Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

It flies above our public buildings. School Children put their hands over their hearts and pledge allegiance to it. It's lowered at half-staff in honor of someone's death. I'm talking about the American Flag, that's because it's flag day today—the one day of the year when we honor the symbol of our great country. But its not just a piece of cloth with stars and stripes, unfurled and rippling in the wind in our town squares. It's what the flag stands for. It represents political and religious freedom, free speech and the right to assemble. It harkens people from every nation who are devoted to freedom, opportunity and the rule of law. The flag is a beacon of hope to the world and that's why we honor it today.