Honoring our flag with service

  • Published
  • By Col. Mark Dillon
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Every June 14, we celebrate Flag Day without much fanfare. There are no parades, speeches or fireworks to commemorate this annual national observance. Nevertheless countless Americans paid fitting tribute by proudly flying Old Glory on the day of its creation. 

Flag Day is a day to honor our country's most cherished symbol. As one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, it represents freedom, democracy and hope to freedom-loving people everywhere. Ideals made possible by those men and women in uniform who selflessly serve. And because of that, we revere our flag. 

Since the adoption of our nation's flag by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, our stars and stripes have stood the test of time. It has accompanied us bravely through every American battle fought, presided over innumerable momentous ceremonies and bared silent witness to everyday American way of life. 

The fifty white stars arranged on a field of blue together with thirteen horizontal stripes of red and white represent the number of current and original states in our union. It tells our long and colorful history. Just as our country has evolved during the past 233 years, so too has our flag -- altered 26 times -- a beacon of hope to those who bare witness to it. 

In elementary school, we stood and began each day with hand-over-heart pledging "allegiance to the flag of the United States of America." Now as adults, we defend that same flag and the ideals "for which it stands" through dedicated service to our nation. By doing so, we personify what former President Woodrow Wilson described when he said, "The things that the flag stands for were created by the experiences of a great people. Everything that it stands for was written by their lives." 

Many great American citizens have served our Nation under our Starry Banner. Americans like Col. James Crowhurst. For the past 14-months, this great American Airmen has dutifully served as my vice commander. Having earned the opportunity to command, he leaves us next week to lead the 22nd Air Refueling Wing. Speaking for the entire Team Travis family, I wish him, his wife Lisa and daughter Ellé all the best at McConnell Air Force Base. It has been an honor serving with you, and we wish you God Speed. 

Despite our highly mobile military lifestyle, one-thing remains constant -- Old Glory continues to fly. Freedom guaranteed by your selfless service to defend our nation and flag. You safeguard democracy across the globe and bring about peace to those repressed, and Old Glory represents you. 

So the next time you see our flag, remember all those who have gone before, all those who serve today and remember it is because of their and your sacrifice we can live in the greatest nation on earth. Fly our flag proudly.