world October 12th, 1492. 
 
 It is also recorded that about the year 
 1000, four hundred and ninety years prior 
 to the landing of Columbus, the Norse navi- 
 gators headed by Lief Ericisson, known as 
 "Eric the Red," visited the eastern coast of 
 the new world carrying a banner of white, 
 upon which appeared "a raven with open 
 bill and extended wings." 
 
 In the face of all evidence found concern- 
 ing the "Norse" navigators, there is no posi- 
 tive record of their having unfurled a ban- 
 ner upon American soil. 
 
 28 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 During the First Crusade in the east in 
 1095, Pope Urban II, assigned to all Chris- 
 tion nations crosses, varying in color and 
 design, to be used by them as standards, 
 emblematic of the warfare in which they 
 were engaged. To the Scotch, he gave the 
 white cross of St. Andrew, on a blue field. 
 The English received a yellow cross but a 
 century later adopted a red cross on a white 
 field. This was known as the cross of St. 
 George. 
 
 When James VI of Scotland ascended the 
 throne of England as James I, he combined 
 the crosses in 1606 and ordered all ships to 
 carry the new Flag. At that time the vessels 
 of South Britain floated the red cross of St. 
 George, and the ships of North Britain, the 
 white cross of St. Andrew. 
 
 The new flag, a combination of the 
 crosses, was known as the " Great Union,' ' 
 and later the " Union Jack." Although this 
 flag was in use a considerable time, it was 
 not until 1707 that Parliament passed an act 
 definitely establishing it. 
 
 In the same year the British government 
 instructed the navy to use what is known as 
 the "White Ensign," the combined crosses 
 of St. Andrew and St. George in the upper 
 left hand corner of a white field. The ships 
 
 29 
 
THE FLAG OP OUR COUNTRY 
 
 forming the division now known as the 
 naval reserve carried the crosses in the same 
 position on a blue field; and the vessels en- 
 gaged in commerce, the cross design upon a 
 red field. 
 
 During the colonial period the "Red 
 Ensign/' or merchants flag, was the one 
 most frequently seen and therefore was 
 naturally looked upon by the colonists as 
 the flag of the Mother Country. It might 
 be well to inform the reader that there was 
 considerable opposition to these cross flags, 
 many believing their use idolatrous. In 
 1635, a body of Massachusetts troops re- 
 fused to march beneath a flag upon which 
 appeared a cross, and military authorities 
 were compelled to design a more acceptable 
 standard. 
 
 Massachusetts was among the first colon- 
 ies to adopt a "Liberty Tree" flag. It was a 
 white field with a narrow stripe of blue on 
 the top and bottom edges, while in the centre 
 appeared a green tree surmounted with the 
 words "Liberty Tree/' and over the bottom 
 stripe of blue, and extending across the field 
 beneath the tree, the solemn motto: "An 
 Appeal to God.' ' 
 
 The Southern colonies selected the rattle- 
 snake as the emblem of vigilance and cour- 
 
 30 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 age, and South Carolina, added the signifi- 
 cant words, " Don't Tread On Me." Our 
 first "Navy Jack," hoisted by John Paul 
 Jones on the Alfred, December 3rd, 1776, 
 was an example of these remarkable flags. 
 
 I recall at this moment a conversation 
 held between Benjamin Franklin and Gen- 
 eral Washington December 13th, 1775, in 
 regard to the adoption of the alternative 
 stripes of red and white for the proposed 
 flag of the young Republic. The former 
 said, " While the field of the ensign under 
 consideration must be new in the details of 
 its design, it need not be entirely new in its 
 elements. It is fortunate for us that there 
 is already in use a flag with which the Eng- 
 lish government is familiar, and which is 
 not only recognized but protected. I refer 
 to the flag of the East India Company." 
 
 To me this is conclusive evidence that this 
 flag, containing the thirteen alternate red 
 and white stripes, was the parent of the 
 Flag of the United States made certain by 
 the adoption of the stripes in the " Cam- 
 bridge Flag." 
 
 The first distinctly American Flag in de- 
 sign, known as the "Fort Moultrie Flag," 
 was displayed in September, 1775. It was a 
 blue field with a white crescent in the upper 
 
 31 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 left hand quarter and just over the lower 
 edge appeared the strikingly appropriate 
 word "Liberty," also in white. 
 
 It should be remembered that up to this 
 time the colonists did not seek a common 
 standard. They had accepted without ques- 
 tion the "Red Ensign" of Great Britain. 
 But they wished for something distinctive, 
 something wholly representative. This they 
 accomplished by adopting the red and white 
 stripes of the "East India Company's" 
 standard, and placing the crosses of St. 
 Andrew and St. George in the upper left 
 hand quarter of the flag. 
 
 This ensign was known as the "Flag of 
 the Union" or "The Cambridge Flag," and 
 was first hoisted upon the ship of Com- 
 modore Hopkins, the "Alfred," by John 
 Paul Jones, December 3rd, 1775, and later 
 by General Washington at his hedquarters 
 at Cambridge, Massachusetts, January 2nd, 
 1776. 
 
 In this form the Flag remained until the 
 colonies declared their independence. They 
 then rejected the crosses of St. Andrew and 
 St. George and in their place inserted the 
 blue field, containing the thirteen five- 
 pointed stars of hope. 
 
 32 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 This completes my personal investiga- 
 tions. I have attempted in my humble way, 
 to follow the shortest path leading to my 
 progenitors. I hope that doubts regarding 
 the circumstances surrounding my birth 
 are now satisfactorily dispelled. 
 
 One truth is evident. I was not an instan- 
 taneous production, but the direct result of 
 suffering and sacrifice. From the beginning 
 of my career I have represented the aspira- 
 tions and achievements of loyal men and 
 women who were alone responsible for my 
 coming. 
 
 33 
 
NARRATIVE V. 
 
Illllllllllllf lllllllllltllltlllllllll 
 
 Live and breathe the spirit of Justice 
 and Equality. Desire only that which is 
 rightfully thine. Stand squarely upon the 
 rock of decency, and by your action en- 
 courage a just and honorable manhood. 
 
 Illllllllllllll III I IIIIII1IMIIIIIIMIIIIM>IIIIMHIIIIIIMII!IIIIIIIIHMII1I MIIMIMI 
 
NARRATIVE V. 
 
 NO SOONER had I reached my 22nd 
 birthday than I was plunged into my 
 first great sorrow. This was in 1799. I pre- 
 sume, my friend, you will deny this possi- 
 bility and declare it ridiculous for me a flag, 
 to be susceptible to emotion of any char- 
 acter. 
 
 Before you decide, let us analyze my rela- 
 tionship to yourself. You will then the bet- 
 ter appreciate my attitude. I have only to 
 remind you that I am the Flag of the United 
 States. Is not this enough to convince you 
 that I really live, feel, and know? Why, my 
 dear friend I am yourself. Your heart is my 
 heart; your soul, my soul; I am your 
 thoughts, your ambition. If you are weak, 
 I am no longer strong; if you are selfish, I 
 am no longer charitable; if you are unjust, I 
 become the oppressor. Your loyalty to your 
 government can only be measured by your 
 loyalty to me. 
 
 So when I speak of my joys and sorrows, 
 it is because I am the throb of the national 
 heart; the hope, the strength, of the national 
 character. I am the essence of Justice es- 
 
 37 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 tablished by Law. Then why should I not 
 be susceptible to human emotions ? Does not 
 this hypothesis prove my power to feel? 
 
 Without further argument I recall the 
 profound grief I suffered at the loss of my 
 more than friend, General George Wash- 
 ington. It was not alone an irreparable loss 
 to me, but a mighty blow to civilization. I 
 loved this truly great man; this unselfish 
 patriot, whose first and last thought was 
 loyalty to his country. 
 
 Oh, Washington, Washington, I will never 
 forget your great affection for me, the Flag 
 of the United States. I will ever stand the 
 reflector of thy will. At thy grave you will 
 find me the symbol of all you would have 
 me, the invincible harbinger of human 
 liberty. 
 
 I do not wish to convey the thought that I 
 do not mourn the loss of all who gave their 
 lives for me, that vast army of unknown 
 dead, who died that I might live. Each foot 
 of earth in which they rest is sanctified by 
 their blood, forever and forever. 
 
 It is my duty to see that you, my friend, 
 do not forget the priceless blood and treas- 
 ure that made certain the birth and per- 
 petuity of the Federal Union. 
 
 38 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 My second great grief was the death of 
 Alexander Hamilton, occurring in 1805, at 
 the hands of that political outcast, Aaron 
 Burr, who, disowned by his State, experi- 
 enced the just fate of the insincere scoun- 
 drel who stopped at nothing to secure his 
 ends. His despicable intrigues forced the 
 great patriot Hamilton to defend his honor 
 with his life, and Burr, the despised and 
 hated Burr, finally paid his debt to Heaven 
 and the Republic. Detested at home; loathed 
 abroad; driven from England; expelled from 
 France; he became a penniless wanderer 
 and returning to the country he had out- 
 raged, died a lonely broken man. 
 
 In 1865, at the height of a glorious career, 
 with the unity of the States assured and 
 peace once more established, Abraham 
 Lincoln fell mortally wounded, the victim of 
 assassination. 
 
 Never did a nation experience so pro- 
 found a grief. Lincoln the Emancipator, 
 the savior of the Republic, found in death 
 the peace he craved. Although dead, the 
 memory of his noble words, his generous 
 deeds, will be recalled again and again as 
 long as the mind of man endures. 
 
 The world was again shocked and stunned 
 in 1881 by the untimely death of our 
 
 39 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 twentieth President of the United States, 
 James A. Garfield. Once again the assassin 
 robbed the government of a great and good 
 man; a Christian gentleman, and a true 
 patriot, whose public and private life will 
 ever be remembered as one of the ornaments 
 of our national life. 
 
 The third President to meet death in a 
 similar manner was William McKinley, who 
 passed away September 14th, 1901. It was 
 said of him, "He fought like a hero; wrought 
 like a statesman; lived like a Christian and 
 died like a philosopher. ' ' 
 
 As I recall the unfortunate circumstances 
 surrounding the untimely deaths of these 
 patriots, there appears nothing to justify 
 acts so base. These great men were raised 
 to posts of honor by the citizens of a free 
 nation and had been guilty of no wrong. 
 Their thought, aim and effort was to multi- 
 ply the blessings of human liberty. Yet they 
 died the victims of ignorance, hatred and 
 disloyalty. Let us see to it that they did 
 not die in vain. 
 
 In 1919 came the loss of the great Ameri- 
 can, Theodore Roosevelt. No man, living or 
 dead, served his country with greater fi- 
 delity. None can question his tremendous 
 loyalty; his great love for me, the Flag of 
 
 40 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 the United States. His intense American- 
 ism; his unswerving allegiance to his gov- 
 ernment, was and ever will be an inexhaust- 
 ible inspiration to his countrymen. 
 
 Washington, Hamilton, Lincoln, Garfield, 
 McKinley, Roosevelt ! What illustrious 
 names to conjure with. What memories 
 cluster about their remarkable personali- 
 ties. Each suffered with heroic fortitude. 
 Each played well his part. Each placed his 
 faith in Almighty God. Each left an im- 
 perishable name. 
 
 Let me, the Flag of the United States, 
 always remind you of the personal debt you 
 owe your country. In memory of the service 
 rendered by these men who served, and in 
 serving died, give the best within you. Exer- 
 cise the rights of citizenship. Become a 
 virile part of the Union, a Union that needs 
 the sustaining force of honorable effort. 
 
 Do not misunderstand me, I beg of you. 
 I wish to harmonize, not antagonize. But I 
 deem it a duty to remind you that every 
 time your eyes rest upon me, that you as 
 well as I, have national sorrows. 
 
 I am but the reminder of the devotion, 
 sacrifice and purpose of these brave men 
 who breathed into our very souls the spirit 
 
 41 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 of divine liberty. Therefore I admonish you, 
 study the marvelous history of your country, 
 remembering, that legislation will not, nay, 
 cannot make a good citizen. It merely 
 points the way. The attainment rests solely 
 in the hands of the individual. Once pos- 
 sessed with this knowledge, you should, 
 with patriotic zeal, embrace every oppor- 
 tunity of thoroughly knowing the United 
 States, and in knowing, serve. 
 
 42 
 
NARRATIVE VI. 
 
111 1 mi! iiiiiiimiiiiiiuim I mi minim iiiiuiiiiiii 
 
 Instill confidence in the stranger to self- 
 government by doing all in your power to 
 prove a sincere desire on your part to be- 
 come a worthy advocate of the principles 
 involved. 
 
 Americans are judged, not by what they 
 say, but by ivhat they do. It is well to see 
 to it that we do not mislead or betray 
 those who seek to emulate our example. 
 
 ■ 1 1 1 1 ■ ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 > 1 1 1 ■ ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ i > 1 1 1 > 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ ■■ 1 1 > 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 
 
NARRATIVE VI. 
 
 ONE blusterous morning, several months 
 after the entrance of the United States 
 into the World-War a poor itinerant street 
 peddler, a recent arrival from over-seas, en- 
 tered a novelty house in New York's whole- 
 sale district and purchased a goodly number 
 of small Flags of the United States, includ- 
 ing the narrator, for the purpose of selling 
 us to whomever would buy. I confess the 
 purchaser, an old trader, had little sym- 
 pathy for me at this time. His one thought 
 was profit. I was delighted to know, how- 
 ever, that he considered my market value of 
 such importance. Many of my native-born 
 supporters did not give me even this con- 
 sideration. It also pleased me to think that 
 my purchaser, whoever he might be, would 
 acquire me, not so much for my beauty, but 
 for the principles inculcated within my 
 folds. 
 
 It was decidedly interesting for me to 
 watch the conduct of the people approached. 
 The pathetic cry of the peddler, "Buy a 
 flag, mister, buy a flag," was not calculated 
 to be particularly appealing. However, I 
 
 45 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 was pleased to note that even with this 
 handicap he enjoyed a considerable measure 
 of success. Out of the armful he had pur- 
 chased earlier in the day, I was the only one 
 unsold at noon, and as he was a stranger un- 
 used to our ways, I was very glad of his 
 success. 
 
 He was standing uj)on the edge of the 
 curb, crying his w r ares, trying to dispose of 
 me, the last of his stock. Turning suddenly 
 he unintentionally struck a corpulent by- 
 stander a feeble tap on the cheek with the 
 slender staff to which I was attached. The 
 outraged citizen flew into a terrible passion 
 and viciously abused the trembling man. 
 "You scum," he exclaimed, "why don't you 
 stay in the street where you belong. " 
 
 "Please," apologetically whined the 
 frightened vendor, "I'm sorry, I didn't 
 mean to — ." Before the unfortunate could 
 say more, the offended American deliber- 
 ately pushed the old man sprawling into the 
 street. 
 
 From my position in the gutter, I appeal- 
 ed to each passer-by to assist us, yet none 
 heeded my appeal, and with smile or sneer, 
 went their several ways, unmindful of the 
 man from "over-seas" or the flag by his 
 side. 
 
 46 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 The poor vendor, like thousands of his 
 kind, must learn that the brutal, selfish ac- 
 tion was un-American; that a true citizen 
 of the Republic is the respecter of the 
 rights of others, and that although I am the 
 Flag of the United States, I should not be 
 held responsible for the conduct of every 
 boor who not only disregards the sacred 
 rights of others, but denies the injunction 
 of the Master who wishes mankind to "love 
 thy neighbor as thyself. " 
 
 For one hundred and forty-four years I 
 have tried to awaken within the souls of 
 men a desire for justice and equality. I 
 would prevent the deluge of blood and tears 
 occasioned by man's inhumanity to man. I 
 would lessen the number of widows and 
 orphans and forever abolish the staggering 
 cost of war. 
 
 Unfortunately civilization must learn in- 
 dividually. The wound pains him most upon 
 whom the blow descends. Each must profit 
 by their own bitter experience. Unfortu- 
 nate as this appears, it is the inexorable law 
 of human progress. 
 
 No sooner had my friend regained his 
 feet and rescued me from impending dan- 
 gers, when a well-dressed, smooth-faced 
 man of about forty, placed a kindly hand 
 
 47 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 upon his shoulder and conducted him around 
 the corner, and down a less frequented 
 street where the}^ might converse without 
 being observed. 
 
