COMMUNITY COMMENTARY:

When I see the American flag waving high above the ground, I am stirred with emotion and pride. I am reminded of the history and the patriotic call-to-duty embodied in the red, white and blue — particularly during a time when American military personnel, many of them Californians, are serving bravely both here and abroad.

On Saturday we celebrate Flag Day, an important time to reflect on Old Glory and its symbolic importance.

Ruth Apperson Rous’ poem, “I am the Flag,” aptly illustrates the flag’s imagery:

“My colors symbolize the patriotic ideals and spiritual qualities of the citizens of my country. My red stripes proclaim the fearless courage and integrity of American men and boys and the self-sacrifice and devotion of American mothers and daughters. My white stripes stand for liberty and equality for all.

“My blue is the blue of heaven, loyalty, and faith. I represent these eternal principles: liberty, justice, and humanity. I embody American freedom: freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the press, and the sanctity of the home.”

The U.S. flag has a long and storied history. First known as the Stars and Stripes, it was adopted in 1777 by the Continental Congress. It contained 13 stars, representing the original 13 colonies, but the layout varied.

After Vermont and Kentucky were admitted to the Union in 1791 and 1792, respectively, two more stars and two more stripes were added. This flag was the version that inspired lawyer Francis Scott Key to write the poem “Star-Spangled Banner,” which later became the national anthem.

After five more states achieved admittance, Congress passed legislation in 1818 stating the flag would contain 13 stripes and that the number of stars would represent the states.

Flag Day was first unofficially celebrated in 1877. President Woodrow Wilson established the first national observance by proclamation in 1916. In 1949, President Harry Truman signed legislation making Flag Day a day of national observance.

Congress took it a step further in 1966 when it approved a joint resolution stipulating that the president issue an annual proclamation designating the week in which June 14 occurs as “National Flag Week.” It also called upon all citizens to display the flag during that week.

Flag Day is an opportunity to give the stars and stripes the attention it deserves.

I hope you will join me along with Americans nationwide in our united display of the flag during this important occasion.

Tom Harman is the state senator representing the 35th District.