American Flag at half-staff
Today eleven years ago the world was shaken traumatically. September 11, 2001 was one of those days that the world changed, forever altered – even now after all this time a lot of the wounds have healed but the scars are still there.
However, this post is not to remember the horror…but instead to celebrate the good the shone through that day. The tragedy didn’t cause this goodness, but as the darkness fell the lights started shining brighter. These lights I am talking about are the American people, the American spirit.
Today every American flag hangs at half mast to show honour and to express grief for the people lost. I love the symbolism within how the flag is hoisted. First the flag is hoisted to the top and left there momentarily as if to say we stand proud, tall, and strong. But then in honour of the people lost the flag is lowered to half mast (half staff), the nation goes on its knees to mourn and bleed for the ones it loves. Then at the end of the day the flag is raised to the top again for a few moments. To me it says, “We have gone through hard times and remember the grief, but we are resilient, strong, and will never give up. We are proud of who we are!” After that the flag is lowered and taken down.
If you have never read about the American flag code, just go to wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States) for a general idea. I really like the respect that is shown to their national symbol. My favourite has to be that the flag of the United States should never be dipped to anyone or anything, except when saluting a shipping vessel from another counrty. During the 1908 Olympic games in London all the countries were asked to dip their flags to King Edward VII, but the flag bearer from the United States did not. Team captian Martin Sheridan is famously quoted for saying “this flag dips to no earthly king”.
America is standing together today as one nation, one people, united…and we all stand with you. Do not wake up tomorrow separated from your fellow counrty men…now during this time before the election the American people seem to be divided amongst themselves – it is time to pull together and stand tall oh great nation, let your flag fly high and your spirit shine. Do not bow down to any earthly god, but lift your eyes to the heavens and once again proclaim that “In God we trust”.
America, your spirit and courage is an inspiration to the world, and the ability to show humility and power at the same time is the greatest strength.
GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Johan Joubert 