 "My poor friend/' said the smooth-faced 
 one, after he had reached a secluded spot, "I 
 was a witness to the great indignity inflict- 
 ed upon you, by one of the privileged class. 
 I am indeed thankful that I was not born in 
 this detestable land. Like you I came from 
 afar. It is well enough to sell the flag you 
 hold in your hand to such fools as will buy. 
 But do not allow yourself to be blinded by 
 its glamour. It is not the emblem for you, 
 my comrade. Take this pamphlet to the se- 
 clusion of your home, and read it carefully. 
 Do not let this rag of liberty lead you from 
 the true path of freedom. Join with us and 
 aid in securing the justice to which the poor 
 are entitled. We must pave the way for our 
 children. We must not allow them to be- 
 come the hopeless slaves of their masters. 
 Take this information quickly and hide it, 
 for here come the police. " After giving the 
 astonished peddler several tracts, he rapidly 
 crossed the street and disappeared. 
 
 What might have been the thoughts of my 
 bemuddled friend I do not know and I fear 
 I never shall, for at this moment a boy of 
 
 48 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 about ten, raced out from one of the many 
 doorways that lined the thoroughfare, and 
 approaching the old man abruptly asked, 
 "How much for the flag, mister ?" "Ten 
 cents" was the indifferent reply, and after 
 the youngster had laborously counted ten 
 pennies, he received me and was gone. 
 
 I have always regretted this unceremon- 
 ious parting from my aged friend. I wanted 
 to warn him against the smooth-faced man. 
 It was my desire to tell him the story he 
 must one day hear, must one day understand. 
 Perhaps he found his way to honorable citi- 
 zenship. I hope he does not, like others, seek 
 the destruction of the government that 
 guarantees the blessings of liberty for our- 
 selves and our posterity. Who knows? 
 
 The boy re-entered the doorway from 
 which he had emerged and carried me up 
 winding, dirty stairs, then down a long dark 
 passage to his home. Home ? It would have 
 been far better had I described it as a pen, 
 for such it turned out to be. 
 
 The building in which this pen or room 
 was located, was in the district known as 
 the "Ghetto," and I am surprised to know 
 that there are many of the same character 
 in the United States. 
 
 49 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 This particular place in which I was im- 
 prisoned is called a "tenement," a huge 
 structure containing many pens or rooms in 
 which people live. Had I not better say 
 exists Some one said in my hearing that 
 forty families resided in this poorly lighted 
 and ventilated building. I was also informed 
 that one bath tub did duty for all. 
 
 The boy walked the entire length of the 
 dark passage before he came to the door 
 opening into his pen or room. Upon enter- 
 ing he looked about as if in search of some 
 place to put me. He finally decided to tack 
 me against the wall, to the right of the door, 
 and directly in front of a pile of rags. I 
 think he selected this spot because these 
 rags were his bed, and he could see me the 
 last thing at night and the first in the morn- 
 ing. I am glad to say that the boy did not 
 drive the tacks sustaining me, through my 
 colors, but used them to fasten my staff, a 
 departure from the usual custom I will ad- 
 mit, but one that I deeply appreciate. 
 
 My position against the wall prevented 
 me from seeing a very great distance down 
 the dimly lighted hallway. I did discover, 
 however, a water faucet just outside the 
 door that supplied all residing upon this 
 particular floor. I was astonished to note 
 
 50 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 that there was no sink or drain for carrying 
 off the drippings. An old battered and ex- 
 ceedingly dirty oil can stood beneath the 
 tap. This receptacle was constantly over- 
 flowing owing to a lack of attention. The 
 children, and there were many, added to the 
 unfortunate condition and it had become a 
 veritable slime of dirt and moisture, as well 
 as a menace to health and safety. 
 
 The room was very poorly furnished. Op- 
 posite the door a curtainless window gave a 
 pale faced woman opportunity for hanging 
 out the half -washed clothes of the children. 
 In the centre of the floor stood a dilapidated 
 kitchen table and four re-constructed chairs. 
 Behind the door lay a musty mattress, and 
 in the opposite corner was the resting place 
 of the boy who had purchased me. 
 
 On the end of the table was a two-burner 
 gas stove upon which had been piled a 
 blackened coffee pot and several pieces of 
 unwashed tinware. Upon a newspaper, 
 serving as a tablecloth, were scattered plates 
 more or less cracked, containing remnants 
 of food. This completes the important pos- 
 sessions about me. Now add the insufferable 
 heat, numberless flies and the unsanitary 
 conditions already mentioned and I am sure 
 you will not envy my isolation. 
 
 51 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 One evening, following an exceedingly 
 warm afternoon, I noticed that something 
 a little out of the ordinary was about to 
 occur. The people residing on the several 
 floors were bustling in and out of the room 
 in which I was imprisoned. It was evident 
 that some visitor was expected. Willing 
 hands carried away the blankets and other 
 impediments. The table was placed against 
 the wall and the entire floor space filled with 
 chairs so arranged that those assembled 
 could face the expected one. I also noticed 
 that the men arriving wore scarlet ribbons 
 pinned to the lapels of their coats and the 
 women a bit of the same material in their 
 hair. Soon the children announced the ex- 
 pected one and you may well judge of my 
 surprise when I recognized in the guest of 
 the evening none other than the smooth- 
 faced man who had led my friend, the 
 peddler, to the obscure spot on the street. 
 
 After removing his hat and cloak, he 
 shook hands with all present in a very cor- 
 dial manner and seemed delighted with the 
 attention shown. The greetings exchanged, 
 a chairman called the meeting to order and 
 suggested sending the children to the foot 
 of the stairs with instructions to keep their 
 eyes open for the police. When quiet was 
 
 52 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 restored, the smooth-faced man, proceeded 
 to address his hearers, as near as I can re- 
 member as follows : 
 
 "Comrades: We must prepare for the 
 great revolt. This boasted government has 
 fallen into the hands of a select few. The 
 freedom they demand is the freedom to 
 plunder and oppress. It is they who grind 
 you and your rights beneath their feet. They 
 exact all you can pay then deny you human 
 necessities. You seek a home, and they give 
 you a hovel. Do not your children require 
 food, clothes and education? Does not the 
 first amendment to the Constitution declare 
 that "Congress shall make no law abridg- 
 ing the freedom of speech or press, or the 
 right of the people to peacefully assemble?" 
 Yet in the face of this statement are not 
 these privileges denied us? To escape the 
 police, the thugs of the rich, are we not com- 
 pelled to meet secretly in the homes of the 
 brotherhood?" 
 
 How long this tirade against the govern- 
 ment of the United States might have con- 
 tinued, I am not in a position to know for at 
 this moment a young man wearing the uni- 
 form of the American Expeditionary Forces, 
 appeared in the doorway. His face, although 
 badly scarred, beamed with eagerness and 
 
 53 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 hope, as he proudly disclosed three gold 
 service bars on the sleeve of his coat. 
 
 The smooth-faced man, angered at the 
 sudden appearance of the soldier, directed 
 his entire attention to him. Pointing his 
 ringer at him he screamed in a frenzy of 
 passion : 
 
 "Look, my comrades; look, there stands 
 one of the heroic representatives of a gov- 
 ernment that forcibly takes your sons and 
 orders them to murder unfortunates. Look 
 upon the uniformed lacke}^ of his master! 
 Down with the government that would de- 
 stroy us! Down with their constitution! 
 Down with their " 
 
 For the first time he beheld me the flag 
 he loathed tacked upon the wall. Now 
 thoroughly enraged he sprang toward me 
 shouting: "See that symbol? That cursed 
 flag? Tear it from the wall! Let me " 
 
 Neither the sentence nor the action ever 
 finished, for quick as a flash of light the 
 soldier seized the frenzied man, and hurled 
 him into the midst of the startled brother- 
 hood. 
 
 "Don't lay your hand upon that flag," 
 warned the soldier, as he stooped to pick 
 up a trench cap that had fallen to the 
 
 54 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 floor. "Stand back, every one of you," he 
 exclaimed, as they moved menacingly to- 
 ward him. "I once believed just such state- 
 ments as you have heard. I even believed 
 that this flag, yours and mine, the one he 
 sought to dishonor, was the emblem of sel- 
 fishness and greed. I was wrong, I learned 
 this ' over there, ' amid the roar of battle, and 
 believe me I understand." 
 
 "My boy!" exclaimed an old man as he 
 emerged from the group and crossed to the 
 soldier's side. 
 
 "Dad, dear old dad, you here with that 
 man? Oh dad, you don't understand I know 
 you don't; but it will come out all right dad, 
 sure. But where 's mother? Not a word, go 
 tell her I am here, quick dad, find her." 
 
 As the old man left the room in search of 
 the absent one, the soldier turned and faced 
 the astonished neighbors. 
 
 "You all remember me. I may have 
 changed a bit; that couldn't be helped. But 
 I want to say this much to every one of you. 
 Don't let men of this type rob you of the 
 protection of this flag. It has required many 
 years to build this government of which you 
 are a part. Would you help these men de- 
 stroy it in a day? Don't forget that when 
 you left your homes across the sea and ar- 
 
 55 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 rived upon these shores — you, my friends, 
 every one of you, become a part of the 
 United States. You left behind you every 
 association, every allegiance. You became 
 builders, not destroyers. You came as honest 
 men, not liars and rogues. You came to sup- 
 port this government, not to tear it apart. 
 From this very hour you must abandon 
 these false prophets, they would annihilate 
 the opportunities of 'life, liberty and the 
 pursuit of happiness.' Become, I beg of you, 
 worthy defenders of this flag, for it is now 
 the Flag of your Country and mine." 
 
 "Did you get that, ye big stiff," asked a 
 boy who had edged his way to the side of 
 the smooth-faced man. "Did ve get that?" 
 
 "Hello kid. Where's mother? " 
 
 "She's a-comin' and a-comin' strong. 
 When dad said you was here, I'll bet I came 
 so fast my feet never hit a step." Then 
 crossing to the smooth-faced man the boy 
 continued. "What ye waitin' fur? Didn't yer 
 hear what me brudder said, huh?" 
 
 "The kid's right, this is no place for you, 
 and don't let me find you here again," added 
 the soldier, as he placed his arm about the 
 boy and drawing him affectionately to him 
 said, "You are all to the merry kid, all to 
 the merry." 
 
 56 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 " Yes, but it took me big brudder to tell it 
 to Mm. Gee Bud, you did tell it to him, I'll 
 tell the woild." 
 
 "Where is he ? where is he?" called an 
 anxious voice from out the passage. Quickly 
 the soldier turned and met the advancing 
 woman and mother and son clasped each 
 other in eager arms. 
 
 As the smooth-faced man passed through 
 the door, the neighbors gathered about the 
 re-united family. My last recollection was a 
 happy group of men and women, receiving 
 their first lesson in citizenship from the man 
 who knew. I enjoyed their attempt to sing 
 with understanding, "My country 'tis of 
 thee, sweet land of liberty." 
 
 After all had departed, the bo}^ crossed to 
 where I hung upon the wall, and gazing af- 
 fectionately upon me, whispered, half to me, 
 half to himself, "Gee Bo, yer some flag, be- 
 lieve me, some flag." 
 
 57 
 
NARRATIVE VII 
 
I .minimi ill 1 1! II I mi 1 1: Illlllllll minimum mi 
 
 Defend the home, that sacred refuge of 
 love, respect and confidence. Surround it 
 with every possible protection. It is in 
 the home that the character of the man or 
 ■woman is formed. All that they are or 
 ever will be is traceable to the home. 
 
 The world cries aloud for home-bred, 
 home-loving men and women — men and 
 tvomen of vision and wisdom ivho believe 
 in the enobling influence of the American 
 home. 
 
 ■ ■ mi in im i in ii in mi in inn u 
 
NARRATIVE VII. 
 
 I EEC ALL a certain judge whose upright 
 decisions had won for him an enduring 
 place in the hearts of his countrymen. He 
 was an intense American, and one who 
 never lost the opportunity of impressing all 
 who came in contact with him the necessity 
 for a greater love of me. 
 
 He would often declare that " justice is 
 purchased at the cost of personal sacrifice 
 and that good citizenship is based upon serv- 
 ice to one's country. You cannot be a good 
 citizen and withhold service and obedience. 
 Our first duty is to the Flag, symbolic of 
 service and obedience. We should know it; 
 understand it, and so become worthy the 
 title, citizen.' ' 
 
 One day I was idly swinging backward 
 and forward in his court room, swayed by 
 the crisp morning air. Glancing through the 
 open window, I obtained an occasional 
 glimpse of another flag like myself, sus- 
 pended from a staff on the building op- 
 posite. It had been left out over night, and 
 the dawn disclosed a huge rent which ex- 
 tended the entire length of the color. In 
 
 61 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 truth, had it not been for the canvas hoist, 
 the poor emblem would have been torn 
 asunder, the victim of ignorance and 
 neglect. 
 
 I was contrasting the two Americans, my 
 patriotic Judge and the owner of my 
 wounded relative across the street, when 
 the court room door opened and a woman 
 timidly entered. She looked pale, anxious, 
 unhappy; in spite of this, she was beautiful 
 in form and face. The woman walked 
 wearily across the courtroom and seated 
 herself by the open window, directly in 
 front of me. As her tear-dimmed eyes 
 rested upon my folds I cried aloud for 
 justice and sympathy. Perhaps she heard 
 my voice, perhaps she understood. 
 
 I was about to turn my attention to my 
 wounded compatriot across the street, when 
 a business or professional man of about 
 forty entered. Undoubtedly he had not ex- 
 pected to meet the woman, too occupied 
 with her thoughts to notice his presence. He 
 turned as if to leave the court room on see- 
 ing her, but as suddenly changed his mind. 
 Removing his hat, he slowly crossed to 
 where the woman was seated and extend- 
 ing his hand said: 
 
 62 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 "May I speak with you before the case is 
 called ?" 
 
 The woman started nervously and speak- 
 ing with an effort replied: 
 
 "There is nothing more to say, John; why 
 prolong the agony !" 
 
 "Because, Lillian,' ' the man looked to- 
 ward the door, then back to the woman. 
 "Because of the boy. I do not think we are 
 doing ourselves justice." The woman raised 
 an expostulating hand. 
 
 "Listen, please, until I am done," pleaded 
 the man in an almost inaudible voice. "God 
 knows I am trying to do my duty now, if 
 never before. When I told you I loved you 
 it was the truth, I swear it; and I still love 
 you. Please listen. Something has caused 
 us to drift apart. We may have acted hastily, 
 foolishly. I don't know how it happened. 
 I've tried to analyze it all, without success. 
 It seems the only sensible thing to do but 
 the thought of it chills my heart. 
 
 "I feel as if I stood at the edge of a grave, 
 forsaken, lost. I see drifting from me all 
 that I had ever hoped for, slaved for; my 
 wife, my home, my boy. They may never 
 come to me again. So I determined to see 
 you, and just talk things over, you and I to- 
 
 63 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 gether; we might find where we erred and 
 perhaps the sun would shine again, if not 
 for us, the boy." 
 
 "But you have been so unreasonable, 
 cruel. You had your club, your friends, 
 your business, while I remained always 
 alone." 
 
 "Lillian, I fear we misunderstood; that 
 we have never taken each other into our con- 
 fidence. Look at that flag above us, dear, 
 does it not point the way*? See its stars of 
 hope; its stripes of purity and courage; its 
 field of loyal blue. Does it not acclaim the 
 Union of States'? Then why not the union 
 of hearts »" 
 
 "Don't John, please don't! Can you not 
 see? Can you not understand? It is too 
 late." 
 
 "It is never too late for justice," said a 
 white haired man, who had entered unob- 
 served. It was my friend the Judge. He had 
 heard the man's reference to me. He walked 
 proudly forward, and facing husband and 
 wife, held the battered stump of an arm be- 
 fore them and with a voice trembling with 
 emotion said: 
 
 "Look, my friends, when angry States 
 resolved to disagree; when passion and 
 
 64 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 hatred robbed them of reason; they, like you, 
 determined to go their separate ways. They 
 demanded a divorce. They forgot that the 
 result of that separation meant the destruc- 
 tion of our Federal Union, just as divorce 
 means the annihilation of your home, your 
 hope, your love. The secession of States 
 meant the death of loyalty, freedom, justice. 
 But all did not believe in this divorcing of 
 States. To help save the Union I offered my 
 life, but Lincoln only took an arm." 
 
