Page 129 - Moms For America

Kids 6: Activity Day Resources Read and discuss the story The American Flag with the children. The American Flag “When we honor our flag we honor what we stand for as a Nation — freedom, equality, justice, and hope.” —Ronald Reagan The American flag is the ultimate symbol of freedom. General George Washington, recognizing the American people needed one banner they could unite under, determined to have one commissioned. Several flag designs with 13 stripes were used in 1776 and 1777, but on June 14, 1777, Congress established an official design. The act stated, “That the Flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” General Washington explained it this way: “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.” Once adopted and American independence was won, the flag came to be a symbol of divine intervention, public virtue and sacrifice. The red stripes remind us of the blood that was sacrificed on our behalf—a call to patriotism and love of country. The white stripes remind us that to be able to live under a system of limited government, we personally need to live a moral and upright life. The blue background with white stars remind us of Heaven’s guiding and protective Hand and that it is to God that we look for certain inalienable rights. Author, Candace Salima, shared her passion for the American Flag and everything it stands for. “When I see the American flag rippling in the breeze against the majesty of Rocky Mountains a thrill of patriotism runs through my soul. How I love America and all that she offers to her citizens and the world. We must protect her against all who would destroy her as an ensign to the world of freedom, liberty, and justice. May God bless America and the efforts of her citizens to restore her.” Candace passed away in 2017 but her passion lives on in all the hearts she touched and lives she changed. (extract from “Symbols of Freedom” by Lisa Cummins) Moms for America ✯ Cottage Kids 5