Secretary celebrates 227th anniversary of Old Glory

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amanda McCarty
  • 89th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (AFPN) --  Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche joined those gathered at the base flagpole here June 14 to celebrate the history of the nation’s flag.

The U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass, Andrews base honor guard, veterans and guests joined in commemorating Flag Day.

“This is a special day, the anniversary of the adoption of a very powerful symbol,” Secretary Roche said.

“This flag represents our nation and the values to which we aspire,” the secretary said. “Imagine the feeling of pride our forefathers felt when they saw the flag at Yorktown [Va.]. You know the impact it had on Francis Scott Key at Fort McHenry [Md.]. Our national anthem is a tribute to this flag. The sight of it caused Israeli helicopter pilots to halt the attack on the USS Liberty.

“It has been carried in space with great pride by our astronauts, but perhaps one of the best examples of the power of this emblem was its effect on Marines when it was raised on Mount Suribachi. The impact was so strong on all Americans, the image has been enshrined at the Iwo Jima Memorial and is synonymous with American courage under fire.

“Our flag is a source of comfort and strength,” the secretary said. “After the cowardly attacks in September 2001, American flags were ubiquitous. Americans saw our flag as an expression of our strength, pride and resolve to protect and defend freedom.”