 "My friends," continued the Judge, "sor- 
 row has seared my heart and tears have 
 chastened my soul. My wife and son, all I 
 possessed, sleep side by side in a little 
 church yard, way out west. Often in my 
 great loneliness I recall the bitter struggle 
 for success. How she skimped and saved 
 for me, and the boy. How she loved this 
 beautiful flag, and how proud she was of 
 me, when I marched away to defend its 
 honor. Your reference to it a moment ago 
 was as appropriate as it was timely. All we 
 are, all we will ever be, we owe to that flag. 
 
 "It pleads just as earnestly for an indi- 
 visible home as it did for an indivisible 
 Union of States. It makes marriage a sacred 
 responsibility, not a transitory accommoda- 
 tion. I know little of the merits or demerits 
 
 65 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 of your case. But I do feel certain, that your 
 troubles are greatly magnified. Please do 
 not interrupt, as lawyer and jurist I have 
 had exceptional opportunities to investigate 
 the various causes of divorce, and I say in 
 all candor, that I deeply regret the fragility 
 of the home. 
 
 " Madam, I am the uncompromising 
 enemy of the wife who puts herself above 
 that home. I cannot believe that God in- 
 tended the mothers and wives of men to be- 
 come social, political, commercial, or profes- 
 sional leaders at the expense of that home. 
 I am old fashioned enough to look upon our 
 women as the unquestioned queens of the 
 fireside. And say what you will, the uncon- 
 trovertable fact remains that the future 
 American citizen will be the product of that 
 home. 
 
 "Our country's greatest need is men and 
 women big enough, loj^al enough, unselfish 
 enough, to bear and forbear; to help each 
 other, come weal or woe. There can be no 
 advantage; no superiority. In prosperity or 
 adversity; sickness or health; life or death, 
 be loving, true. You must not think me a 
 meddling old man, I want you to realize your 
 responsibility." Slowly he walked to the 
 window, then turned and faced both man 
 
 66 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 and wife and gazing steadily into their 
 eyes asked, "Is there a child?" 
 
 "A son," faintly answered the woman. 
 
 "A son?" repeated the Judge, "a son?" 
 
 "Yes Judge, a son," replied the man. 
 
 "Now, my friends, you shall listen to me. 
 What has this innocent boy done to merit 
 this great wrong? Has he no rights? Must 
 he become an outcast? Is he to be denied a 
 home because you, his father, and you, his 
 mother, are too selfish to care whether his 
 heart be broken or not ? ' ' 
 
 "How dare you address me in this man- 
 ner?" interrupted the man springing to his 
 feet. 
 
 "How dare }^ou ruin the future of your 
 son?" replied the Judge calmly. "Be seated, 
 please. Is it because you and this lady have 
 become too self centered, too timid, too 
 vacillating? Is it possible that your sole 
 idea is self, nothing but self? Because of 
 some wrong, fancied or otherwise, you are 
 going to be avenged one upon the other. You 
 intend to show the other how little you 
 care ; you are going to teach each other their 
 place; you have made up }^our minds to 
 wreck, destroy, annihilate. You, who once 
 swore before your God, to love, honor, and 
 obey." 
 
 67 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 "And your son? What effect will your 
 unnatural action have upon his life"? Will 
 it increase his respect for the marriage rela- 
 tion? Will he profit by this division of affec- 
 tion'? Will he honor and respect the father 
 and mother who stood between him and a 
 home? Will he admire your lack of courage 
 and consideration? One da}^ he will recog- 
 nize the cruel truth. The passion of the par- 
 ents was stronger than their love for him. 
 Pie will know that they cowardly deserted 
 the being they created, and his inheritance 
 will be, not the memory of home, but a dis- 
 torted vision of selfishness, disrespect, and 
 cruelty." 
 
 "Such justice as ye give unto others, shall 
 also be given unto you. If you must sepa- 
 rate, it is well that you know the price. Turn 
 your boy from you, the victim of an unhappy 
 union. Teach him to hate, regret and die, 
 lacking the inspiring love of a united par- 
 entage. My friends I have done." Quickly 
 the aged man moved toward the door of his 
 chamber and would have entered, had not 
 the unhappy woman cast herself before him. 
 
 "Judge, please, please hear me; I have 
 been selfish; wrong; foolish perhaps, but 
 now I understand, I understand." 
 
 68 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 The man crossed to the side of the weep- 
 ing woman and tenderly raised her in his 
 arms. 
 
 "My friend, the fault has been equally 
 mine, she is not alone to blame." Then ad- 
 dressing the woman he continued, "Lillian, 
 let us begin again, if not for ourselves, for 
 the boy." 
 
 "Yes John," replied the wife, "and you 
 will help me, won't you John?" 
 
 "Yes dear." Husband and wife now 
 grasped the Judge's hand in silence, turned, 
 and slowly passed through the swinging 
 doors, in search of the boy. 
 
 At the window facing me stood a white 
 haired man. He extended a crippled arm to- 
 ward me as he murmured, ' ' Oh glorious flag 
 of justice and equality, continue to be my 
 inspiration and my guide!" 
 
 69 
 
NARRATIVE VIII. 
 
1 1 mi ill i i ilium inn mini in mini i 
 
 We must see to it that there be no divi- 
 sion of loyalty among those who enter our 
 ports. We have generously opened our 
 gates, but as they cross our portals each 
 must be informed that unless they become 
 AMERICAN in word, thought and deed it 
 would be far better had they remained at 
 home. 
 
 mm inn i mil III I iiiuiii ill 
 
NARRATIVE VIII. 
 
 I AM reminded of the personal experience 
 of one member of my family, who had the 
 good fortune to be returned to the United 
 States after being sent abroad. My relative 
 also had the honor of securing a loyal citi- 
 zen and adding much to the happiness of 
 many. But here is the strange story, as re- 
 lated by my brother. 
 
 "I was a very small silk flag of the United 
 States, and had been separated from my 
 associates for a somewhat indefinite period. 
 It was not until I found myself neatly and 
 carefully folded between two sheets of writ- 
 ing paper placed in an envelope and sealed 
 therein, that I realized that my purchaser 
 intended sending me to some one at a great 
 distance. 
 
 " Enclosed as I was, I could not determine 
 my destination. So I resolved to act like a 
 sensible flag, and patiently await develop- 
 ments.' ' 
 
 In recounting events dating from the time 
 of my arrival over-seas, I have a hazy recol- 
 lection of a strange voice addressing some 
 one as follows: "Heinrich, here is a big fat 
 
 73 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 letter for you, it is from America, see, I put 
 it here." 
 
 I felt myself dropped upon a smooth hard 
 surface, only to be seized, the envelope 
 opened, the paper extracted and unfolded, 
 as a gentle breeze swept me from between 
 the sheets of paper, and I fell at the feet of 
 my new acquaintance. 
 
 A young man of, I should say, about 28 
 years of age, picked me up immediately, and 
 tenderly said: 
 
 "I am glad Carl sent you to me, little flag; 
 I will give you to Lena. Some day we are go- 
 ing to your wonderful country, there to live 
 in harmony with all the world. I crave the 
 protection and opportunity guaranteed by 
 your laws. I wish to live an honorable life 
 unmolested by selfish ambitions; to be loved 
 and respected. Flag of freedom and justice 
 befriend me; inspire me; make possible the 
 realization of my dream." 
 
 He addressed me so fervently, so consid- 
 erately, I experienced a feeling of joy and 
 thankfulness, for I realized that I had fallen 
 into friendly hands, and would not be sub- 
 jected to personal indignities. 
 
 Holding me admiringly before him, he 
 turned and walked toward a hedge a short 
 
 74 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 distance away, stopped, and called to a 
 young girl, who came to him instantly. 
 
 "Look Lena, I have just received a letter 
 from Carl. It is the first since the armistice 
 was signed. It brings a message from over 
 the sea," and he handed me to Lena, who 
 seemed glad I had come to her for she 
 pressed me to her cheek and repeated softly 
 "A message from over the sea." 
 
 "Yes dear," answered Heinrich, "Carl 
 bids us come to the United States, there to 
 live in peace for ever more." 
 
 "Is there such a landf 
 
 "Yes Lena; come, sit beneath this tree, 
 and I will tell you the message of the flag. " 
 After they were comfortably seated the man 
 continued, "This flag of Red, White and 
 Blue, has for many years invited the op- 
 pressed of the earth to its home. There all 
 are free and equal; there one may worship 
 God, according to his belief. There, all peo- 
 ples dwell in peace and happiness." Impati- 
 ently springing to his feet he walked away 
 from the girl, but immediately returned, and 
 looking down upon her declared passion- 
 ately: 
 
 "Like Rudolph, I am tired of war and 
 famine; tired of rulers who spurn the rights 
 
 75 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 of the people; tired of masters who debase 
 the blood; tired of leaders who enforce the 
 law of might. I long to be free ; free to live ; 
 free to enjoy the exalted rights of a true 
 citizenship; to be free to work, to love. Not 
 as a royal slave, but as a man, capable of 
 earning, accumulating, enjoying, and be- 
 stowing upon others, the right to "Life, 
 liberty and the pursuit of happiness." 
 
 "That is indeed a wonderful message," 
 replied the girl. 
 
 "And this flag is its inspiration. See, its 
 blood-red stripes mean hardiness and valor; 
 its white, purity and innocence; its blue, 
 perseverance, vigilance and justice; its 
 stars, hope." 
 
 ' ' Hope ? ' ' murmured Lena. 
 
 "Yes, and has not the Master been merci- 
 ful'? — am I not safe and well? All because 
 of your prayers for me." Then seating him- 
 self at the feet of the girl he continued: 
 
 "Did I not escape the ravages of war? I 
 was not to die on the battle field Lena. But 
 I am forgetting the letter from Carl. He 
 bids me join him, he has found employment 
 for me. It will not be long before I will have 
 earned enough for your passage, then you 
 too, will leave this war-torn land and join 
 
 76 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 me in America. The little flag you hold in 
 your hand shall be yours; wear it next to 
 your heart, and remember I shall be as loyal 
 to you as its field of azure blue. You may 
 have it, Lena." 
 
 "No Heinrich, I will not take it from 
 you." 
 
 "I have another, see? Carefully he drew 
 a small silk flag of the United States from 
 out a pocketbook and proudly held it in his 
 hand. "This was given me at the Marne 
 by an American soldier whom I found 
 mortally wounded. He begged for water; I 
 raised him in my arms ; placed my canteen to 
 his lips. He fancied in his delirium that I 
 was a comrade; he asked me to take a mes- 
 sage to his mother when I returned to the 
 States, saying: 
 
 "Take it to her, my mother; you will find 
 her address written upon the edge beside the 
 stars. Take it, love it, defend it, and tell the 
 boys I'm going over the top. And so he died; 
 out there in that sea of blood. I shall keep 
 my promise to the soldier of the Marne." 
 Carefully folding the little flag entrusted 
 to him, he replaced it in his pocket book be- 
 side the portrait of the girl Lena. "And now 
 dear," he continued, "may I place this upon 
 your finger?" 
 
 77 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 "A ring?" exclaimed the delighted girl. 
 
 "Have I not loved you these many years'? 
 First as the student of Heidelberg; then as 
 the soldier, and now as the man. I have 
 waited until the conclusion of the war for 
 I did not want you to have a cripple for a 
 husband. It is because of this love that I 
 shall go to the United States. Will you trust 
 me and wait, just a little longer?" 
 
 "Forever if need be," answered the girl. 
 
 I have only to tell you that Lena placed 
 me in her bosom and during the embrace 
 that followed,I knew that two hearts beat in 
 happy unison, and that some day, we four 
 would meet again. 
 
 78 
 
NARRATIVE IX, 
 
Illlllllllllllllll I Illlllllllllll Illllll II 1 1 II 1 1 llll 
 
 Let no one under- estimate the full sig- 
 nificance of the word liberty. Too often 
 we substitute license, and so voice con- 
 tempt of the law. 
 
 _ It is high time that we understand that 
 liberty can be liberty only so long as it 
 does not destroy the inalienable rights of 
 the people. 
 
 in M liMillll n; 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 in mil mi in i . 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 hi 1 1 mi mi ;, i in 1 1 1 i mi in inn 
 
NARRATIVE IX. 
 
 IT WILL BE much better for me to con- 
 tinue the story of the flag given Heinrich 
 by the soldier who died upon the battle field. 
 You must remember, that I am the flag sent 
 to Heinrich by Carl and given by him to 
 Lena, before sailing for the United States. 
 So I will first give you the story of my rela- 
 tive before concluding my own. 
 
 The little flag was not taken from its hid- 
 ing place until one afternoon in the 
 crowded steerage of a huge trans-Atlantic 
 liner bound for the United States. It was an 
 ill smelling hole and there was much sick- 
 ness. Poorly clad and hungry children were 
 everywhere. My defender was showing a 
 fellow passenger the portrait of a girl and 
 with much pride exhibited the flag given 
 him in "No Man's Land." Without warn- 
 ing the stranger struck the silken folds from 
 out his hand, and as it fell to the deck, raised 
 his heel as if to stamp upon it. Undoubtedly 
 he would have succeeded had not Heinrich 
 seized him by the throat. 
 
 There followed a cry of alarm; a rush of 
 many feet and during the ensuing excite- 
 
 81 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 ment, my relative was severely trampled 
 upon and might have been badly defaced 
 had not a very dirty boy spied me and pick- 
 ing me up, put me in his pocket. 
 
 Heinrich in the meantime managed to 
 extricate himself from the excited throng 
 and regain his treasure. 
 
 The next appearance of the little flag was 
 several days later as the good ship neared 
 its destination. The shore line of the great 
 United States lay before them. This caused 
 much commotion among the passengers, es- 
 pecially in the steerage. This distant vision 
 was to be their home. Soon they would be- 
 come a part of the American Republic. The 
 land of promise and opportunity. What 
 would it bring to them? 
 
 The vessel was met by puffing tugs and 
 slowly pushed and pulled into the harbor. 
 "See," excitedly exclaimed an aged man. 
 "See, is not that the Goddess of Liberty ?" 
 All eyes turned toward the inspiring statue 
 and anxiously tried to understand. The de- 
 fender of my relative paid little heed to 
 those about him. He was engrossed with his 
 own thoughts. In his hands he held the pic- 
 ture of a girl resting upon the silken flag of 
 the Marne, and as he gazed upon the land 
 
 82 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 of his dreams, I heard his earnest voice re- 
 peat these wonderful words. 
 
 "God be my witness. I pledge my allegi- 
 ance to this flag of the United States and to 
 the Republic for which it stands; one nation, 
 indivisible, with liberty and justice to all." 
 
 Friend Iieinrich did not at this time real- 
 ize that citizenship must be earned. He was 
 yet to learn that political rights and privi- 
 leges are the result, not alone of knowing 
 the law but of submission to it. He had not 
 yet realized that good citizenship is based 
 upon service and that one cannot be a good 
 citizen if he withholds it. He was one day 
 to know, that justice is purchased at the cost 
 of personal sacrifice, and that society is com- 
 posed of men and women who must acknowl- 
 edge the rightousness of constituted author- 
 ity. He found that citizenship was not an 
 abnormal desire to get all, hold all, and give 
 nothing, but on the contrary, a well balanced 
 effort to secure and enjoy the fruits of hon- 
 orable effort. 
 
 He also learned that the safety, the pros- 
 perity, the happiness, aye the perpetuity of 
 self-government lie in the willingness of the 
 people constituting that government to deal 
 justly with one another; not only to under- 
 
 83 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 stand that each must do his part, but to do 
 it cheerfully and without delay. 
 
 It was indeed regretable that upon the ar- 
 rival of Heinrich in the great city of New 
 York, Carl failed to meet him as expected. 
 While unable to understand his absence, he 
 resolved to find him as speedily as possible. 
 He was now in the United States; he must 
 not forget Lena or his promise to the soldier 
 of the Marne. First he would find Carl; then 
 he would keep his word given upon the field 
 of battle; he would study the ways of those 
 about him and one day he would reap the 
 reward of his labor and become what he 
 had set out to be, a loyal citizen of the 
 United States. 
 
