The Price of Freedom: Reflections This Flag Day
Here, I stood still for a moment lnext to my favorite storefront display, Pretties & Grace
Wearing a shirt that reads, "Heroes don't wear capes, they wear dog tags," I stood beside a sign that pierced my heart:
"Our flag flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it."
This Flag Day, I wasn’t just thinking about colors and cloth. I was thinking about sacrifice. About lives laid down. About the real cost of freedom.
I felt the weight of every name, every face, every final breath that carried this nation’s banner forward.
More Than a Symbol
To many, the American flag is a national symbol. But for those who’ve lost someone in service, or worn the uniform themselves, it’s not just a symbol…..it’s sacred. That fabric holds stories of valor, bravery, and deep, unshakable love for country and for the people within it.
John 15:13 comes to mind:
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Our military heroes embodied this kind of love, not for recognition or reward, but out of duty, conviction, and often faith.
They gave up birthdays and holidays. They gave up ordinary days with family. Many gave their lives.
The Christian Call to Remember
As believers, we are called to honor. Romans 13:7 says:
"Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor."
Honoring those who laid down their lives isn’t just patriotic; it’s biblical.
And while we never worship a flag, we do thank God for a nation that, however imperfect, still gives us the freedom to gather, to pray, and to speak truth without fear of persecution.
Freedom, both spiritual and national, has always come at great cost.
A Heartfelt Challenge
Today, as you see flags flying high on porches, in front of businesses, and in your neighborhoods, take a moment. Really look at it.
See not just red, white, and blue, but the red that reminds us of blood shed, the white that represents purity of sacrifice, and the blue that speaks of loyalty that doesn’t waver.
Whisper a prayer for the families who still grieve. Teach your children why we stand in respect. Thank a veteran, not just today, but often. And most of all, thank the Lord for the eternal freedom we have through Jesus Christ, whose own blood was shed so that we may live free forever.
Galatians 5:1 reminds us:
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Closing Thoughts
Our flag doesn’t fly because the wind moves it. It flies because of the breath of those who believed in something greater than themselves.
Let’s live in a way that honors their sacrifice, and the One who gave us the ultimate freedom on the cross.
Happy Flag Day, friends.
Let freedom ring, and let us never forget the price that was paid.
🇺🇸✝️
With honor,
Kandi