No one knows for sure who designed the first Stars and Stripes, or who made that first flag. Soon after the flag’s adoption by our new government, Congressman Francis Hopkinson claimed that he had designed it. It is also widely spread and commonly believed that Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, made the first U.S. flag.

On June 14, 1777, to establish an official flag of the new nation, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act: “Resolved, 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. (making it significantly easier to sew on a new star and run it right back up the flagpole.)
Whoever it was that designed it, a flag with thirteen stars and thirteen stripes received its first salute from another country on February 14, 1778, when French vessels in Quiberon Bay, France, saluted John Paul Jones and his ship, “The Ranger.”

She does not have a driver’s license or even a passport, but she travels without hindrance.  She does not vote or have the right to express her political views publicly, but the political head of her government visits every Tuesday to personally consult with her, receive her personal encouragement and—when she feels it is necessary—be warned.  The President of the United States as leader of the free world has only one flag to represent his office.  She has more than a dozen flags and has flown many more flags during her lifetime.  She is Queen Elizabeth II, by the grace of God Queen of the United Kingdom and her other realms.  On February 6^th she celebrates 60 years as Queen.

Her first personal flag was as The Princess Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of King George VI.  It is the Royal Standard with the addition of a special emblem called a label.  It shows two Saint George Crosses and a Tudor Rose in the middle.  Had she been born a boy, that boy’s label would have been a plain white one and he would likely have been known as the Prince of Wales, as is Prince Charles today.  Nevertheless, when her father died on the 6^th of February in 1952, she became Queen.  Along with her father’s kingdom she inherited the Royal Standard which has been her main flag now for sixty years.  There is also a Royal Standard made specifically to be displayed in Scotland.  It gives precedence to the Scottish Lion over the three English lions.  Elizabeth is also the Queen of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and more than a dozen other nations.  Many have a Royal Standard for Her Majesty to use when she visits.  In countries where no Royal Standard has been adopted, Queen Elizabeth uses a simple blue flag with a crowned initial “E” encircled by a garland of golden roses.

In addition to being Queen, she bears a couple of masculine titles.  She is the Duke of Lancaster and the Lord of the Isle of Man.  There is a flag for each.

Still, Elizabeth II does not overdo her display of flags.  She flies only one at a time to indicate her presence.  The flag she flies depends on her location.  If she visits in England or Scotland, she flies that Royal Standard.  In her overseas Dominions she flies the appropriate Royal Standard for that nation if one exists.  If there is not an appropriate Royal Standard, she displays her personal flag with her crowned initial letter “E” encircled by golden roses.   Perhaps even then she felt she had one flag too many.  The title and flag of the Lord High Admiral became vested in the Sovereign in 1964.  For his ninetieth birthday in 2011 she gave that title to her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and with the title came the flag.

Elizabeth II has served her peoples in the United Kingdom and around the world with incredible energy and unswerving dedication.  Colonial Flag Company and the British Pantry salute Queen Elizabeth and her flags.  Long may they wave!

Martin Luther King is a man who strived to do good in a non-violent way to change the way the majority thought and acted. Behavior over a long period of time had been ingrained in a large part of society. Many wanted a separate but equal society, in the 60’s and for years before and some years after, it was separate, but not equal. On Monday, January 18th we celebrated Dr. King’s birth. In the early eighties the Congress approve and President Reagan signed the Martin Luther King holiday. Which some have called “Human Rights Day.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. - photograph taken in 1964.

Was Dr. King perfect, no, he was as human as the next individual; we have learned that he made the same mistakes as others who have had power put into their hands. But even with his personal faults he became the symbol of a people and a generation that strived for equality in treatment and behavior of all the people of the world.

President John F. Kennedy meets with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King's signature.

As Theodore Roosevelt said, he was a man in the arena, and he did not shirk from what he knew was right. Dr. King suffered verbal and physical attacks to him, his family and his co-workers. (Read the “I have a dream” speech) He was the youngest man to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize; he worked with John Kennedy to move the rights of minorities forward, and in 1965 he stood over President Johnson as he signed the Voters Rights Act a measure that was one of his key accomplishments.

President Ronald Reagan signs Martin Luther King Holiday Bill.

Like all men who stand against the status quo, he paid the highest price with his life. In this upcoming week, remember those who have made a difference and fly the flag.

"Honululu Star-Bulletin" on December 7th 1941.

Route followed by the Japanese fleet to Pearl Harbor and back.

As the fleet laid at anchored in a clam harbor the process of daily life was coming about. On the deck of the USS Arizona the band was playing the National Anthem as sailors were raising the flag when the first bullets were fired and bombs & torpedo’s dropped. The first ship hit by a torpedo in the attack was the aging target ship, and once proud Battleship Utah. She was a veteran of the Mexican conflict and World War I and the first causality of World War II. The Utah was hit first because she was on the opposite side of Battleship Row were the real targets where anchored, but she was closest to the on coming planes. The Utah like the USS Oklahoma was hit in such a fashion that she quickly rolled over facing straight down at berth. Many crew-members never made it out of their ships to see the light of another day.

