It was 1885 and Bernard Cigrand was only 19 years old. Yet, he was responsible for educating inquisitive and impressionable students. It was an awesome task for someone so young. On June 14, 1885, Cigrand wanted to teach a very important lesson by bringing attention to the flag. He placed a 10 inch 38 star flag in a bottle that sat on his desk and directed the waiting students to write essays on the flag’s meaning. It was the first noted observance of Flag Day. Cigrand’s gesture launched a groundswell of support for a day of national recognition for the Stars and Stripes. It took 31 years but he achieved his goal when President Woodrow Wilson issued a declaration calling for the country to officially observe June 14th as Flag Day.This year as we celebrate Flag Day let us remember our troops who are fighting for the freedoms represented by the banner. Last month, I voted in favor of the GI Bill for the 21st Century that honors the sacrifice of our troops. The legislation provides service members an educational benefit that covers the entire cost of tuition, books, supplies and fees at any four year public college. Additionally, the bill grants to those who served in Iraq or Afghanistan for at least three years, a monthly stipend as they pursue their college degree.
President Bush opposes the measure, saying that it would create an exodus of military personnel by providing the educational benefit after only three years of service. Lawmakers disagree, saying it’s the least service members deserve given their enormous sacrifice.
As the country observes Flag Day 2008, we must remember our duty to the men and women serving under that flag – those who every day put their lives in harm’s way so that we may enjoy the freedoms we hold dear.
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