 84 
 
NARRATIVE X. 
 
I ill mini ill n in si mi inn i 
 
 Every American citizen must champion 
 the right, in order that Justice be done. He 
 who defies the law defies the people, and 
 by his action becomes a menace to society 
 and a detriment to civilization. 
 
 I ■ 1 1 > 1 1 1 > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 • ■ ■ l f l ■ 1 1 1 1 ■ • 1 1 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 :: ■ 1 1 1 1 ■ ■ 1 1 1 ■• x i ■ 1 1 1 ■ 
 
NARRATIVE X. 
 
 THE FAILURE of Carl to meet Heinrich 
 was not alone disappointing but depress- 
 ing. He feared something serious had hap- 
 pened, and alarm increased his anxiety. 
 What could have detained him? 
 
 After waiting at the immigration office 
 the greater part of the day, he determined 
 to go to the address given in the last letter 
 he had received. Without serious difficulty 
 he found the place where Carl had lived, but 
 was informed that his friend had been run 
 over by an automobile, and taken to the 
 City Hospital, some two weeks before his 
 arrival. 
 
 The mystery surrounding Carl's absence 
 explained, Heinrich lost no time in locating 
 the unfortunate who was naturally over- 
 joyed to see his friend but almost heart- 
 broken over his own misfortune. Both legs 
 had been so badly crushed that amputation 
 had been necessary and he was now a 
 cripple for the rest of his days. 
 
 Heinrich was greatly distressed at this 
 unfortunate turn of affairs. He must now 
 do every thing in his power to aid the suf- 
 
 87 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 ferer in the hour of his affliction. Gladly 
 would he accept the responsibility; yes, he 
 would care for his friend until such time as 
 he would be able to help himself. Together 
 they planned. They would find a place to 
 live, and as soon as Heinrich found employ- 
 ment they would manage very nicely. 
 
 " Heinrich," interrupted Carl as his friend 
 was about to depart, "in yonder locker is a 
 message from your brother Rudolph. He 
 was unable to write you during the great 
 war, so he asked me to deliver it to you." 
 
 Eagerly the seal was broken and the con- 
 tents read. It contained this plea: 
 
 i l Heinrich My Brother : Do not feel hard 
 toward me for taking up arms against the 
 ' Fatherland.' When I came to the United 
 States I resolved like thousands of our 
 blood to become a loyal citizen. The call to 
 arms must be answered by all who believe 
 in human liberty. I but tlid my duty. It is 
 the price all so situated must pay. I cannot 
 hope to enjoy what I have not the courage 
 to defend. God forbid we meet upon the 
 field of battle. My one prayer is that we, at 
 least, be spared this sacrifice. Should I die, 
 my brother, and it should be your fate to 
 live, come to America, and under the flag 1 
 
 88 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 now defend, find the peace and happiness 
 denied to me." 
 
 "Is there not another message, my 
 friend ?" asked Heinrich. 
 
 "Only this," and he held out a govern- 
 ment list of heroic dead among whose names 
 appeared the word, "Rudolph." 
 
 Hand clasped in hand the friends sat in 
 silence. Sorrow, the great leveler, attunes 
 our souls to the sufferings of others in order 
 that we may appreciate the full meaning of 
 human sympathy. Rudolph had gone before, 
 but Heinrich was glad he died a defender of 
 the Republic. And so each resolved, that 
 they, like Rudolph, would loyally serve the 
 flag and the government for which it stood. 
 
 Returning to the district in which Carl 
 had resided prior to the accident, Heinrich 
 passed the yards of the East Coast Lumber 
 Company. On the office door, he noticed a 
 sign reading "Men Wanted." Despondent 
 as he was over the events of the day, he 
 realized that it was his duty to meet the 
 issue bravely and squarely. Here was his 
 opportunity, the one thing he most desired. 
 Was he not eager, strong and ready"? Why 
 hesitate? Did not his education fit him for 
 advancement? Without further considera- 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 tion he entered, applied for, and to his great 
 joy, received his first employment in the 
 United States. 
 
 This was indeed fortunate. After supper 
 he would write a long letter to Lena, then 
 hasten to the hospital and tell Carl the great 
 news. His friend would soon regain his 
 health and strength. He would send for 
 Lena. How easy it seemed, for now he would 
 surely succeed. And one day he would have 
 the little home, and there would be flowers, 
 birds, trees, and happiness. 
 
 The following morning he was astir long 
 before a beam of sunlight, that wonderful 
 harbinger of hope, had penetrated the sur- 
 rounding gloom. His heart was heavy for 
 Rudolph would never know how he had 
 longed to see him. But he must not permit 
 his grief to delay his plans; today he was to 
 begin the great struggle for success; today 
 he would have need for all his determina- 
 tion. He must be earnest. He must do his 
 work quickly and well. He must be punc- 
 tual and thus instill confidence which would 
 lead to promotion. He would prove himself 
 to be a good dependable workman and so 
 earn the respect of his employer. 
 
 Three days filled with conflicting emo- 
 tions passed. Each night he talked with 
 
 90 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 Carl. They planned for the girl across the 
 sea, and then Heinrich spoke of the soldier 
 of the Marne, and his promise, made amid 
 the roar and din of battle. As soon as pos- 
 sible he would deliver the message. 
 
 "Poor woman," he said. "I feel very 
 sorry for her. She is waiting, Carl, waiting 
 for the boy who will never return. And 
 while I must see her, I would rather again 
 face the storm of shell and steel, than this 
 boy's mother." 
 
 On the morning of the fifth day the un- 
 looked for happened. A stranger entered 
 the yard and crossing to where Heinrich 
 was employed interrupted his labor with 
 the abrupt command: "Come here, you." 
 
 "What is it you wish?" asked Heinrich 
 as he stood before his questioner. 
 "Pork out your card." 
 
 "I do not understand you, my friend. I 
 have only been in this country a few days 
 and I do not know what you mean." 
 
 "I want your C.-C." 
 "And what is a C.-C?" asked Heinrich. 
 "Clearance card, you boob. Hurry up, 
 come through." 
 "I have no such card." 
 
 91 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 "So you are a rat, eh?" 
 "Why do you call me a rat?" 
 
 "Can the chatter; you can't work here; go 
 get your time." 
 
 "Do you mean I cannot work?" ex- 
 claimed the startled man. 
 
 "Got through the concrete, eh? Don't 
 try to kid me. Only been in the country a 
 few days? Why, you ain't even a citizen." 
 
 "Are you?" 
 
 "You can bet your sweet life I am." 
 
 "My friend, I wish to become a citizen. 
 My brother died for this flag; see, I have it 
 here," and he proudly displayed the flag of 
 the Marne, and was about to continue when 
 the stranger interrupted with — 
 
 "Can the chatter, that flag ain't gettin' ye 
 anything here." 
 
 "My friend," exclaimed Heinrich,"Ihave 
 only been in your country but five days, and 
 yet I know better than that. I was a soldier 
 in the Austrian army; hold on, I know what 
 you would say. But I want you to know that 
 my brother came to this country many years 
 ago. He fought under this flag. He did his 
 duty even at the cost of his life. He fought 
 for his, as I did for mine, we cannot be 
 
 92 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 blamed for that. But let me tell you how I 
 secured this flag. 
 
 " During the battle of the Marne, in the 
 early dawn, we crossed 'No Man's Land' 
 and after crawling through a net work of 
 wire, I fell into a shell hole, and upon the 
 mangled body of a man. He was terribly 
 wounded; I raised his head and placed my 
 canteen to his lips. He smiled his gratitude 
 and taking this flag from his breast, gave it 
 to me. Then he attempted to speak but the 
 roar of battle was so terrific I could not 
 hear. Again I raised him in my arms, placed 
 my ear to his lips and caught these words : 
 1 Take this flag, Buddy, take it to my 
 mother, you will find her address on the 
 edge, by the stars, you won't forget? Just 
 tell the boys I Ve gone — over the top — good 
 bye.' 
 
 "His words kindled anew my desire to 
 live as he had died, a loyal citizen of the 
 American Republic. I was weary of imperial 
 dictation and oppression, so like my brother 
 I crossed the sea. I have renounced the 
 Fatherland and pledge my life in the de- 
 fense of this flag and the government for 
 which it stands." 
 
 "Some spiel, but it don't mean anything," 
 93 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 interrupted the agent. "Come on, get off 
 the job." 
 
 "But you did not employ me, I am — 
 "So that's yer game, eh? Well we'll see 
 about that, you come with me and see 
 whose got the say about here, old man 
 Goodheart or me." Both men entered the 
 office and fortunately found the President, 
 Mr. Goodheart, at his desk. 
 
 "'Morning chief," began the agent, 
 "you'll have to shake this rat loose from 
 his job." 
 
 "Indeed? what rat?" 
 
 "This guy here." 
 
 "There must be some mistake. You know 
 this is a union yard. I understood all ar- 
 rangements had been made. I want to give 
 this fellow a fighting chance." 
 
 "Rules is rules, and he's got to go." 
 
 "Have you seen my foreman?" 
 
 "I'm dealing with you at present," re- 
 plied the agent impatiently. 
 
 "Then permit me to suggest a more civil 
 tone and attitude." 
 
 "Say, Goodheart, there are just two 
 moves to make — fire him, or out go the 
 
 men.' ' 
 
 94 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 "You are demanding of me one of the 
 most un-American acts imaginable. I do not 
 question your right to organize. But I do 
 object to arbitrary demands; demands con- 
 trary to the guaranteed privileges of citizen- 
 ship, the inalienable right to 'life, liberty 
 and happiness'." 
 
 "This ain't no Chautauqua," vehemently 
 answered the agent. "You know the rules 
 and that's enough." 
 
 "Hold on, Bill," exclaimed the foreman, 
 who had just entered the office. "I'm from 
 headquarters, so you take things easy. Mr. 
 Goodheart, I've been a standin' out there 
 in the hall for quite a bit, and if you don't 
 mind, I'll take a hand in this conversation." 
 
 "Go right ahead, Mr. Fairplay, you are 
 always welcome, " replied the President. 
 
 "Bill," continued the foreman, "I want 
 you to listen to me, for I've a heap to say. 
 While out there I heard every word you and 
 the boss said, and I'm surprised, Bill, to say 
 the least. This man you call a rat — " 
 
 "What are you tryin' to do, Max? Make 
 a monkey out o' me?" demanded the agent. 
 
 "Continue to act as you have and you'll 
 save me the trouble. You just hold your 
 temper and you'll make no mistake. Just 
 
 95 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 get this first off. I'm union, top, sides, bot- 
 tom and middle and a little something be- 
 sides. A good American citizen. Let me re- 
 mind you, Bill, there's hundreds of thou- 
 sands of men in the ranks of labor as proud 
 of their union cards as they are of the flag 
 of the United States, and that's goin' some." 
 
 "You must not forget that a great ma- 
 jority of the workers are trying to live up 
 to the United States Constitution, and what 
 is more to the point, we are going to see that 
 every one else does. We have just dis- 
 covered that the closer we stick to that 
 document, the firmer we are going to estab- 
 lish Union Labor. We have in many cases 
 made the mistake of being unjust to our fel- 
 low worker. And just because he did not 
 agree with us on every point we used a 
 rock, instead of reason. We called him a rat, 
 when we knew he was a man. When we dis- 
 covered a worker without a card, we 
 roughed him, without thinkin' of the cost. ' ' 
 
 "Experience has made us human, we are 
 agoin' to see that he understands; we're 
 goin' to see that he gets the right idea. He's 
 goin' to learn something. He's goin' to learn 
 that bein' loyal to his union, means also 
 bein' loyal to the government. In our 
 anxiety we got things a bit twisted; 
 
 96 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 that's all. We demanded justice from the 
 government instead of demanding justice 
 for the government. We're the government, 
 Bill, you and me, and all the rest of us. Now 
 this bein' so, if we obey the law as well as 
 enforce it, we win." 
 
 "Say where do you get that stuff? I — " 
 "Hold on, Bill, don't hurry me," con- 
 tinued the foreman, "I said I had a heap to 
 say and I want to get it off my chest. Now 
 I take it that you intended to force this man 
 off his job. Why didn't you take the time 
 to explain it to him?" 
 
 "Now I want him to get the right idea re- 
 spectin' the union, as well as our relation- 
 ship to the government. I want him to know 
 he was right when he looked to the flag for 
 justice. I want him to know that union men, 
 to a man, are loyal to the same flag you 
 slighted a moment ago; you may have 
 done it unintentionally, carelessly, but you 
 slighted it just the same. Now you must not 
 forget, that labor's sons manned the ships 
 and filled the ranks; not forgettin' the 
 mothers and fathers, wives and sisters, who 
 rallied to their support." 
 
 "So you were dead wrong when you told 
 him that the flag would get him nothin'; 
 
 97 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 you made a big mistake, and I'm fair enough 
 to think, that deep in your heart you didn't 
 mean it. Why, man, our faith in that flag 
 must never be destroyed, at least not by one 
 claiming to be a citizen of the Republic." 
 
 "Bill, I gave my boy to make this a bet- 
 ter country, not a selfish one. And I'm not 
 goin' to let any man comin' to this country 
 prove himself a better citizen than I am. In 
 memory of my boy, I have determined to 
 help this man to citizenship. He in turn 
 must not forget, that if he is to be allowed 
 to enjoy the protection of this flag, he must 
 swear to love, honor and defend it, or labor 
 will see to it, that he re-embarks on the first 
 vessel sailing for the other side." 
 
 "Well, I had to do my duty, didn't If* 
 broke in the agent. 
 
 "Sure you did, but you went about it in 
 the wrong way. We can't expect to ram our 
 idea down the throats of men, any more 
 than we will submit to the same process. 
 Bill, labor is thinking today as never before, 
 and as one of 'em I've been wondering how 
 many strikes there 'd be, if the salaries of 
 the men responsible for them, were to be 
 stopped the moment they were called." 
 
 "I don't see where — " 
 
 98 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 "Sure you don't, Bill, but you will. When 
 this chap applied to me for work, I asked 
 him for his credentials. He told me he had 
 none. I found he had only been in this 
 country a few hours, and bein' short handed 
 I put him to work, with the understanding 
 that he would make immediate application 
 for membership in the local. This he agreed 
 to do. I have just received his C.-C. duly 
 signed by the steward and here it is." 
 
 "Why didn't you say so before?" 
 
 "Why didn't 3^011 take the same interest 
 that I did? Give every man a square deal 
 and you'll prevent an awful lot of sor- 
 row. My idea is to make the union so at- 
 tractive that no man could be found without 
 a card. Come, let's shake hands all around 
 and call it a day." 
 
 Relieved at the happy turn of affairs, 
 Heinrich did not notice the proffered hand 
 of the foreman. He was thinking of Lena, of 
 his friend and the unmarked grave in 
 France. When he no longer heard voices, he 
 raised his eyes and saw the extended hand. 
 Gratefully he accepted the other's friendly 
 grasp, as he did so he unconsciously dropped 
 me, the flag of the Marne to the floor. 
 
 Heinrich turned to thank his employer, 
 and then extended his hand to Bill. As he 
 
 99 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 moved toward the door, the foreman stooped 
 and picking me up crossed to Heinrich and 
 laying his hand upon his shoulder said, 
 "You are all right boy, don't weaken. Keep 
 alive your faith in this flag; believe in it, 
 and you will make no mistake. The road to 
 citizenship lies beneath its folds and is 
 straight ahead. Here take this; you dropped 
 it as we shook hands a moment ago." 
 
 Suddenly the eyes of the foreman fell 
 upon my silken folds. He staggered back 
 exclaiming, " Speak man, tell me where did 
 you get this flag?" 
 
 Heinrich related the story of the shell 
 hole at the Marne. All listened with 
 rapt attention. At its conclusion the fore- 
 man, with trembling fingers pointed to the 
 name written on the edge of my silken 
 folds. Then sank upon his knees, tears 
 streaming down his furrowed cheeks as he 
 muttered: "My poor boy, my poor boy. She 
 waited for you, and now you're home with 
 mother, and I am here alone, boy, alone." 
 
