Flying Flags of Appreciation

Advent and Christmas are times of “appreciation.”  We give thanks for the great gift that God gave us in Jesus Christ.

But the Christmas season also brings up thoughts of others who I greatly appreciate.  These people include my wife, family members, children, parents, teachers, friends and the like. Most recently on the last Sunday of the Christmas season (January 9), I had the opportunity to show appreciation in a unique way to a special group – the police.

Distinctive flags show appreciation

Flying the American flag at home has always been a popular method of showing patriotism.  And it has gained increased popularity since the first Gulf War of 1990/91.  It is a means of expressing appreciation for those who serve our country in a variety of capacities.

Many do not know it, but there are several specific military and public safety recognition days and months that include the anniversaries of a military service’s founding. In turn, distinctive flags have been designed for those various groups.  Consequently, one unique way to show thanks (besides the national gratitude expressed by flying the American flag), is by flying a group’s flag on the days set aside to recognize the group as an act of appreciation and respect.

Several years ago, I got into the habit of flying an American flag and adding the specific flag for a given group or organization that I have served with or belong to on those days/months dedicated for them. Following our national flag protocol, the additional flag is flown beneath the American flag.

Most recently, we had National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on January 9.  As an ex-military cop, I flew my law enforcement flag to show “my colors”.  But there are many other police appreciation days during the year. The week of May 9-15 is National Police Week, with May 15 dedicated to those officers who have been killed. My law enforcement flag will be flown again on those days.

More flags

For those serving in the active military, there is Armed Forces day on May 3, the U.S. Army’s birthday on June 14, and National Airborne Day (the founding of Army paratroopers) is on August 16.  On those days, I fly the flag of my old Army outfit the 82^nd Airborne Division.

Several times per year I fly my American Legion flag in honor of veterans living and dead. These days are Memorial Day, May 30, Veterans Day, November 11, and the Legions’ birthday, on March 15.

My flag flying has been limited to organizations I have a connection to.  There are, however, many other groups that have specific days dedicated to them.  They also have unique flags that can be flown.  For example, other first responders like firefighters and emergency medical service personnel have their own flags. Likewise, every military service has a flag.  Many military and public safety units also have distinctive flags that can be flown on their respective recognition days.

The faith connection

Military and first responder units (police, fire, EMS etc.) have a history of having patron saints. For example, St. Michael the Archangel is the patron saint of paratroopers and policeman. Although I served in both capacities over 50 years ago, I still carry my St. Michael medal with me. He is also the patron saint of paramedics.

Other patron saints include St. Florian, who is the patron saint of firefighters.  And then there is St. Barbara who is the patron saint of U.S. Marine artillerymen!

Sailors even have more than one patron saint – seven to be exact.  They include St. Brendon, St. Christopher and St. Elmo.  And there are many more patron saints for military services/units and first responders.

In terms of flying flags to show appreciation, some saints also have flags that can be flown on their respective feast days. Flying their flags can serve as reminders for us to pray for the safety and well-being of specific military and first responder personnel, just as I am sure specific saints pray for their respective patrons.

The notion of various organizations and units needing patron saints is self-explanatory. If you are in profession where you in are harm’s way, you need God’s help, support and protection.

Showing Appreciation

While showing appreciation for those who serve is not the same as providing protection, it does play a role in providing support. Flying the American flag with the unique flag of a given unit, group or saint associated with a group is one way to do so. A group approach through the Church could be through the Knights of Columbus. For instance, Patriotism is the motto of the fourth degree of the Knights of Columbus.  As such I would encourage fourth degree Assemblies to practice such a flag flying effort.

To be sure, there are many other ways, as individuals and as a Church that we can show appreciation besides flying a flag.  The military care packages that Church’s send out at Christmas time are a great example. Having been on the receiving end many times of the simple remark “Thank you for your service” I can attest to how much that sentiment can mean. It’s a good habit to practice when passing a service man or women, a veteran, a policeman, a firefighter or EMS personnel.

Nevertheless, by sharing this flag flying example, I hope it provides encouragement to show renewed appreciation for those in harm’s way who serve us. As St. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”