Map of Ships in Pearl Harbor.

When the USS Arizona blew up as an enemy bomb pierce her deck and landed in her magazine full of munitions, the force of the explosion took the ship right up out of the water and almost broke in two. Her causality numbers were great. The Attack did not last long, but its impact was devastating.

Attack on Pearl Harbor.

USS Pennsylvania, behind the wreckage of the USS Downes and USS Cassin.

In the days that followed airplane hangers, and open yards where lined with wooded coffins draped in the red, white and blue of our proud Flag. So many wives, mothers and husbands heard the words of a military officer as they handed them a neatly folded flag. On behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful Nation, we present you this flag in honor of your son, daughter’s or husband’s service. Remember Pearl Harbor, and other phrases like remembering the Alamo, and Maine, and closer to our generation remember 9/11 should never be forgotten.

Be one of America’s proud defenders of liberty and freedom, fly the Flag!

The "tears of the Arizona" today - Photo by James G. Howes

An aerial view of the USS Arizona Memorial.

USS Utah in better times.

1. A structure, such as a building or sculpture, erected as a memorial.
2. An inscribed marker placed at a grave; a tombstone.
3. Something venerated for its enduring historic significance or association with a notable past person or thing: the architectural monuments of ancient Rome; traditions that are monuments to an earlier era.
4.a. An outstanding enduring achievement: a translation that is a monument of scholarship.
b. An exceptional example: “Thousands of them wrote texts, some of them monuments of dullness” (Robert L. Heilbroner).
5. An object, such as a post or stone, fixed in the ground so as to mark a boundary or position.

The ‘Hope Rising – To Lift A Nation’ monument fits many of these descriptions.  It is partially a memorial, a commemorative figure reminding us of those that willingly gave their lives for others on that fateful day of 9/11. It echoes the solemnity of a tomb as stands as a marker for the dead, a tribute to the fallen.  It aptly represents something of ‘enduring historic significance’ as it is a constant reminder of one of the events that shook the world forever.  As far as an ‘outstanding enduring achievement’ goes, what greater achievement is there than instilling hope in others at their darkest hour?

For me, this monument is a tangible means by which to commemorate the dead, remember the past and look forward to the future with hope.  In years to come my children will see it, and hopefully their children also, which encourages me that the lives lost and the lessons learn will not be forgotten.  Let us always remember the day we lost so many, but stood together…

This monumental display began on Wednesday September 7th with hundreds of local citizens helping post the 3000 flags. For many, the posting of the Stars and Stripes in Sandy has become a yearly tradition and reminder of the light that can rise from darkness.  Some even take their Christmas card pictures at the field as a tribute to the fallen and a symbol of their support for the emergency responders that do such important work.

Memorial ceremonies began on Saturday and finished on Sunday evening, The morning of the first day, crowds gathered early in anticipation of events and needless to say, no one was disappointed.  Over a thousand Harley Davidson bikers, led by a vintage fire engine and police motorcycle escort, paraded through the streets surrounding the Healing Field.  Parking amid a display of emergency vehicles and military equipment, they joined the assembled visitors in honoring the victims and watching the unveiling of a new monument dedicated to emergency responders.  The inspiring program was attended by three of Utah’s Congressional delegation, two general officers and even Miss Utah.  A Life Flight helicopter circled the field in a fitting salute to those lost.  The aircraft dipped in a respectful bow then disappeared out of sight.

Frank Layden, former basketball coach for the Utah Jazz, and long time resident of both Utah and the City of New York spoke to the assembled audience.  He shared stories of his time in the firehouses near Ground Zero and touched the hearts of all who listened, with tales of bravery and sacrifice.  He then introduced former Utah Jazz star Thurl Bailey, who graced the crowd with song as three thousand white balloons were released to the heavens.  One for each lost soul.

Next came the great reveal, and after some brief words from Paul Swenson—the event’s creator and organizer-  and sculptor Stan Watts, the statue was unveiled for all to see.  The sudden appearance of the magnificent “Hope Rising—To Lift A Nation “ monument caused tears to well in many an eye and provided a lasting reminder of what regular Americans can do to lift and inspire others.

On Sunday, ceremonies included the reading of victim names, not forgetting Utah’s fallen soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan.  This ceremony attracted perhaps the largest group of Gold Star Mothers and families ever assembled in the Beehive State.  In keeping with the theme of the monument, Utah’s Fallen Frontline Responders were also included in the reading of names.

There were feelings of sadness as the field of flags was lovingly taken down on Wednesday the 14th, though some local citizens got to start there very own field by purchasing a flag and taking it home.  The grassy expanse looked bare and cold with out the familiar warmth of the Stars and Stripes to brighten it.  Every day thousands of visitors had walked through the ordered rows of flags in the Healing Field as they read the nametags of the victims honored.  Talking with Colonial Flag Foundation staff members, they all had a story to tell: where they were when they heard, who they had lost and who was saved.  Smiles, tears and hugs characterized the emotions shared.

