What a Banner Can Do

But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. Psalm 60:4-5 (NIV)

“A thoughtful mind, when it sees a nation’s flag, sees not the flag, but the nation itself.” These words of Henry Ward Beecher describe well the sentiment that led to creating Flag Day in the United States. Creating a national flag was birthed out of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. “That the flag of the United States shall be of thirteen stripes of alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white in a blue field, representing the new constellation.” This would be the flag that was carried onto the battlefields of the Revolutionary War.

Through the decades following, various attempts would be made to set aside a day to honor the flag. Presidents Wilson and Coolidge issued proclamations to observe a National Flag Day on June 14. However, it was not until 1949 that President Harry Truman signed into law recognizing June 14 as a national observance for Flag Day.

Bob Heft’s junior year history project in 1958 was to create a 50-star flag, even though there were only 48 states at the time. Bob had a hunch that Alaska and Hawaii would become states so he created a 50-star flag by cutting up an old 48-star flag. “I’d watch my mom sew, but I had never sewn. And since making the flag of our country, I’ve never sewn again.” However, his history teacher wasn’t overly impressed and gave him a B-. His teacher told him, “If you don’t like the grade, get it accepted in Washington then come back and see me.”

Heft went to work and after two years of perseverance, his efforts paid off when President Dwight Eisenhower invited him to Washington, D.C. for a ceremony adopting his 50-star flag, which is still flown as the National Flag. Heft did go back to his teacher who changed his grade to an A. (Story Corps)

Flags often become a nation’s rallying point, providing a symbol of hope and inspiring people to stay in the battle. The iconic picture of four marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima kept hope alive during World War II. A devasted nation rallied at the sight of the flag being hoisted at Ground Zero on 9/11. Armstrong and Aldrin planting the American flag on the moon in 1969 revived the spirit and dreams of a war-torn nation. “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” Watching the flag-draped coffin of the assassinated President Kennedy being carried into the U.S. Capitol Building called the world into a season of reverence.

Flags signify identity, whether it is of a nation, corporation, social cause, or political perspective. In a few weeks, the Summer Olympics will begin in Paris. The opening ceremony is always a moving experience watching the athletes proudly march into the stadium behind their national banner. “The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: The Israelites are to camp around the tent of meeting some distance from it, each of them under their standard and holding the banners of their family.” (Numbers 2:1-2)

Flags signify celebration. Francis Scott Key looking out his prison window saw the flag being raised over Ft. McHenry to signal American victory. He would pen the poem that would later become the national anthem. David penned Psalm 20 knowing victory came through the LORD. “May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God.” (20:5)

Flags signify survival. “Standing as I do, with my hand upon this staff, and under the folds of the American flag, I ask you to stand by me so long as I stand by it.” These words were spoken by Abraham Lincoln to a nation fighting for survival. David trusted that God would raise the banner as His people were under attack. “But you have raised a banner for those who fear you–rallying point in the fact of attack. Now rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power.” (Psalm 60:4-5 NLT) A banner not made out of material, sewn together by human hands but a God-made banner to give hope to those who trusted in Him.

The greatest banner flown is that of God himself. When facing defeat, Moses with his co-laborers, Aaron and Hur climbed the mountain to intercede for Israel. As the battle raged through the day, Moses lifted his arms over the army and when they grew tired, Aaron and Hur stood at his side to hold them up until victory came at the end of the day. “Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (which means “the LORD is my banner”). (Exodus 17:15)

Most everyone will have those moments in life when hope seems dim, faith grows weak and the fruit of the Spirit looks like it has been on the shelf for weeks. It becomes a precious time when we can see the banner of God over us giving us strength, life, and a future.

Flag Day is not a national holiday but a national observance. Therefore, it is just another day, stores will be open, mail delivered and banks will transact business. We may not do anything special on Flag Day, but we could make it a history-changing day. As we go about our day with every sighting of an American flag, use it as an occasion to intercede for the nation. Can you imagine the impact of millions of breath prayers going up, LORD, have mercy on us? Maybe literally changing the course of a nation!

“In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.” (Isaiah 11:10 NLT)

God is great!