 100 
 
NARRATIVE XI 
 
•■■ I II III III ■ Mill IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIII I II I II 
 
 To doubt your country is to doubt your- 
 self. Practice justice, loyalty and pa^ 
 tience. Patience in the performance of 
 your duty, justice toward your fellow man, 
 and loyalty to your God, your country and 
 your flag. 
 
 ■ ■■■■■•■■■■■■■•■■■■■■■■II ■■■■■■ IIIM I ■■■■■■■■ Mil III! I III! 
 
NARRATIVE XI. 
 
 I WILL return to Lena and give you, dear 
 reader, a passing glimpse of what hap- 
 pened to me, and at the same time relate 
 the strange adventure that was the direct 
 cause of a remarkable union. Truth is a 
 wonderful chronicler, and therefore re- 
 sponsible for much of our romance. 
 
 No sooner had Heinrich departed for the 
 United States than Lena's only relative, a 
 maiden aunt, sickened and died. An ac- 
 quaintance, in an effort to befriend the un- 
 fortunate girl, obtained employment for her 
 in a near-by city, where she cheerfully 
 labored, while awaiting the anticipated 
 message from Heinrich. 
 
 For a time letters arrived with regu- 
 larity; then suddenly grew less in number, 
 and at times difficult to understand. The 
 last few appeared to be written by another 
 hand. It was evident that something had 
 happened and many anxious days and 
 nights followed this discovery. 
 
 Many times Lena would sigh in her sleep 
 and call out for Heinrich. One night, while 
 seated by the open window I distinctly felt 
 
 103 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 a tear fall upon my silken sheen. I knew her 
 heart was saddened and that she could not 
 stand the suspense much longer. 
 
 In my restricted surroundings it was im- 
 possible for me to keep an accurate record 
 of time, therefore I am unable to positively 
 state just how long Lena waited for an 
 answer to her appeal for the truth. But I do 
 remember that one spring morning there 
 came a letter that caused immediate 
 preparations for the trip across the sea. 
 "Dear little flag/' she said, "Heinrich may 
 be ill, in danger perhaps; so we are going to 
 the United States together and I know we 
 shall find him. ' ' 
 
 Not many weeks later we arrived, and 
 presented ourselves at the office of the East 
 Coast Lumber Company. Here Lena was 
 told that lieinrich had been made foreman 
 of one of the company's lumber camps in 
 Wisconsin. Mr. Goodheart, the President, 
 was expected at any moment, and assur- 
 ance given that he would be glad to see her 
 as he was very fond of Heinrich. Before 
 Lena could question her informant further, 
 the office door opened and Mr. Goodheart 
 entered. When informed that Lena, the be- 
 trothed of Heinrich had arrived he gave the 
 anxious girl a cordial welcome. How fortu- 
 
 104 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 nate she was; how kind every one had been 
 to her; now she would learn of Heinrieh and 
 the mystery would soon be explained. Ten- 
 derly she drew me from out her reticule and 
 pressed me to her lips saying, "Dear little 
 flag, my faith in you will never, never die." 
 
 "So this is Lena," interrupted Mr. Good- 
 heart; "there, don't blush; he has spoken of 
 you so often that I really feel as if I knew 
 you. But tell me, does Heinrieh know of 
 your arrival?" 
 
 "I am afraid not; perhaps I should not 
 have come, but his letters worried me; they 
 did not appear to have been written by him. 
 I did not understand, and I feared some- 
 thing had happened." 
 
 "So you concluded to investigate; you 
 were quite right; you know nothing of his 
 injury?" 
 
 "Injury?" repeated the girl slowly, "in- 
 jury? Heinrieh? He is hurt? Oh please, 
 please tell me?" 
 
 "It is nothing serious my good girl," 
 quickly replied Mr. Goodheart, "compose 
 yourself my child. He unfortunately frac- 
 tured his arm; nothing more, I assure you. 
 That is the reason his letters were in an- 
 other hand; others attempted to help him." 
 
 105 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 "And he would not tell me?" 
 
 ' ' He did not wish to worry you, and man- 
 like adopted the wrong course. Under the 
 same circumstances I am afraid I should 
 have made the same mistake." 
 
 "I suppose you are anxious to see Hein- 
 rich? No more I warrant, than he is to see 
 you. If you will be good enough to return 
 this afternoon at five o'clock, we will start 
 you for the Wisconsin woods." 
 
 After a very grateful and happy girl had 
 left the office President Goodlieart sent for 
 his foreman and, returning to his desk, 
 picked up a telegram which had been lying 
 upon a pile of letters face down and again 
 read it carefully. 
 
 "By George this is unfortunate," he 
 mused. "And the girl here; came all these 
 anxious miles to find him seriously injured; 
 perhaps dead." Calling his secretary, Mr. 
 Goodlieart dictated the following telegram: 
 
 "Masterson: Spare no expense, if it is 
 within the power of money to save his life, 
 save it." 
 
 "You sent for me?" asked the foreman as 
 he hastily entered the office. 
 "I did, Max, read this." 
 
 106 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 "Heinrich crushed by a falling tree, hope 
 to save his life. — Masterson. It can't be 
 true, Mr. Goodheart, surely, it can't be 
 truer' 
 
 "And to make matters worse," replied 
 the president, "the girl is here." 
 
 "Lena?" exclaimed the astonished fore- 
 man. 
 
 "Yes, she is to return at five o'clock for 
 her transportation." 
 
 "Then she knows?" 
 
 "Not yet." 
 
 "Mr. Goodheart, do me a favor sir, I want 
 my vacation now." 
 
 "I can't let you go Max, at this time, that 
 shipment — " 
 
 "I want my vacation now, please Mr. 
 Goodheart," insisted the determined man. 
 
 "Is it so very important to you?" 
 
 "It is sir. Don't you recall the story of the 
 Austrian soldier who found my — my boy? 
 He made death easy for him. It's my duty 
 sir; my boy would expect it." 
 
 "Transportation for two will be here at 
 five o'clock. Max, I am proud of you; the 
 shipment can wait, I will wire Masterson 
 immediately that you and the girl are on the 
 way. It may help the boy to know this." 
 
 107 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 Following the departure came the anx- 
 ious trip to the forests of Wisconsin; the 
 drive through the timber; the arrival at the 
 camp, and the joyous meeting of Heinrich 
 and Lena. 
 
 It may have been the careful nursing of 
 Lena and Max; it may have been that 
 powerful incentive, love; or was it the re- 
 sult of the lesson of loyalty taught by me, 
 for Heinrich rapidly regained both health 
 and strength. 
 
 Some months after Max had returned to 
 his post as foreman of the East Coast Lum- 
 ber Company's yards, a new western man- 
 ager took charge of the Wisconsin interests- 
 His name was Heinrich and at a comfort- 
 able desk in the office sits the crippled Carl. 
 I have only to add that Heinrich and Lena 
 were married, and on their first anniversary 
 a small package was received. 
 
 It contained a little silk flag, accompanied 
 by this note: 
 
 "My Dear Friends: Please accept this 
 bit of silk, in memory of one who died for 
 humanity. Like the stars of this little flag, 
 remain loyal to each other. Teach your chil- 
 dren to revere their God, and faithfully 
 serve the nation and its flag. Teach them to 
 
 108 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 respect and remember all who died in the 
 service of their country. It is }^our duty and 
 mine, in so far as it lies in our power, to see 
 that the future of these United States be 
 made as secure as the love you honor. Let 
 this flag direct your wandering feet safely 
 through life's thorny path, to the portals of 
 the Master's sanctuary, is the humble 
 prayer of 
 
 "Your Sincere Friend, 
 
 "MAXFAIRPLAY." 
 
 J09 
 
NARRATIVE XII. 
 
ii illinium minimi ill ii u n mini inimi i mi 
 
 It was the Flag of the United States, 
 more than any other agency, that inspired 
 the founders of the Republic to defend the 
 priceless privileges enjoyed today. The 
 Flag makes possible freedom of thought 
 and action. The Flag guarantees to all 
 people, obedient to the law, justice and 
 protection. The Flag is, and ever will be, 
 the mighty force that directs our falter- 
 ing steps toward the heights of national 
 greatness. 
 
 illimilllllinimilllllllllllllllllllllinillllllllllllimilllllllllimiimillllllil 
 
NARRATIVE XII. 
 
 T AM the Flag of the United States. It is 
 A therefore my duty to remind you of the 
 many efforts of the founders of the Re- 
 public who, "in order to form a more per- 
 fect Union, establish Justice, insure domes- 
 tic Tranquility, provide for the common de- 
 fense, promote the general Welfare, and se- 
 cure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves 
 and our Posterity, did ordain and establish, 
 ' the United States of America, a govern- 
 ment,' instituted among those deriving their 
 just powers from the consent of the gov- 
 erned." 
 
 I am also the law, the force, the power, 
 that rests in the hands of a tolerant people. 
 
 Are you aware that I was ten years old 
 before Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New 
 Jersey ratified the Constitution of the 
 United States"? Eleven, when the same ac- 
 tion was taken by Georgia, Connecticut, 
 Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, 
 New Hampshire, Virginia, and New York? 
 Twelve, when North Carolina acquiesced, 
 and thirteen when Rhode Island finally de- 
 cided to become a part of the Union? 
 
 113 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 I was born June 14th, 1777 and the Con- 
 stitution of the United States of America 
 was not ratified by the required number of 
 colonies until 1788, eleven years later. 
 
 At this writing, June 14th, 1921, I am ex- 
 actly one hundred and forty-four years of 
 age. During this period I have enjoyed ex- 
 ceptional opportunities for observation. 
 Many times I have had occasion to wonder 
 if my defenders, the people whom I repre- 
 sent, are as proud of me as I am to symbo- 
 lize the principles of self-government ? 
 
 I float from your National and State 
 Buildings; your schools, factories and 
 shops; I am found in the home and church, 
 fraternal hall and club; your courts of 
 justice, jury rooms, asylums; your orphan 
 homes and reformatories — yes, your prisons. 
 I am not a stranger to your cemeteries. 
 Look for me where you will, at home or 
 abroad; in village, town or city; on the sea, 
 in the air, north, south, east or west; encircle 
 the earth itself; you will find me every- 
 where. 
 
 From an exalted position on the staff of a 
 mighty edifice, or in the sweltering tene- 
 ment, I treat all alike. Many times I have 
 cried aloud for justice; for peace and har- 
 mony among men. I seek to influence the 
 
 114 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 children, for too well I know that one day 
 my safety will rest entirely in their hands. 
 
 I have had many strange and humiliating 
 experiences and their recurrence would be 
 impossible were the simple rules of conduct 
 toward me generally known and observed. 
 A knowledge of national regulation and 
 usage would certainly add to the dignity of 
 my position. 
 
 Why should it be difficult to realize that I 
 cannot, in justice to the founders of the Re- 
 public, favor class or creed'? 
 
 Why should it be necessary to emphasize 
 the fact that I represent all the people and 
 it is therefore not unreasonable to expect 
 all people to honor and defend, not alone me, 
 but the government represented in my 
 Stars and Stripes. 
 
 Is there a legitimate excuse for any one 
 to raise me to the top of a staff, and then 
 deliberately abandon me to the mercy of 
 the elements'? 
 
 Why am I, time and time again, allowed 
 to be whipped and torn by the gale; blistered 
 and faded by the sun; drenched by torrential 
 rains, until I hang a discolored rag, stripped 
 of my splendor, and ignominiously deserted. 
 Again and again has the halyard to which I 
 
 115 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 have been fastened, snapped in the storm 
 and I have fallen to the roof or street, 
 utterly destroyed. 
 
 Recall, dear reader, the countless times 
 you have observed me nailed or tacked to 
 this, or tied to that; draped inside or out- 
 side; hind-end too; upside down; anywhere, 
 anyhow, without respect or consideration. 
 
 I have hung, pinned to the steel work of 
 an elevator shaft and freely spattered with 
 the grease and grime of working cables. I 
 have served as window shade and shelf 
 paper upon which have been placed every- 
 thing from stale fish to rusty nails. In many 
 cases I have been plastered with advertising 
 matter of every conceivable character. 
 
 I have been tied to the tail-gate of a 
 wagon, jerked over highway and street on 
 the side of sled and cart, through dust and 
 mud, I have served as rosette, festoon and 
 table cloth; draped over chair and bench at 
 ceremonials and reviews ; hung over and un- 
 der, horizontally and vertically, and at every 
 conceivable angle. 
 
 I have decorated penny candy, toy bal- 
 loons, chewing gum, writing pads, copy 
 books, envelopes, business cards, and vari- 
 ous forms of advertising. I have adorned 
 
 116 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 mule, horse and vehicle; served as awning 
 and sunshade, and covered the hood, top, 
 sides or end of an automobile. 
 
 I have been carried in innumerable 
 parades, waved in the faces of cheering 
 thousands, only to be thrown away at the 
 end of the march by thoughtless bearers 
 who gave little heed of the respect due me. 
 
 I have been painted upon, sat upon, aye, 
 stood upon, and cut to suit the ignorant 
 fancy of a freakish mind. I have been en- 
 twined about spokes and hubs of bicycle and 
 wagon, as well as the running gear of every 
 known vehicle, from locomotive to wheel- 
 barrow. 
 
 I have been tied to dog collar and tail; 
 used as a blanket for horses, goats, ele- 
 phants and monkeys; embroidered on sofa 
 cushions, and used as a foot or head rest. 
 
 I have served as a belt about a prize 
 fighter's middle, emblazoned on a pocket 
 handkerchief to mop a dripping nose. I 
 have beautified fans, hat ribbons, stockings, 
 shirts and neckties. And even exhibited at 
 a fancy dress ball as a patch on the seat of a 
 comedy pair of pants. 
 
 How long, Oh citizens of the United 
 
 States of America, must I submit to such 
 
 indignities % 
 
 117 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 Do you not think it is time to know that I 
 should be raised at sunrise and lowered at 
 sunset? That I should never be draped over 
 a bench or chair, especially below a person 
 seated? All should remember that I am not 
 to be hung upside down, or wrong end to. 
 When I am printed as an illustration in any 
 manner, see to it that my staff is so placed 
 that I will invariably fly to the right. Bear 
 in mind that I must at all times, and in all 
 places, float to the right of all other flags, 
 domestic or foreign. When used on Memor- 
 ial Day, remember that I am to remain at 
 half staff until noon, then raise me to top of 
 staff until sunset. 
 
 When necessary to fly me at half staff 
 hoist me in a decorous manner to peak or 
 top of staff, pause an instant and then slow- 
 ly lower me to position. When at half staff 
 and you wish to lower, first hoist me to peak 
 of staff, then lower me in a dignified man- 
 ner, being careful not to trail me on roof or 
 ground. Please do not roll me in a ball and 
 hoist me before unfurling. 
 
 Never drive a nail or tack in or through 
 any part of me. When I am torn, faded, old, 
 with loving hands consign me to the flames. 
 Let my spirit mingle with the free air of 
 
 118 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 Heaven, rather than the festering muck of 
 alley or street. 
 
 Never hoist me when torn, until I have 
 been repaired. Never hang me where I can 
 be easily soiled or damaged. Do not drape 
 me over arch or doorway; never allow me to 
 be carelessly thrown into some corner. And 
 please, please, if you love me, do not leave 
 me out over night, or display me in stormy 
 weather, unless it is absolutely unavoidable. 
 
 Do not festoon me ; I should always hang 
 free. Do not tie me in a knot; there is plenty 
 of red, white and blue material that can be 
 used for decorating purposes, and it is ex- 
 tremely bad taste so to abuse me. Never let 
 me cover a speaker's desk or table. The only 
 thing that can be placed upon me with pro- 
 priety is the Holy Bible, signifying the sub- 
 mission of the Nation to God alone. When 
 I am used in unveiling a statue or monu- 
 ment do not allow me to fall to the ground; 
 see that I am carried aloft, where I may 
 wave free, and do not raise me with any 
 mechanical device. 
 
 When I am raised at ceremonials, all 
 present should stand; if covered, remove 
 hat. Better still, salute with right hand. 
 When I pass in review or on parade remove 
 your hat and stand in a respectful attitude. 
 
