http://www.venturacountystar.com/vcs/op ... 39,00.html

I am sorry to say this, but I had no idea it was Flag Day. It seems like our holidays are getting less remembered as time goes on.

Editorial: Proudly display flag
June 14, 2005

Today is Flag Day, the perfect time for Ventura County residents to display pride in the United States by flying Old Glory.

For those unfamiliar with the history of the Stars and Stripes, it was first approved by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. The colors of the flag hold a symbolic meaning -- red symbolizes hardiness and valor; white symbolizes purity and innocence; and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Unfortunately, Flag Day, which celebrates the creation of the U.S. flag, is sandwiched between two major holidays -- Memorial Day and the Fourth of July -- and receives scant attention. The exception was 2002, when, overcome with a newfound sense of pride and patriotism following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, flags began popping up on front porches, cars and in office windows. Flag Day events were planned and parades were held that year.

Americans were clearly saying: We love our country. Sadly, the displaying of the flag has begun to fade the last few years.

Now, the question is: How do we get that feeling back? A good way to start is by celebrating the 228th anniversary of Old Glory today. Put up a flag if you do not already have one flying. Go to a Flag Day event if you can find one. Recite the Pledge of Allegiance -- it's a clear message of what our nation is all about.

And, importantly, remember Francis Scott Key; remember the flag being raised on Iwo Jima; remember the astronauts planting the flag on the moon; remember our brave troops in Iraq; and remember how you felt Sept. 11.

We urge all Americans to proudly fly Old Glory on Flag Day.