First, a little history lesson. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress approved the design of the American flag. Since then, our banner of stars and stripes has flown high, symbolizing unity and freedom. The resolution makes it clear that this enduring design, with its alternating red and white stripes and a union of white stars on a blue field, remains a cherished national emblem.
Fast forward to May 30, 1916—President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day, encouraging Americans to honor the flag annually. Later, on August 3, 1949, President Harry Truman backed this tradition by signing a joint resolution into law, solidifying June 14 as Flag Day on the national calendar.
In terms of the pledge, it was Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, who penned the original text in 1892. Over the years, the Pledge of Allegiance has evolved. Notably, in 1954, Congress inserted the words “under God” to the pledge, reflecting the deeply ingrained values of the nation.
This inclusion of “under God” did not go unchallenged. The Ninth Circuit Court once ruled that reciting the Pledge in public schools violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits government establishment of religion. However, in the landmark 2004 case, Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow, the Supreme Court overturned this decision, and the Ninth Circuit later upheld the Pledge’s recitation, emphasizing that Congress had established a secular purpose for “under God.”
Why does this matter? The Senate’s resolution isn’t just about nostalgia for the stars and stripes. It’s an endorsement of the role the flag and the Pledge have played in fostering national unity, patriotism, and a shared sense of purpose. Senator Braun, along with Senators Budd, Scott of Florida, Schmitt, and Young, highlighted that the flag and the Pledge are integral to American life and uphold constitutional values.
This reaffirmation comes at a time when national symbols and their interpretations can often become controversial. By unanimously passing this resolution, the Senate underscores its belief that the Pledge of Allegiance is not just constitutional but a vital thread in the fabric of American civic identity. It reflects the principles of liberty and justice, which are as relevant today as they were in 1777.
Moreover, this resolution carries no direct legislative weight. Instead, it acts as a symbolic gesture, expressing the Senate’s collective support for these patriotic symbols. The resolution serves to remind Americans of the historical and cultural importance of the flag and the Pledge, reinforcing a sense of unity and shared values.
In many ways, this resolution is more than a nod to history—it’s a reaffirmation of the commitment to the ideals that the flag and the Pledge represent. The flag has flown through many chapters of American history, from the Revolutionary War to modern-day challenges, standing as a beacon of freedom and democracy. And the Pledge, despite its contentious moments, has been a verbal affirmation of American loyalty and dedication to core values.
So, as June 14 approaches, this resolution invites reflection on these symbols. It encourages communities to celebrate Flag Day with a renewed sense of patriotism, remembering the shared values of liberty and justice for all that define the United States. This simple yet powerful resolution, therefore, serves both as a reminder of the past and a call to uphold the principles that continue to guide the nation.