 119 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 If seated and I am passing, arise and un- 
 cover; recollect you are not honoring me 
 alone, but the government I symbolize and 
 of which you are a part. 
 
 The playing or singing of "The Star 
 Spangled Banner," should bring all to their 
 feet, remaining in this position until the air 
 is finished. Always face the musicians or 
 singers. The National Anthem should not 
 be used as the part of a medley or played for 
 the dispersing of an assembly. Applause at 
 the conclusion of the "Anthem" is decided- 
 ly and absolutely out of place. 
 
 Permit me to emphasize the need for 
 knowledge in regard to my use in decora- 
 tions of every character. An intelligent ef- 
 fort will prevent injustice and misunder- 
 standing. It will certainly add to the effec- 
 tiveness of one's desire to elevate, and not 
 lower, my value as the s}^mbol of our Fed- 
 eral Union. 
 
 When I am displayed it is well to bear in 
 mind that I should be suspended from a 
 mast or staff . But if I am to be hung as a 
 banner across a thoroughfare, see that I 
 float free and that my field of blue hangs 
 toward the North, in treets running East 
 and West; and to the East, in streets run- 
 ning North and South. 
 
 120 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 Do not make the common error of sus- 
 pending me horizontally and then drape me 
 in the centre. Just bear this in mind. I am 
 the Flag of the United States, and not a tri- 
 colored piece of cloth to be used any how, 
 any place, any time. 
 
 When I am hung vertically to be viewed 
 from one side only, my stars should be to 
 the right as you face me, and when used in 
 company with other flags, please place me 
 to the right of all others. The military right 
 of a building is to your right as you leave 
 the structure from its principal exit. When 
 I am worn on the person let me appear 
 modestly on the left breast or lapel and 
 above every other insignia. 
 
 Never permit faded or worn out flags to 
 be used as banners or for secondary pur- 
 poses. Defend me I beg of you from the 
 avaricious unpatriotic profiteer, who would 
 paint, print, or attach to me some form of 
 advertising. Determinedly refuse to pur- 
 chase any article using me for gain. Empha- 
 size your contempt for the man or woman 
 who slightingly refers to, or abuses and 
 misuses the flag of your country. 
 
 Be not ashamed to honor me. I am the 
 symbol of the majesty of the Republic. I 
 
 121 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 am the emblem of the Power of its united 
 citizenship. 
 
 The true patriot sees in my stars and bars, 
 not a flag, but the mighty principles repre- 
 sented within my folds; not an insignia, but 
 history, force, justice, tolerance and love; 
 not a convenience, but the sturdy champion 
 of right, the fearless defender of the op- 
 pressed. To all who believe in me, I am the 
 glorious vision of eternal hope, illuminating 
 the darkness of ignorance and superstition; 
 the essence of human liberty and progress; 
 the foundation of the national character, 
 and positive assurer of the perpetuity of 
 self-government. 
 
 122 
 
NARRATIVE XIII. 
 
■ ■■■■I Ill > I iiiiii i 
 
 A proper understanding of the Flag of 
 the United States will strengthen the na- 
 tional character. 
 
 To know the Flag of Our Country is a 
 necessity; to appreciate it, a duty. 
 
 ■ niiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigiiiiiiiimimiiiiiiiiiiiHiiiiiHiiiiiiMiiiiii! 
 
NARRATIVE XIII. 
 
 IN THE preceding narratives I have pre- 
 sented many rules bearing upon hoisting, 
 lowering, carrying, displaying or saluting 
 me. I feel that I should go a step further 
 and give you at least a passing glimpse of 
 the professional side of my life. I have 
 every reason to believe that every well- 
 meaning citizen will appreciate the oppor- 
 tunity of acquainting himself or herself, 
 with the rules and regulations promulgated 
 for my welfare by the Department of War. 
 
 The following excerpts will convince you 
 that there are many things concerning the 
 colors that should be universally known, and 
 the reader will no doubt be impressed w r ith 
 the fact, that a well informed American 
 citizen adds to the stability of society. 
 
 Professionally, I bear the following de- 
 partmental designations : "Garrison," 
 "Post," "Storm," "Recruiting," "Serv- 
 ice," "Regimental," "Field Artillery," 
 and "Battallion of Signal Corps," flags. 
 While my form does not change materially, 
 I appear in several sizes under the designa- 
 tions mentioned. I am speaking in profes- 
 
 125 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 sional terms in the hope that the reader 
 will recognize the necessity of co-operation 
 with the government and in this way we 
 can the better understand our relationship. 
 
 I shall first take up the matter of sizes, 
 and I must again remind you that I am deal- 
 ing with the Army, or professional side of 
 my life. No matter what my dimensions, 
 whether made of paper, cotton, linen, bunt- 
 ing, or silk, if I possess the thirteen alter- 
 nate stripes of red and white and the blue 
 field adorned with forty-eight five-pointed 
 white stars, I am the Flag of the United 
 States and should be, nay, must be, accord- 
 ed the respect, confidence and love of loyal, 
 appreciative people. 
 
 "But to return to my subject. 
 
 " Garrison, " "Post," "Storm," and 
 "Service," flags being in constant use are 
 made of wool bunting, because of the ability 
 of this material to withstand the ravages of 
 the elements. 
 
 The "Garrison" flag is one of the largest 
 of government standards, having a length, 
 or fly, of thirty feet and a width, or hoist of 
 twenty. This is raised only on holidays and 
 other important occasions and is usually 
 displayed on a staff or mast seventy-five to 
 
 126 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 one hundred feet in height. But if such a 
 one is not available, one of approximately 
 fifty feet will answer. 
 
 As "Post" flag I am nineteen feet long 
 and ten feet wide, and am used in pleasant 
 weather. As a "Storm" flag I am reduced 
 in size, having a fly of but nine feet six 
 inches and a hoist of five feet. In this form 
 I am better adapted for use in turbulent 
 weather, and during the long vigil at the 
 grave of Francis Scott Key and in our Na- 
 tional Cemeteries. 
 
 When engaged in "Recruiting" I appear 
 in two sizes, commonly designated as 
 ' ' large ' ' and * * small. ' ' As the former I have 
 a fly of nine feet six inches and a hoist of 
 five feet; as the latter, a fly of four feet six 
 inches and a hoist of two and thirty-seven 
 hundredths of a foot. As a "Service" flag 
 I am used for drills and marches and all 
 duties other than battles and occasions of 
 ceremony. 
 
 Regiments of Infantry, Engineers, and 
 Artillery Corps, are entitled to National 
 flags of silk. Such standards have a fly of 
 five feet six inches and a hoist of four feet 
 four inches. The union of this particular 
 flag is two feet six inches in length and like 
 unions of all United States flags, extends 
 
 127 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 downward from the top of the flag to the 
 lower edge of the fourth red stripe. The 
 forty-eight white silk stars are embroidered 
 on both sides of the field, and the outer edge 
 of the colors, with the exception of the 
 hoist, is embellished with a fringe of knotted 
 yellow silk and two and a half inches in 
 width. 
 
 When carried I am mounted on a pike or 
 staff nine feet in length, including spear- 
 head and ferrule. Such official designations 
 as name of regiment, corps, battle records 
 and other appropriate events are not to be 
 painted or embroidered on any part of the 
 flag. But engraven upon a band of silver 
 fastened to pike or staff. 
 
 Mounted Engineers, Cavalry Regiments, 
 Field Artillery and Battalions of the Signal 
 Corps are also entitled to national colors of 
 silk and as they are to be carried by mounted 
 men, I am slightly reduced in size to facili- 
 tate my use in this service, I have a fly of 
 four feet and a hoist of three, mounted on a 
 nine-foot lance, including spearhead and 
 ferrule. My field is also proportionally 
 smaller being twenty-two inches long and 
 extending downward, as in other United 
 States flags. Trimming, stars and the plac- 
 ing of designations to be observed precisely 
 
 128 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 the same as for other service standards. 
 
 Silken flags of the United States are to 
 be carried in battles and on all occasions of 
 ceremony. When not in use I am kept in 
 dust and water-proof cases. 
 
 Service colors of bunting or other suitable 
 material are in all respects similar to the 
 colors of silk, but are to be used at drills and 
 no marches and all service other than battles 
 and ceremonials. 
 
 129 
 
NARRATIVE XIV. 
 
About the altar of unity and service, 
 upon which rests the Flag we love, a tol- 
 erant people should kneel in grateful re- 
 membrance. Upon this hallowed spot let 
 all acclaim, again and again, their undy- 
 ing faith in the Constitution of the United 
 States, and a determination to obey its be- 
 hests. 
 
yz^n^ia^ A?.y-u-£5fe^ t K^=- 
 
I 
 
 NARRATIVE XIV. 
 
 HAVE noticed that many citizens, men 
 and women of standing in their respec- 
 tive communities, repeatedly neglect to 
 recognize or acknowledge me as I pass in 
 review or parade. You may well judge of 
 my surprise when I discovered that they 
 wore on waist or coat the insignia of well 
 known patriotic fraternities. Is it possible 
 they are ignorant of the courtesy due the 
 Flag of their country'? Or do they deliber- 
 ately withhold the gracious salutation 1 I 
 am charitable enough to believe it careless- 
 ness on their part rather than a determined 
 effort to humiliate me. But after the citizen 
 has been informed he should be sincere 
 enough to pay me the respect due, or be 
 subjected to well merited criticism, by some 
 one qualified to defend the principle in- 
 volved. 
 
 The reason for and manner of salutes will 
 probably make an attractive addition to this 
 narrative and I will now devote a few words 
 to the various forms of this civility. 
 
 The National salue is made by firing 
 twenty-one guns. The salute to the "Union" 
 
 133 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 is one gun for each State and is given at 
 noon on the Fourth of July at every Post 
 provided with suitable artillery. Its pur- 
 pose is to commemorate the signing of the 
 Declaration of Independence. I am always 
 displayed during this important ceremonial. 
 
 All officers and enlisted men passing the 
 uncased colors, if in uniform, covered or un- 
 covered, but not in formation, will salute 
 with weapon carried. If unarmed or in 
 civilian dress, covered or uncovered, with 
 right hand salute. 
 
 At every military post or station I am 
 hoisted on the first note of the "Reveille," 
 or on the first note of a march, if a band be 
 present. I am lowered at the sounding of 
 the last note of "Retreat" and while de- 
 scending, the band, should there be one, will 
 play the "National Anthem." If there 
 should be no band, the field music will sound 
 "To the Colors." 
 
 Should the "National Anthem" be played 
 at any place where persons belonging to the 
 military service are present, all officers and 
 enlisted men, not in formation, shall stand 
 at attention, facing the music. The same 
 rule applies to sounding "Retreat" with the 
 exception, that all face the Flag in the ab- 
 sence of the band. 
 
 134 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 It might be well to emphasize one rule 
 that has to my knowledge been broken on 
 many occasions. When the " National 
 Anthem" is rendered it should be played 
 through without "variation, or the repeti- 
 tion of any part not required to be repeated 
 to make it complete." 
 
 Foreign ships of war, when entering a 
 harbor or passing fortifications, display at 
 their mainmast the Flag of the country in 
 whose waters they are, and salute it. At the 
 conclusion of this courtesy, a salute of the 
 same number of guns will be promptly re- 
 turned. Failure to observe this rule is re- 
 garded as an unfriendly act justifying an 
 explanation. 
 
 When one devotes a few moments to re- 
 trospection, many truths force themselves 
 upon the startled vision. Usually some sim- 
 ple fact is all the more remarkable because 
 it has heretofore escaped attention. 
 
 Here is one of those interesting bits of 
 history. It was not until July 24th, 1866, 
 that General Benjamin F. Butler caused to 
 be made the first Flag of the United States 
 wholly of American materials by American 
 workmen and machinery. 
 
 135 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 Another remarkable fact is, I have never 
 entered a National conflict without altera- 
 tion. 
 
 In our first misunderstanding with the 
 Mother Country, my alternate stripes of red 
 and white totaled thirteen, and the same 
 number of five-pointed white stars graced 
 my field of blue. 
 
 The War of 1812 our second struggle with 
 Great Britain, found me with fifteen white 
 stars, five rows of three in each row, and 
 eight red and seven white stripes. 
 
 When the Army of Occupation lead by 
 Generals Taylor and Scott entered Mexico 
 in 1846 my stars had increased to twenty- 
 five and my stripes reduced to their original 
 number. 
 
 During the titantic struggle for the 
 preservation of the Union, eleven States at- 
 tempted to withdraw their stars from my 
 field of blue. Abraham Lincoln retained 
 them in spite of this action, and, throughout 
 the bloody period my thirty-four stars and 
 thirteen stripes led the Federal Troops to 
 victory. Before the conclusion of hostilities, 
 however, two new stars, representing West 
 Virginia and Nevada were added. 
 
 The conflict with Spain in 1898 was 
 
 136 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 fought under forty-five stars and the requi- 
 site number of stripes. 
 
 During the World War, forty-eight stars 
 beautified my blue field and these together 
 with my alternate stripes of red and white 
 symbolized the righteous aims of the heroic 
 citizens of the Republic who determindedly 
 battled to maintain a government devoted 
 to Justice and brotherly love. 
 
 We must remember that we who live are 
 the beneficiaries — we enjoy the results of 
 the sacrifices made by the builders of the 
 Republic. We should devote our lives and 
 energies to carrying out the wishes of the 
 founders of self-government. We cannot 
 escape this responsibility without the loss of 
 our self respect. We must leave nothing un- 
 done in our day and hour that would retard 
 the onward march of that government and 
 its peoples. 
 
 Let us therefore resolve to seek no more 
 than we are willing to give. This will not 
 alone insure our success but make certain 
 the prosperity and happiness of our whole 
 country. In the home, the church, the 
 school, office, shop, and field, let all accept 
 the responsibilities of an exalted citizen- 
 ship, a duty, we must not in Justice to our- 
 selves evade. 
 
 137 
 
NARRATIVE XV. 
 
■ llllllllltllllillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllMlllllllllilMIIIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIil 
 
 Be not ungrateful toward our honored 
 dead. Their reward must be an imperish- 
 able place in the hearts of a responsive 
 people. Prove your patriotism by your 
 memory of them. Let their sacrifice in- 
 spire us to make certain they did not die 
 in vain. 
 
 To those who live, weakened, scarred and 
 torn, we owe a greater obligation. In ac- 
 cepting their young manhood we pledged 
 our sacred honor. We would gladly pay. 
 Today the account is due. We cannot 
 quibble over the settlement; we cannot es- 
 cape the responsibility. We dare not. 
 
 1 1 : 1 1 . L 1 1 i 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 • i [ I >. 1 1 1 ! 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 , r < 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 : 1 1 • ■ 1 1 II llll I I I I I I I I 
 
NARRATIVE XV. 
 
 ON MEMORIAL DAY, May 30th of each 
 year, at all army posts, I, the Flag of the 
 United States am displayed at half mast 
 from sunrise until mid-day. Immediately 
 at 12 M., the band or field music will play 
 appropriate selections, while a national 
 salute of twenty-one guns is fired. At the 
 conclusion of this tribute, I am raised to the 
 top of the staff where I am to remain until 
 sunset. 
 
 After being hoisted to peak, if band be 
 present, one or two patriotic airs are usually 
 rendered and in this simple manner a testi- 
 monial of respect is paid our heroic dead, in 
 grateful remembrance of their devotion to 
 their country. 
 
 It may be interesting to know that the 
 colors of a regiment should not be placed in 
 mourning or draped, except under instruc- 
 tions from the War Department. When so 
 ordered, two streamers of crepe, seven feet 
 long and twelve inches wide, are attached 
 to the ferrule below the spear. 
 
 This covers the important regulations 
 relating to me and I have reproduced them 
 
 141 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 for the purpose of emphasizing the need for 
 a thorough knowledge of the rules of con- 
 duct toward me, the Flag of Your Country. 
 I also believe, that I am at this time, justi- 
 fied in defending Memorial Day. 
 
