Respect For The Flag

Have one red, one white and one blue piece of cloth and a US flag.

What is our flag? You might say it's a piece of cloth. Would that be right? Well, it's true that these pieces of cloth could make a US flag, but then we would have more than a piece of cloth, wouldn't we? What is our flag then? It's a symbol of our country, of the principle for which we stand. It's a guarantee of protection and security for us. And isn't it a thrill to see our flag flying at the top of a tall staff?

The blue in our flag is a symbol of faith and loyalty - the faith and loyalty of our country's founders. The red in our flag denotes sacrifice, the sacrifices made to establish our nation. The white of her stars and alternate stripes stands for purity of heart and mind. Yes the colors stand for bravery, loyalty and purity.

Is there anything in these pieces of cloth by themselves that demands our respect? No. They could be made into an apron just as easily as a flag. We could mop the floor with them or wipe our shoes with them. But the flag these pieces of cloth could make represents our great nation and everything the United States stands for. That's why, Scouts, we give our flag the respect and loyalty that we owe the United States of America.