June 14, people across the country will officially celebrate Flag Day, a time to reflect on the American flag and "the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The holiday commemorates the adoption of the American flag and is celebrated with parades and memorial services for those who have died in defense of the United States. Similar to Memorial Day, Flag Day is considered a patriotic holiday.
The adoption of Flag Day was first established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, but it wasn't until 1949 that Congress enacted legislation supporting his decision.
"The flag means freedom and the lives they gave for us," said Peggy McDaniel of Chickamauga. "I appreciate it very much and the sacrifices made to keep us in the shape we are in."
George Washington had described the flag saying, "We take the stars from Heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity representing Liberty."
For more than 200 years, the Stars and Stripes has been a symbol of freedom, liberty and economic opportunity to the people of the United States and of the world. The flag is held in high regard by many for those who have fought and died to preserve its honor.
Charles "Red" Thomas of Fort Oglethorpe was in the Navy for four years and spent 18 months in Vietnam. For him the flag is a reminder of sacrifice.
"There are only two songs that bring me to tears, 'Amazing Grace' and 'The Star-Spangled Banner,'" he said.
To Kimberly Prather of LaFayette, the American flag represents hope and safety and a brighter future for generations to follow.
"The American flag symbolizes freedom to me and is a reminder of the military men and women who serve to protect that freedom," she said. "Being a mother, I appreciate that my child will grow up in a free country and have opportunities that children in other parts of the world may not."
Email Timara Frassrand at walker@timesfreepress.com