 Why should it be necessary to make a de- 
 fense, you ask? In answer to this question 
 I am forced to say that my experiences dur- 
 ing the past one hundred and forty-four 
 years have made me tremble. I fear we look 
 altogether too lightly upon the memory of 
 the men who have made possible this mar- 
 velous Republic. I fear that in our great 
 prosperity we forget the little things that 
 make our lives sincere and beautiful. 
 
 Is it elevating to select this day for jubi- 
 lation? Is it an hour for merriment? Must 
 we celebrate it as a boisterous holiday? I do 
 not advocate long and mournful faces; we 
 get our share in any event ; but it does seem 
 to me that it would be eminently fitting, 
 were we to make it a serious business, this 
 recalling and honoring the memory of our 
 sacred dead. 
 
 The truth is, that it is a patriotic duty; 
 yes, a personal and collective duty and one 
 that must receive the earnest consideration 
 of the people. A quiet observance of the 
 day will work little hardship. We can, with- 
 
 142 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 out loss to the national character, show by 
 our deeds, sincerely and honestly, our deep 
 appreciation of the service and sacrifice of 
 those who have gone before, by respectfully 
 remembering this day. 
 
 It is well for us that we do not wander 
 too far from the doctrine of right. It will 
 do us no harm to increase our respect for 
 every son of liberty who died, that we 
 might enjoy the fruits of his self-sacrifice. 
 Forget it if you will, but thousands sleep in 
 unknown graves, and in memory of these, 
 if nothing more, let this day be consecrated. 
 
 Be eager, my friend, to emulate the un- 
 selfish service to humanity, rendered by the 
 Founders and Defenders of the Union. 
 Strive to become well-balanced, thoughtful 
 citizens, in practice and theory. Cultivate a 
 greater love for this, your country and 
 mine. Such a resolve will serve to strength- 
 en the fibre of the individual and to insure 
 a stability and loyalty in the hearts of the 
 people, who must be ever ready to serve the 
 nation and its flag. 
 
 143 
 
NARRATIVE XVI. 
 
tiiiiiiiiiimimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiimiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiti 
 
 The manner in which the Flag of the 
 United States is displayed proves the abil- 
 ity of the citizen to properly observe the 
 wishes of his Government. 
 
 iiiiimiiiHiiiiiiiii Milium iiiiiimimiiiii iiiinni mi 
 
NARRATIVE XVI. 
 
 I AM SURE you will recognize, that as the 
 official flag of the United States, my 
 Union contains forty-eight white five-point- 
 ed stars, arranged in six rows of eight stars 
 in each row, and each star represents a 
 Commonwealth ratifying the Constitution 
 and received into the sisterhood of States. 
 
 The " Union Jack" is my blue field con- 
 taining the forty-eight stars, and when 
 used as a flag, has a special significance. 
 Ships at anchor may fly this part of me 
 from the "Jack Staff" at the bow of the 
 vessel, from sunrise to sunset. When ap- 
 pearing on the foremast, it calls for a pilot. 
 It is permissible to fire a gun to attract at- 
 tention to this signal. 
 
 When floating from the "Mizzen Mast 
 
 >? 
 
 or yard arm it denotes a general court mar- 
 tial, or court of inquiry is in session. Diplo- 
 matic officers in the service of the United 
 States, above the rank of charge d'affaires, 
 when paying an official visit afloat, are 
 privileged to use the "Union Jack" on the 
 staff at the vessel's bow. 
 
 147 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 Yachts may also display a " Union Jack" 
 while at anchor, if hoisted on a " Jack Staff" 
 between 8 A. M., and sunset, providing 
 washed clothes are not " triced up." 
 
 My thirteen alternate red and white 
 stripes represent the original States. In the 
 years gone by it was said that the top red 
 stripe represented the most northern colony, 
 and the bottom stripe the one farthest south ; 
 the others in their geographical order. 
 
 Another reading of the stripes is given, 
 but not authoritatively. It is stated that the 
 top stripe was given to Delaware, the first 
 colony to ratify the Constitution of the 
 United States; the second to Pennsylvania; 
 the third, to New Jersey; the fourth, to 
 Georgia; the fifth, to Connecticut; the sixth, 
 to Massachusetts; the seventh, to Maryland; 
 the eighth, to South Carolina; the ninth, to 
 New Hampshire; the tenth, to Virginia; the 
 eleventh, to New York; the twelfth, to North 
 Carolina, and the thirteenth, to Rhode 
 Island. 
 
 Still another suggestion for my seven red 
 and six white stripes would be a graceful 
 compliment to the original colonies as well 
 as the commemoration of a historical truth. 
 Instead of the stripes denoting the priority 
 of the colonies as they came into the union, 
 
 148 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 give each stripe the name of the colony sup- 
 plying the greater number of men for the 
 Continental Army. If this were done, 
 Massachusetts would be the first or top red 
 stripe with 67,907; Connecticut the second, 
 with 31,939; Virginia third, with 26,678; 
 Pennsylvania fourth, with 25,678; New 
 York fifth, with 17,781; Maryland sixth, 
 with 13,912; New Hampshire seventh, with 
 12,497; New Jersey eighth, with 10,720; 
 North Carolina ninth, with 7,263; South 
 Carolina tenth, with 6,417; Rhode Island 
 eleventh, with 5,908; Georgia twelfth, with 
 2,677; and Delaware thirteenth, with 2,286. 
 
 The reading of the stars will afford infor- 
 mation and pleasure and I fear very few can, 
 without hesitation, point to the star repre- 
 senting the State of their birth. I think it a 
 splendid idea if this were given more atten- 
 tion. Have you a little flag of the United 
 States in your home or office? No? I wish 
 you would correct this. It is very important 
 that you keep me near you always. My in- 
 fluence is for good, and you should make it 
 possible for me to serve you every precious 
 moment. 
 
 Should you happen to have me at hand 
 place me before you and let us see how 
 much we know concerning the stars in my 
 
 149 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 field of blue; first place me before you so 
 that my stripes will fly to the right. Read- 
 ing from left to right the first star is Dela- 
 ware, because it was the first of the Colonies 
 to ratify the proposed Constitution of the 
 United States of America, this event oc- 
 curring December 7, 1787. 
 
 If you will once again note the date of my 
 birth, June 14, 1777, you will recognize the 
 fact that I was ten years old when this ac- 
 tion was taken. Two more Colonies followed 
 the footsteps of Delaware during the year 
 1787; Pennsylvania on December 12, and 
 New Jersey on December 18. Georgia was 
 the first to swing into the Union in the year 
 1788, doing so January 2. Connecticut 
 joined the new Constellation four days 
 later, on January 6; then came Massa- 
 chusetts, February 6, Maryland, April 8, 
 and South Carolina, May 23. This com- 
 pletes the first or top line of stars. 
 
 New Hampshire is the first star in the 
 second line of eight, having endorsed the 
 Constitution June 21, 1788. Virginia joined 
 June 26, and New York followed on July 26, 
 the last colony to ratify in the year 1788. 
 The twelfth star North Carolina the fourth 
 in the second line did not become a part of 
 the Union until November 21, 1789, and 
 
 150 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 Rhode Island the last of the thirteen colonies 
 and the fifth star in the second line did not 
 endorse the action of the others until May 
 29, 1790; thirteen years after I was born. 
 
 Proceed as you have begun and you will 
 find that the fourteenth star represents Ver- 
 mont, that colony having joined the others 
 on March 4, 1791. The fifteenth is Ken- 
 tucky, June 1, 1792. The sixteenth, Tennes- 
 see, June 1, 1796. Now follow in regular 
 order the number of star and the State rep- 
 resented, as well as the date of ratification. 
 
 Third Line of Stars. 
 
 17th Star— Ohio Nov. 29, 1802 
 
 18th " —Louisiana April 30, 1812 
 
 19th " —Indiana Dec. 11, 1816 
 
 20th " —Mississippi Dec. 10, 1817 
 
 21st " —Illinois Dec. 3, 1818 
 
 22nd " —Alabama Dec. 14, 1819 
 
 23rd " —Maine March 15, 1820 
 
 24th " —Missouri Aug. 10, 1821 
 
 Fourth Line of Stars. 
 
 25th Star — Arkansas June 15, 1836 
 
 26th " —Michigan Jan. 26, 1837 
 
 27th " —Florida March 3, 1845 
 
 28th " —Texas Dec. 29, 1845 
 
 29th " —Iowa Dec. 28, 1846 
 
 151 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 Fourth Line of Stars— Cont. 
 
 30th Star— Wisconsin May 29, 1846 
 
 31st " — California Sept. 
 
 32nd " — Minnesota May 
 
 Fifth Line of Stars. 
 33rd Star— Oregon Feb. 
 
 34th 
 35th 
 36th 
 37th 
 38th 
 39th 
 40th 
 
 — Kansas Jan. 
 
 — West Va —June 
 
 — Nevada Oct. 
 
 — Nebraska March 
 
 — Colorado Aug. 
 
 — North Dak Nov. 
 
 — South Dak Nov. 
 
 Sixth Line of Stars. 
 41st Star — Montana Nov. 
 
 42nd 
 43rd 
 44th 
 45th 
 46th 
 47th 
 48th 
 
 — Washington Nov. 
 
 — Idaho July 
 
 — Wyoming July 
 
 — Utah Jan. 
 
 — Oklahoma Nov. 
 
 — New Mexico Jan. 
 
 — Arizona Feb. 
 
 9, 
 
 1850 
 
 H, 
 
 1858 
 
 14, 
 
 1859 
 
 1, 
 
 1861 
 
 19, 
 
 1863 
 
 31, 
 
 1864 
 
 1, 
 
 1867 
 
 1, 
 
 1876 
 
 2, 
 
 1889 
 
 2, 
 
 1889 
 
 8, 
 
 1889 
 
 11, 
 
 1889 
 
 3, 
 
 1890 
 
 10, 
 
 1890 
 
 4, 
 
 1896 
 
 16, 
 
 1907 
 
 6, 
 
 1912 
 
 14, 
 
 1912 
 
 152 
 
NARRATIVE XVII. 
 
Ill 1 1 Mil II IIIIMIII ■■■•■■•■Ill II Mill llllll llllllllll II I II 1 1 II 1 1! 
 
 The real American understands and ap- 
 preciates his Government and his Flag. He 
 realizes the necessity for the enforcement 
 of its laws. To him his Country is an im- 
 perishable legacy entrusted to his keep- 
 ing; his Flag typifies American ideals. He 
 is thankful and unafraid. He is not 
 ashamed to advocate an intense American- 
 ism; an Americanism that declares Amer- 
 ica can best serve humanity by remaining 
 America. 
 
 IIIIIIIIIIIIIII1 Illlllllllill Illllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll Illlii 
 
NARRATIVE XVII. 
 
 THESE narratives would be incomplete 
 did I not make an effort to honor the 
 name of Francis Scott Key, the American 
 poet, and author of "The Star Spangled 
 Banner." He was born in Frederick Coun- 
 ty, Maryland, August 9th, 1780, and died at 
 Baltimore, January 11th, 1843, at the age 
 of 63. 
 
 His honored ashes rested in Green Mount 
 Cemetery for several years, when friends 
 and relatives recalled his desire "to sleep 
 beneath the shade of the everlasting hills/' 
 and removed his remains to Mount Olivet 
 Cemetery, Frederick, where they now rest. 
 
 Let every American recall the incidents 
 responsible for the writing of this inspiring 
 song of the Republic. Every child should 
 know it; sing it; love it. None are too poor, 
 too humble to do it reverence. Its words 
 have eased the pain of battered bodies on a 
 thousand fields of carnage. Its strains have 
 intermingled with the cannon's roar. Its in- 
 spiring influence has dominated the peoples 
 of every land. In unknown, unheard of 
 corners of the earth, its sweet music has 
 
 155 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 awakened the dormant soul to action, and 
 made possible a higher and better civiliza- 
 tion. 
 
 Direct your imagination my friend to the 
 memorable September night, when sixteen 
 British vessels directed their fire against the 
 gallant defenders of Fort McHenry. It be- 
 gan in the eariy dawn of the 13th of Septem- 
 ber and from that moment a veritable deluge 
 of shot and shell fell upon the intrepid 
 Americans. Every effort was made by both 
 land and naval forces to annihilate these 
 heroic men. Assault followed assault, and 
 as darkness fell upon the scene, the British 
 fleet determined to capture the fortification 
 at any cost. 
 
 Attacked on all sides, the defeat of the 
 gallant defenders seemed but a question of 
 hours. The British regulars commanded by 
 General Ross advanced along the North 
 Point road. Still the Americans did not 
 waver. All night long the fortunes of war 
 rested first upon one and then upon the 
 other. Favored by darkness the fleet again 
 moved in and redoubled their efforts. The 
 undaunted Americans replying, shell with 
 shell, force with force. 
 
 It was during these doubtful hours, that 
 Francis Scott Key, detained upon a vessel 
 
 156 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 closely guarded by the British, watched the 
 ebb and flow of the battle through the long 
 hours of the night. Would the morning 
 ever come? The occasional bursting of a 
 shell disclosed the fact that the Flag still 
 floated above the battle din. How he prayed 
 for victory. Every bursting shell renewed 
 the hope that Fort McHenry withstood the 
 terrific onslaught. 
 
 He may have feared for the safety of the 
 city for he knew that British land forces 
 contained the pick of Wellington's Army. 
 The same that humbled Napoleon at Water- 
 loo; the same that defeated the Americans 
 at Bladensburg; the same who captured the 
 City of Washington and destroyed both 
 Capitol and White House. 
 
 It was a critical hour for the Republic. 
 The defeat of our forces would probably en- 
 danger the very life of the nation. And so 
 he waited with bated breath the passing of 
 the night. His anxious eyes caught the first 
 shaft of light as it raised from out the sea. 
 
 "See," he exclaimed, "see, it is still there, 
 the Flag of my country. God be praised, it 
 is still there." 
 
 It is well that every American worthy of 
 the name should remember these prophetic 
 
 157 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 words, for this inspiring moment gave to 
 succeeding generations the anthem of lib- 
 erty and justice. 
 
 Kemember also that in spite of an un- 
 precedented attack by land and sea, with 
 unlimited supplies and a most determined 
 effort, the men of Fort McHenry met and 
 repulsed the enemy and saved the day. 
 
 As the morning sun burst through the 
 hovering clouds of battle smoke, its wel- 
 comed rays illuminated the folds of your 
 country's Flag, floating high above the 
 shattered but victorious defenders. 
 
 This was the wonderful scene that met the 
 eyes of Francis Scott Key. Inspired by the 
 stirring experiences through which he 
 passed, he drafted the song that endeared 
 him to every lover of human liberty for all 
 time. On the following day, September 
 14, he completed the poem. It was sung 
 for the first time publicly at the Holiday 
 Street Theatre and soon after was played 
 by the United States Military Band sta- 
 tioned at New Orleans. 
 
 Above the grave of Francis Scott Key, I 
 forever float, never removed except to be 
 replaced by another. Although immortal- 
 ized in song I beg you to keep forever green 
 
 158 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 the name of the inspired author of "The 
 Star Spangled Banner." 
 
 "Oh! Thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand, 
 Between their loved home and war's desolation; 
 Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land 
 Praise the Power that made and preserved us a nation. 
 Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, 
 And this be our motto : 'In God is our trust' 
 And 'The Star Spangled Banner' in truth shall wave, 
 O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave." 
 
 —FRANCIS SCOTT KEY, Sept. 14, 1814. 
 
 159 
 
NARRATIVE XVIII. 
 
• IIIIIHIIHIIIItHIIMtlHMMIllllllllltllllltlllllllllHHIIHMIIIIIIIMIIIIIItlllllll 
 
 Defend, Oh citizen, the public school. 
 Promote and foster it, for it is the indis- 
 pensable foundation of our national great- 
 ness. Every son and daughter of the Re- 
 public is entitled to an education. Knowl- 
 edge strengthens the intellectual, moral 
 and commercial fibre of the masses. We 
 must make possible a more intelligent 
 citizen. 
 
NARRATIVE XVIII. 
 
 I HAVE noticed with considerable alarm 
 the lack of patriotic instruction in some of 
 our public schools. In one of our institu- 
 tions of learning an alien not eligible to 
 citizenship, raises me daily during the school 
 term to the peak of the staff. Would it not 
 serve to impress the hundreds of pupils at- 
 tending this particular educational institu- 
 tion, were I to be raised and lowered by the 
 loving hands of sons and daughters of the 
 Republic? 
 
