Greetings from Faith Lutheran Church in Eldorado.
May the Lord bless you on this Flag Day and happy birthday to the U.S. Army and all of her veterans as this is also the Army's birthday.
One nice thing about being in southern Illinois is the flag still has a high amount of respect. I think we all would be shocked and appalled if a group came into Harrisburg or Eldorado and burned the flag in protest. The flag commands respect -- not because of any laws, but for which it stands. It stands for our nation as a whole, and not just one part of it.
The flag stands for the freedoms and rights as stated in our nation's constitution that has made this nation unique. To disrespect it is to disrespect every American and the constitution.
There are things that it doesn't stand for. It does not stand for my Lutheran church or any church or religion. But, under God's providence, it affords protection of churches and the free expression of faith. I can wear a cross and flag on my lapel. I am a citizen of both of these kingdoms.
Many of you know I am a Navy chaplain, and my official military collar devices are a cross and my rank. This is not a mixing of church and state because I know the distinction between the two. I am a chaplain and an officer, and I carry out both duties, as do other chaplains, with honor, courage and commitment.
The flag stands for the freedom we have to speak and believe what we wish, yet we do not act in a spoiled and childish manner with these freedoms. These freedoms were paid for with blood. Just as we have freedoms, we have responsibilities to our nation and our fellow citizens. To fly the flag means you will carry out your part to ensure that your neighbor, community and nation will be cared for and not fall into disrepair. It means we sacrifice for others.
On one of my Johnny Cash albums, he sings a song called "Ragged Old Flag." (Yeah, I am a bit old school.) If you have never listened to it, this may be a good day to do so. It is about an old man he encounters, who is sitting on a bench near the courthouse in a small town. Cash tells the old man that the flag's a bit ragged, and then the old man stories him of the wars and conflicts that the flag has endured and how they humbly and honorably treat the flag each day and night.
Yes, I honor the flag and for all it stands. God calls every American to give this honor, even as Jesus commanded honor toward Caesar. So, on this Flag Day, we fly it and we honor it in the life we live.