I encourage anyone who has yet to enjoy the experience of walking through these rows of flags to get to a local field and do so.  Having a physical representation of each life that was lost will change you forever.  Bring your children and your children’s children.  If there is not a field near you then start one, the Colonial Flag Foundation can help.  We must always remember the loss that day.  Must honor them.  Must heal.  Let us never forget the day we lost so many… Yet stood together.

Being the tenth anniversary of the 9/11the Attacks, this year’s observance is especially significant.  Twenty-two Healing Field and Field of Honor flag displays will rise in fourteen states from Florida to Maine, from Massachusetts to Montana, from Idaho to Arizona & New Mexico.  Five Fields will be posted in New York State alone with one New York’s Battery Park located just blocks of Ground Zero.  In Sandy, Utah, at the site of the first Healing Field, three thousand U.S. flags will fly on the grassy promenade to the South of City Hall.  Check our website at the link http://www.healingfield.org/sandy-ut-2011/ for details.

Amid our own enthusiasm, the crew at Colonial Flag Foundation shares the palpable excitement reported by local host committees.  Shipments of thousands of flags arriving gather eager volunteers anxious to assemble flags and poles.  When all is ready, they post their flags painting grassy fields with red, white and blue.  Few expect the emotional impact bringing a sense of optimism and healing.  Walking among rows of ordered flags visitors recognize the extent of the loss while finding hope amid the tragedy.  A visit to any one of these massive flag displays reveals that the adjective “healing” describes reality.  The experience indeed brings a feeling of healing.

So it is with the attacks of September 11^th in 2001.   Watching in disbelief on that clear fall morning, we thought the scene of destruction and devastation would never fade.  Nevertheless, we saw the havoc of that day from a distance.  The twin towers collapsing in smoke and ruble, the burning gash in the walls of the Pentagon and the crater disfiguring the landscape near Shanksville in rural Pennsylvania were seen from afar.  Yet in the close-up, each scene of attack revealed fellow humans, countrymen, family, and friends.  The United States flag admonishes us, “Remember 9/11!”  Yet, how can we focus in on the person?  Three thousand died that day, victims of a band of terrorists; three thousand individuals, each one a separate life.  Each life lost affecting a circle of family, friends and associates.

A decade ago John Michelotti pondered how to focus on the individual.  He envisioned a flag patterned on the Stars and Stripes, but a flag where red and white stripes would be fashioned using the names of 9/11’s victims.  From Michelotti’s vision sprang two flags, “The Flag of Honor” and the “Flag of Heroes.”  At a distance the stripes appeared muted as if seen through the tears of those left behind.    Drawing closer the viewer sees the focus sharpen to reveal names, the names of individual who died that day.  The “Flag of Honor” includes the names of all who perished in the attacks.  The “Flag of Heroes” discloses the names, rank and affiliations of the first responders who, in rushing to save others, sacrificed their own lives.  Below the stripes on each flag appears the flag’s name with a short explanation.  Over the ten years since 2001 “The Flag of Honor” and “The Flag of Heroes” have honored three thousand, not a mass of humanity, but rather as individuals whose lives touched all those around them.   Drawing close to the flags, names can be recognized, read and vocalized.  Individual lives remembered.

Michelotti created the flags:

• To immortalize the individual victims who were killed in the terrorist attacks.
• To give comfort to families left behind knowing that their loved one will be honored and remembered.
• To create an enduring symbol of the human sacrifice that occurred on September 11, 2001.

Now, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the two flags and to remember those honored by the flags, the “10^th Anniversary Editions” are available.  Each flag is identified by a special 10^th Anniversary Logo.  For some a collector’s item, for all a tangible reminder of lives lost.  For everyone the two flags are a reminder so we will never forget attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and flight 93. Most important, however, this is not about attacks on buildings, land and airplanes; the tragedy and sacrifice embodied individuals who will not be forgotten.

Profits from the sales of these two flags have been committed to a list of charities.  The Colonial Flag Foundation which originated and coordinates Healing Field and Field of Honor flag display programs is proud to be listed with the benefited organizations.  We join with the Flag of Honor and Flag of Heroes Project in committing that we will remember the three thousand killed in the terrorist attacks.

The “BigM Weekend” is Utah’s new Memorial Day tradition.  Kick off the summer with three days of motorcycle racing, music and military tributes at Miller Motorsports Park.  Also, there will be a powerful Military Tribute Field of Honor Flag Display sponsored by the Colonial Flag Foundation and Healing Field.

The BigM Weekend includes world class racing from the FIM Superbike World Championship USA Round and AMA Pro Road Racing and the Larry H Miller AMA SuperSport Challenge, plus concerts by country music stars Dierks Bentley & Sawyer Brown on Saturday and Creedence Clearwater Revisited & Blue Oyster Cult on Sunday.

Discounted tickets are available for partners & friends of Colonial Flag by visiting www.bigmweekend.com/promo, selecting your desired tickets & then entering the promo code: RW8024

Come join us at Miller Motorsports Park for a great, exciting & Big M Weekend, a new Memorial Day tradition!