 Such errors, unintentional perhaps, do 
 not serve to awaken a reverence for me, the 
 symbol of our government. Had the teach- 
 ers of a generation ago exhibited a similar 
 attitude, you would not retain so deep a re- 
 gard for the principles represented in me. 
 
 Please note the number of times you will 
 find me improperly displayed in some class 
 room, and over, or in front of, some school. 
 I have noticed passers by frequently stop, 
 and compassionately gaze at my ragged and 
 forlorn appearance. 
 
 While I am aware that there exists in the 
 Navy an unwritten law, that I should never 
 
 163 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 be washed, nevertheless I think it would be 
 well to overlook this compliment and sub- 
 mit me to some process that would at least 
 make me presentable. Unfortunately, I 
 have on many occasions needed a bath, as 
 badly as did some of the children. 
 
 They are taught to keep their faces, 
 hands and bodies clean in order that they 
 may command respect; so why not give me 
 the same consideration^ I can assure you 
 that a dirty, torn, or faded flag of the United 
 States, does not flatter the patriotic owner. 
 Such a flag is not an impressive sight, and 
 I sincerely hope an effort will be made to 
 see that I am at least presentable when dis- 
 played. 
 
 I often thrill with pleasure and grateful- 
 ness when I behold a patriotic instructor, 
 earnest enough to offer an inspiring lesson, 
 and thus encourage children to love and 
 serve me. It does not consume very much 
 time to awaken the spark of patriotism that 
 multiplies their knowledge of their relation- 
 ship to the Flag of their Country. Make it 
 possible for them to understand their in- 
 debtedness, not only to those who have gone 
 before, but also to the glorious principles 
 represented by my stars and stripes. Then, 
 they will fully realize that their future suc- 
 
 164 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 cess, happiness, prosperity, and safety, rests 
 entirely in their understanding of me. 
 
 There are many well meaning citizens 
 who insist upon referring to me as the 
 "American Flag." This is, I presume, be- 
 cause they do not realize that there are sev- 
 eral that might come under this heading. Do 
 not forget the great Nation to the North is 
 also a part of this continent. Then there is 
 Mexico to the south, as well as Central and 
 South America. This being the case, the 
 question arises, when one refers to the 
 " American " flag, which one is meant? 
 
 Numberless times I am called affection- 
 ately "Old Glory," "Stars and Stripes," 
 "Flag of the Union," "Flag of Liberty," 
 and similar patriotic titles. But my right 
 name is "The Flag of the United States." 
 And while I appreciate being referred to in 
 this friendly manner, I would like to be ad- 
 dressed occasionally by my right name. 
 
 I believe the subject deserves serious at- 
 tention, and I suggest that we go into the 
 matter thoroughly. On the 14th of June, 
 17T7, Congress adopted the following reso- 
 lution : 
 
 "That the Flag of the United States be thirteen 
 stripes of alternate red and white, and that the 
 Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field." 
 
 165 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 Again on January 13th, 1794 Congress 
 passed, and the President signed the fol- 
 lowing act : 
 
 "Be it enacted, etc. That from and after the 
 first day of May, one thousand seven hundred and 
 ninety-five, the Flag of the United States be fif- 
 teen stripes, alternate red and white, and the 
 Union be fifteen stars, in a blue field." 
 
 On the 14th of April, 1818, Congress 
 made the following law: 
 
 "Section 1. Be it enacted etc. That from and 
 after the 4th day of July next, the Flag of the 
 United States be thirteen horizontal stripes, alter- 
 nate red and white, that the Union have twenty 
 stars in a blue field. 
 
 "Section 2. And be it further enacted that on 
 the admission of every new State into the Union, 
 one star be added to the Union of the Flag. And 
 such addition shall take effect on the 4th of July 
 that succeeding such admission." 
 
 This covers the legislation connected with 
 my name, and while I am grateful for the 
 many affectionate terms applied, I think it 
 no more than right that I be addressed as 
 often as possible by the name to which I am 
 justly entitled, the Flag of the United 
 States. 
 
 In spite of the fact that I am apt to be 
 considered a common scold, I am determined 
 to direct your attention to the abuses I have 
 suffered. I believe that you will, my friend, 
 make an effort to elevate me in the opinion 
 
 166 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 of others. I plead for and hope to receive 
 the co-operation of all instructors. There 
 can be no evasion, no delay. 
 
 Your loyal effort will hasten the hour 
 when I, the Flag of the United States, will 
 receive at all times, and in all places, the 
 consideration and respect due the recog- 
 nized representative of all the people. 
 
 Let the school make the first and lasting 
 impression upon the minds of the children. 
 Tell them of my relationship to the Consti- 
 tution. See to it that all boys and girls 
 know why the Colonists desired to form a 
 "more perfect Union. " When this thought 
 is thoroughly understood, drive home the 
 idea that good citizenship begins with 
 obedience to law and order. 
 
 See to it that chubby hands fondle my 
 folds; see to it that all look upon me with 
 reverence ; see to it that the heart of advanc- 
 ing youth beats in harmony with hardiness 
 and valor; purity and innocence; vigilance, 
 perseverance and justice; see to this, and 
 you at once create the foundation of a 
 citizenship as loyal, as it must be fraternal; 
 a citizenship that will forever stand the 
 fearless advocate of a true manhood and 
 womanhood. The product of your labor; 
 
 167 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 your loyalty to the principles of self-govern- 
 ment. 
 
 The first amendment to the Constitution 
 of the United States offers an inspiring 
 study; particular emphasis should be placed 
 upon the right of the people to " peacefully 
 assemble;" we must never forget that the 
 power of the Government rests with the 
 people. That the Constitution is construc- 
 tive, not destructive, and at all times the 
 people have the inalienable right to move 
 and amend. 
 
 Therefore I beg of you to make every 
 effort to encourage a practical patriotism. 
 This will be the easier accomplished by an 
 observance of the rules of conduct toward 
 me the Flag of your Country. 
 
 Do not overlook the positive fact that the 
 school is the keystone of American citizen- 
 ship. Every girl and boy must recognize 
 that there are such things as obedience and 
 discipline, and that education is the ladder 
 to mental, physical, commercial and moral 
 achievement. Education is the enemy of 
 illiteracy and intolerance. The school makes 
 certain the students' relationship to the 
 home, the church, the State, the Nation. 
 With a proper regard for its tremendous in- 
 
 168 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 fluence, instructors will strengthen the love 
 of country and create a citizenship ready 
 and willing to defend the priceless heritage 
 intrusted to our care. 
 
 169 
 
NARRATIVE XIX. 
 
minimi 1 1 ii in i mi linn in in ■■ i nun 
 
 Oh, Glorious Master of the World, loving 
 Father of all peoples everywhere, give me, 
 the Flag of the United States, strength to 
 triumph over them who rise against thee. 
 Give me also charity, that I may forgive 
 mine enemies. Give me power, that I may 
 insure eternal peace. Cause me to be borne 
 on high, above them who would destroy 
 me, and gather beneath my folds all peo- 
 ple who desire to serve their God, their 
 Country and their Flag. 
 
 ii mum in iiiiiiiiiiinii in ii 11(11111111 inmiiiaiiiiii 
 
NARRATIVE XIX. 
 
 AS MY narratives draw to a close, I in- 
 sist that you do not lose sight of the 
 immutable truth, that God actually inspired 
 the founding of the American Republic. 
 You must not forget that it was His gracious 
 will that this government, the United States 
 of America, should become the defender of 
 religious and political liberty. 
 
 The first historical reference to the colors 
 Red, White and Blue is found in the Holy 
 Bible. Let me refresh your memory. When 
 our Lord gave the "Ten Commandments ' ' 
 together with the "Book of Laws" to 
 Moses, they were immediately placed in the 
 "Ark of the Covenant" within the Taber- 
 nacle. This notable structure was made of 
 "ten curtains of fine linen, blue and purple 
 and scarlet." 
 
 "Moreover, thou shalt make the Tabernacle 
 with ten curtains of fine linen, and blue, and 
 purple, and scarlet." (Exodus xxvi) 
 
 This is positively the first reference found 
 that associates the colors now known to us, 
 as our own Red, White and Blue. 
 
 The proof that God's right hand rested 
 upon the young Republic can be found in 
 
 173 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 the desire of the founders of this Govern- 
 ment to recognize His supremacy. 
 
 It was the one thought that actuated the 
 Pilgrim Fathers to sail uncharted seas in 
 order that they might find a land where they 
 could openly and freely serve the Master. 
 
 From the landing of the "Mayflower" in 
 1620, until this hour, the Church has multi- 
 plied our love for the home. The home is 
 and ever will be the founder; yes, the de- 
 fender of society; and the Church, the corner 
 stone of the home, is the hope and the sal- 
 vation of the nation. 
 
 Weaken the Church, and you weaken the 
 character of the citizen. Weaken the citizen 
 and you destroy the home. Destroy the 
 home and you demolish society. We must 
 not, dare not, neglect God. The Church must 
 ever remain our inspiration and guide. 
 
 Let me, the Flag of the United States, 
 admonish you to be faithful to the teach- 
 ings of God's selected servants. Multiply 
 your desire to serve your fellow man; let 
 patriotism prevail among you in order that 
 you can the more appreciate the full signifi- 
 cance of Justice and Equality. 
 
 Examine my crimson bars. Do they not 
 remind you of Him who gave His only he- 
 rn 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 gotten Son in order that civilization might 
 be saved? Do not my stars recall the birth 
 of Jesus of Nazareth, the Steward of God, 
 the lowly teacher of men? 
 
 Visualize the Pilgrim Fathers as they 
 subscribed to the first civic document de- 
 claring for human liberty. Repeat with me 
 its introductory paragraph, "In ye name of 
 Almighty God, Amen." 
 
 Throughout the years of suffering and 
 doubt; of blood and death; of sacrifice and 
 misery, our faith in God has never wavered. 
 Remember then, my most solemn admoni- 
 tion, in your prosperity or poverty you must 
 be loyal to the Church. 
 
 Andrew Jackson once declared, "The 
 bible is the rock upon which the Republic 
 rests." 
 
 During the writing of the Constitution of 
 the United States, Benjamin Franklin pro- 
 posed that, each session be opened with 
 prayer, "Because," he said, "I have lived a 
 long time, and the longer I live, the more 
 convincing proofs I see of this truth, that 
 God governs the affairs of man." 
 
 Daniel Webster eloquently affirmed, "If 
 we abide by the principles taught in the 
 Bible, our country will go on prospering, 
 
 175 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 and continue to prosper; but if we in our 
 prosperity neglect its instruction and au- 
 thority, no man can tell how sudden a 
 catastrophe may overwhelm and bury our 
 glory in profound obscurity." 
 
 Theodore Roosevelt spoke this truth: 
 "Even men who are not professedly relig- 
 ious, must, if they are frank, admit no com- 
 munity can be permanently prosperous, 
 either morally or materially, unless the 
 Church is a real and vital element in com- 
 munity life." 
 
 Support the Church, men and women of 
 the United States, and through that sup- 
 port, strengthen your faith in the Master. 
 Let His house be your house ; His word, the 
 corner stone of your individual, as well as 
 your national life. 
 
 Support the Church ; believe in it ; become 
 an earnest member of it; acknowledge your 
 personal relationship to it; and by percept 
 and example make yourself a worthy citizen 
 of the Republic. 
 
 Support the Church; and so live that 
 others will respect and honor you, because 
 you are of the Church. Teach your children 
 to respect and love it; help them to under- 
 stand that the Church is the constant in- 
 
 176 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 centive for good, and the invincible foe of 
 evil. 
 
 The Church is responsible for my birth, 
 and I have been dedicated to the principles 
 of Liberty and Justice. Support the Church 
 and society will be made the stronger be- 
 cause of its presence. The Church is the 
 consolation of those who suffer; the staff of 
 those who are weak; the foundation of the 
 strong, and the salvation of the human race. 
 
 177 
 
ADDENDA 
 
immiiiMiiiiiiiiiiHiiiiimiimimiiiimniniiiumiiiiiiMiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiii 
 
 With renewed determination let your 
 lives be consecrated to God, your Country 
 and your Flag. Redouble your effort, Oh, 
 citizen. Make certain by your action the 
 fruition of exalted purpose. Become the 
 vigorous defender of the One Government 
 making possible the highest aspirations of 
 a Free, Happy and Benevolent people. 
 
 Illlllllllllllllllllllllll Illllllllllllllllllllll IIMIIIIIIIIIIIIII I 
 
ADDENDA. 
 
 AND NOW my friend, in this final mo- 
 ment, may I hope you feel the better 
 for knowing me. May I hope that you will 
 become a part of me, that you will love me 
 and in loving serve. 
 
 For I am the Flag of the United States. 
 
 I believe you have recognized my right to 
 speak, not alone in my defense, but in de- 
 fense of the sacred rights guaranteed to 
 every defender of self-government. 
 
 I believe you will agree with me when I 
 declare it is the duty of every citizen worthy 
 the name to become familiar with the inci- 
 dents connected with my birth, growth and 
 progress. I am sure you will recognize the 
 necessity of knowing the rules of conduct 
 toward me, in order to insure my proper 
 care and protection. 
 
 It is evident, I hope, that an intimate ac- 
 quaintance with me, will rekindle the 
 the smouldering fires of patriotism and 
 create a more intense reverance for our 
 country. 
 
 You will, I am sure, more deeply appre- 
 ciate me, when you realize that I am the 
 
 181 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 one flag that has never known defeat. And 
 that I am the recognized symbol of purity 
 and innocence; hardiness and valor; vigil- 
 ance, perseverance and justice. 
 
 I am the constant reminder of your re- 
 sponsibilities. I continually call upon you 
 to deal squarely with your fellow man. To 
 do unto others, as you would be done by. To 
 serve God; obey the law and live clean up- 
 right lives. I repeatedly call to you bidding 
 you remember the vast army of men and 
 women, who cheerfully gave their lives and 
 fortunes, that I might live. 
 
 To know me is to appreciate the things 
 for which I stand; to appreciate me, reflects 
 your love and loyalty. 
 
 At sight of me, does not your heart thrill 
 with patriotic emotion? Do I at all times 
 receive your confidence and respect? Have 
 I not served to awaken within your heart a 
 desire for good citizenship? Do you know 
 how to use and care for me ? If so, take me, 
 hold me to your breast; I am safe in your 
 embrace. 
 
 But, if you are self centered, selfish, with 
 no thought, no care for others, you will then 
 have need to know and understand. Let me 
 be your instructor; let me teach you the 
 
 182 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 blessings represented in me. Let me appeal 
 to your manhood and womanhood. Let me 
 direct your feet to God, and in His house 
 learn the law of Right not Might. Let my 
 stars and stripes encircle your homes and 
 the children there. Allow me to be the in- 
 vincible defender of Free-speech and Press. 
 Let me remain what I have been from 
 birth, the blessed harbinger of Peace and 
 Equality. 
 
 But woe, woe unto him who dares to 
 desecrate, repudiate, or villify my memory. 
 Thrice accursed shall be the hand that seeks 
 my destruction. When I fall in defeat, gone, 
 forever gone, are the liberties of all people 
 for all time. Gone are the foundations of so- 
 ciety, of self-government. Gone the price- 
 less memories of the past. Gone our self- 
 respect; our faith; our loyalty; our right to 
 live. For amid the crumbling ruins of the 
 Republic will be found the hopes; the 
 dreams; the aspirations of a once happy 
 people. 
 
 Renew, I beg of you, this day, nay, this 
 hour, your allegiance to me. Study me; 
 know me; serve me; appreciate me. Yes my 
 friend, love me. Stand as ready to respect 
 and defend me as you would your own pros- 
 perity, your honor. Cheerfully accept the 
 
 183 
 
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 
 
 responsibilities of a courageous citizenship. 
 Be kind; be tolerant; be true; give unto your 
 neighbor only what you would demand for 
 yourself. And with Justice for all and 
 Enmity toward none, strive to make the 
 United States, not the richer, but the better 
 for your having lived. 
 
 184 
 
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