Long May She Wave
Flag Day highlights the unifying and patriotic significance of the U.S. flag.
By Col. Warren S. Lacy, USA-Ret.

The Continental Congress resolved in 1777 that 'the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.'

"Since that time, the American flag has been raised high in wartime triumph and peacetime celebration; burned in fervent protest; sewn lovingly onto quilts, caps, pillows, and bags; appropriated by the commercial sphere to sell goods as varied as cigars, designer clothing, and rock and roll albums; and faithfully honored every Fourth of July to celebrate America's independence."

These words introduce a captivating book, Long May She Wave: A Graphic History of the American Flag (Kit Hinrichs, Delphine Hirasuna, Terry Heffernan (photographer), Ten Speed Press, 2001). About 10 months ago, this book arrived in our offices and immediately raised a buzz of excitement among our editors and designers.

Now, you have to understand, we receive hundreds of books, photographs, and manuscripts each month. It takes something special to turn on a jaded editor or designer. In this case, we all were so taken by the images that we decided to share them as soon as possible with our readers. Unfortunately, "as soon as possible" in magazine time usually translates to many months in the future.

Not long after we discovered this pictorial history of the flag, the war on terrorism erupted. Of course, this changed our priorities and delayed more routine features. But the war on terrorism also spurred a wave of patriotism and heightened pride in Old Glory. In our January 2002 issue we published a story on flag protocol, but we just didn't have the space to do justice to these historic images of the flag.

Now, at last we have the perfect occasion! What better time to gaze upon unique representations of the U.S. flag than Flag Day 2002?

June 14, 2002, marks the 225th birthday of the U.S. flag. This is an occasion to educate all Americans as to the unifying and patriotic significance of our national symbol. The highlight of that day, sponsored by the National Flag Day Foundation, will be the 23rd Annual Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance at 7 p.m. Eastern time. The goal of Pledge of Allegiance ceremonies will be "to provide a stage upon which all Americans, led by the president of the United States, repeat the 31 words that honor America to show the world that we truly are a united people."

We hope you enjoy the unique views of the U.S. flag beginning on page 54. For more information about Flag Day or the featured book, see TROA's Web Base at www.TROA.org/magazine/links.asp.