Finding Common Ground – Flag Day June 14th, 2017

In the United States, recent headlines tell the story of a nation that is divided along political and ideological lines. We as Americans are bombarded daily by both sides blaming the other. The right and left come armed with insults, social media bravado, and misinformation fed by media bias. With all of this noise coming at us it becomes easy to get lost in the misinterpretations and “stretched truths” that plague us daily. I for one will take time this Wednesday, June 14th to focus on the great things our country stands for and its accomplishments.

There have been 27 official versions of the Stars and Stripes since it was established by the Continental Congress as the flag of a new Nation on June 14, 1777. This Flag Day as Americans across our nation respectfully celebrate 240 years of the “Stars and Stripes” we should remember that our Flag unites us as Americans. Our flag represents the teamwork and determination that has made us the great nation we are and still can be if we focus more on what unites us as Americans, rather than what divides us as individuals. So I decided to share a few of the great moments in American history in which our flag played a prominent role in giving us a feeling of pride and unity.

Raising the Flag Over Iwo-Jima: After being attacked in 1941 by the Japanese Navy, A shocked and unprepared nation saw a string of demoralizing defeats to begin the war in the Pacific. After turning the tide and putting the Japanese on the defensive, the battle of Iwo Jima featured some of the fiercest fighting of the Pacific in WWII. The black and white Photo of the raising of the U.S. Flag atop Mt Suribachi became one of the most iconic photos of WWII. The picture of six Marines raising the U.S. Flag above a battle-scarred landscape gave testament to the strength and teamwork our nation had demonstrated as we pushed for victory. Of the Six Marines who raised the flag, three were later killed, further demonstrating the sacrifice of the American people.

Americans Walk on the Moon: With the launching of Sputnik in 1957 by the Soviet Union, the American sense of security and superiority was shattered. The Space race which ensued prompted the U.S. to increase spending in research and education that culminated in the U.S. retaking the lead in space exploration. On July 21, 1969, the American people experienced overwhelming pride as Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon and spoke the famous words "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Afterward, the world witnessed the flag of the United States being planted on the moon and the beginning of the end of the Cold War Space Race. There is a total of 6 flags planted on the moon from six different landings by Apollo Astronauts.

Miracle On Ice: The 1980 Winter Olympics saw the shocking defeat of the Soviet Union Hockey Team, The Soviets which most considered a team of paid professionals were huge favorites against a U.S. Hockey Team consisting of amateur college players. What was a closely contested game still saw

the Soviets with a lead of 3-2 going into the final period. In the final period though the U.S. team scored two goals and went on to win 4-3 and achieve a huge upset against the Soviet Union Hockey Team and eventually going on to win the Gold by beating Finland two days later. This moment is remembered as one of the greatest moments in US sports and a huge morale boost for the American people. The 70’s were a rough decade for Americans with a long list of lowlights that included the loss of the war in Vietnam, Watergate, high unemployment, fuel shortages and the Iran hostage crisis. This victory was just the boost Americans needed to remind us what the American spirit and teamwork could achieve. We entered a new decade with a new president and new hope that saw the United States reassert itself as a world power over the next two decades.

In these examples, the common theme of overcoming adversity is highlighted by our flag being present to identify us as Americans. I hope this June 14th as Americans that we can take a break from all the negativity to appreciate what it means to be American, and how fortunate we are to be citizens of nation as great as the United States of America. Happy Flag Day!