Our churches hold a treasury of statues, artwork, and stained glass windows. Symbols which draw our hearts and minds closer to God. A God of life, forgiveness, and graces beyond measure.

But look near many a public building and you will see another symbol. One of honor, courage, and national pride. One which should give us pause to pray to Almighty God for the men and women whose uniforms it adorned. Some of them died in defense of it. All of them served with it woven into every action for love of neighbor and love of country. As you gaze upon it, in your stillness, if you listen carefully enough, you can almost hear it speak:

I am red. I answer to scarlet or crimson or ruby, but red is fine. You will find me in a fiery Lake Michigan sunrise and along the dusty trails of Arizona canyons. I have shown myself in the bloodshot eyes of medics in the trenches of Verdun, on the battlefields of Normandy, and in the field hospitals of Korea. Yet, amidst the death and despair, I was on display in the blood of self-sacrifice; charitable acts of men and women giving their very lives, so their heroes-in-arms might live to watch their children and grandchildren grow into responsible adults.

I am white. Some see me as a color of dominance and oppression, but I see myself differently. Roses, carnations, and orchids – beautiful, in their own right – become a masterpiece, more spectacular than the grandest work by an acclaimed artist, when skillfully transformed into a bouquet being carried by a bride. It is much the same for me. The complementary strengths of the reds, blacks, yellows, olives, browns, and ivories, of which I am made, unite to shine with unmatched brightness, illuminating the darkest of paths with hope and assurance.

I am blue. At noon, I am the lightened backdrop for a warm and sultry south Florida summer day. At Midnight, I am the darkened canvas upon which God animates Alaska’s Northern Lights in the bitter cold of winter. Over hiking trails and mountain passes, my azure skies provide a playground for wispy cirrus and cottony cumulus. Along quiet beaches, my turquoise waters calm and soothe, refresh and rejuvenate. Cobalt hues blanket the four corners of this great and storied nation; a patriotic canopy, which no one can easily break through.

I am alternating ribbons of white and red, woven together and anchored to a field of blue, stretching out to hold firm and support each other, like the shallow roots of the mightiest redwoods. A fraternal bond of strength and endurance, trial and tears, joy and exuberance. Scorned and burned by a few, yet praised and honored by others, I am many things to many people. Whether resting in the stillness of dawn or waving proudly in the autumn breeze, I stand as a reminder of challenges conquered and the promise of a better tomorrow.

I am Charity. I am Unity. I am Fraternity. I am Patriotism.

I am Red. I am White. I am Blue.

I am Army. I am Air Force. I am Space Force. I am National Guard.

I am Navy. I am Marine. I am Coast Guard.

I am Imagination. I am Innovation. I am Integrity. I am Inspiration.

I am an American Veteran.

I am the American flag.

-- Provided by Ron Barnovsky