Today, June 14th is Flag Day. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777. The United States flag has undergone 28 iterations. The 13 stripes, which represent the 13 original colonies, have not changed. The number of stars is what changed as states were added to the Union.

A flag day is a flag-related holiday—either a day designated for flying a certain flag (such as a national flag), or a day set aside to celebrate a historical event such as a nation’s adoption of its flag. Thirty five countries around the world observe a flag day.

The American flag to me represents the fortitude and resilience of its citizens who have come here from the four corners of the earth with only the promise of an opportunity. Anyone with a dream and the willingness to work hard and stick to it can succeed. EXAIR’s founder had a dream, the fortitude, and the willingness to see it to fruition. He left a good paying job to start his own company. It came with much sacrifice. The family budget became so tight that they could not afford any frills like a newspaper. He did not ask for any handouts, bailouts, or other such nonsense that we see going on today. He represented the very fiber and grit that made America great.

So as I celebrate Flag Day, it is with a sense of pride as well as concern. I am proud of America’s exceptional individual independence and concerned for its future. As a society we have become less self sufficient and more willing to let others do for us. That is not what has made America great; but what was the downfall of Ancient Rome.

So when you raise your eyes up to the flag at the next sporting event, think of what it represents – free people willing to be all that they can, producing goods and services for the benefit of all.

Joe Panfalone
Application Engineer

Phone (513) 671-3322
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