CPR Lifeline Advisory - Flag Day Edition -
6/14/2025
This is a newsletter for the Coalition for a Principled Republic (CPR) If you prefer not to receive it - let us know via email and ask to be removed from our mailing list. We truly offer ‘Too Much Information’ (TMI) on purpose; so, we advise readers to take in only what they are able to digest, and leave the rest…
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We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed… _________________________________________________
In May, Americans celebrated Armed Forces Month that culminated in Memorial Day. It is normally a very patriotic month. Yet, June is also quite a patriotic month if people consider it so. In June, we also remembered D-Day last weekend, a more somber day of reflection upon patriotic courage in which the American military sacrificed so that other people in other lands could obtain or retain Freedom.
Today is the day designated as Flag Day, a day of recognition for the Stars and Stripes that had been established under President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day. Eventually, on August 3, 1949, the Congress passed the legislation that established National Flag Day in a more official capacity as an act of the people. At this time in history, only certain realms of the population will remember and honor “Old Glory.” With Flag Day, there are many Americans will not bat an eye in remembrance, nor offer much-rekindled respect for our Star-Spangled Banner. Other realms across the nation would just as easily burn the U.S. flag as they bear no love of this country. And, as bad as that may seem, there are others in this nation, who call themselves Americans, but they would prefer to raise a different flag over our nation. These are not just words; they are words of truth; they are words of warning.
It seems apparent that ignorance continues to stalk our citizens -- especially when much of the contemporary ignorance is deliberately perpetuated by anarchists and elitists alike – because their are those that have no clue of the value of Old Glory. Anarchists either care about nothing, or they care about picking up a dollar for mercenary manifested mayhem. It is observable by the rioting for the sake of creating chaos and destroying law and order, or raising Hell for “the Hell of it.” On the other hand, elitists are much more concerned about dominion over common people because it can amplify their personal or political fame, power, or wealth.
The good news is that there are millions of Americans of all colors, all cultures, all races, all religions who will still honor our flag. And, the story of the American Flag is very compelling, and there are many stories regarding the flag that are interwoven into the fabric of our history. But, the one story that is most critical for our understanding today is that the flag existed before the nation existed. The flag had been a true symbol of freedom before the nation came into formal existence. And, the day of June 14th also represents the birthday of the United States Army. Many Americans are not aware of this simple fact. There is another like it: The Continental Army came into existence before the nation came into formal existence. So, here is a real serious question: for what nation was the Continental Army fighting if the United States of America did not exist at the time?
Flag Day helps us to remember our roots. Awaiting the cavalry is not a productive option. It is for us the living to continue to advance the cause of Freedom - not just for the U.S.A. but for all people throughout the world. Today’s message is an article I wrote in 2018 about Flag Day based upon other articles I have written on Flag Day over the years. The message is still quite relevant in light of the current disturbance, even though it is a step back a few years. And in that step, light shines on the past Consider it carefully and offer prayers for our people on this day.
We hope our readers would consider all the messages in this edition as meaningful, pertinent, or relevant, and if readers know others who might value our newsletters as well. Additionally, we have a good supply of videos for today – including the “American Minute” feature by William Federer. Most of these are to honor the theme of Flag Day or the U.S. National Anthem. You can watch one, or a few, or watch them all! We hope readers would consider becoming Citizen Sentinels and messengers and pass this newsletters on to those who would welcome it. These newsletters are all provided for you to have a better day…
“O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”
By Dennis Jamison - June 14, 2018
In the past century American citizens have witnessed the public disrespect, disdain, desecration, and destruction of the Stars and Stripes, the flag of the United States of America. More recently football fans have been dismayed and enraged by the controversy over players insisting upon making their own controversial political statements by refusing to honor America’s national anthem, or the flag itself. Indeed there has been great controversy and a substantial loss of revenue in the wake of such “free speech” demonstrations. The NFL leadership eventually brought out their new “rules of engagement” for the disruptive or contentious
Players. Yet, it is likely this current debacle will linger on because it gets to the heart of the very freedoms underpinning the Land of the Free. In fact, the flag has been desecrated in ways that prompted the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in as early as 1907. The case at that time was Halter vs. Nebraska, and in several other flag desecration cases over the early years, statutes were designed to prohibit burning the flag, or desecrating the flag in other ways, or in even disrespecting Old Glory. However, in the 1960s, issues that erupted across the nation such as the fight for civil rights, or the pubic protests over America’s involvement in the Vietnam War, led to more flag burning incidents and more challenges to the early rulings. So the issue has already been proceeding for decades.
In 1968, a couple of famous court cases involving the burning the U.S. flag wound up before the U.S. Supreme Court once again. Initially, Congress reacted to the burning of the flag in protest against the Vietnam War, and passed the Federal Flag Desecration Law. However, in 1969, the Supreme Court ruled to extend First Amendment protection to the burning of the flag. Again in 1989, the Supreme Court upheld this earlier ruling in Texas v. Johnson, and stated that neither the U.S. nor state governments can prohibit or punish anyone for the desecration of a U.S. flag because the action is viewed as an expression of speech – even if no words are expressed -- viewed as an action of symbolic speech, and protected by the First Amendment.
For these reasons, the American flag was burned over and over again since, and more recently in 2016, during riots and protests against Donald Trump’s appearances at his presidential campaign rallies. Antifa, the brown-shirt type organization created by covert operatives of the “Progressive” or “Obamantor faction” of the “Democratic” Party to generate chaos and societal fear, is supportive of members who burn American flags. Coupled with the football players disrespecting the American flag, it almost seems as if it is the “new normal.” Yet, when people act out by disrespecting, desecrating, or even burning Old Glory, what is it truly expressing?
Obviously, and rightly so, the U.S. Supreme Court has decided to protect the right of citizens to freely express their discontent, disrespect, or hatred of the American flag. All Americans enjoy the freedom of the right of expression. But that means all Americans enjoy those rights. So, they have the right to express their discontent or disrespect of those who disrespect the flag. Freedom should flow both ways.
Earlier this year, controversy erupted prior to the Super Bowl when NFL leadership made decision to stifle a group of military veterans who wanted to run an ad that contained a message featuring the hashtag “PleaseStand” as it showed military veterans saluting the Stars and Stripes. At the time, AMVETS national commander Marion Polk wrote in a letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell:
Freedom of speech works both ways. We respect the rights of those who choose to protest, as these rights are precisely what our members have fought — and in many cases died — for… But imposing corporate censorship to deny that same right to those veterans who have secured it for us all is reprehensible and totally beyond the pale.
The NFL weathered the storm of backlash from fans who decided not to attend the football games, but it definitely hurt as their 2017 financial losses show. Yet, Flag Day is a great opportunity for reflection on the flag and the values of the Land of the Free. The AMVET commander, Mr. Polk, is right when he states that freedom of speech works both ways. And of course, the NFL can reserve the right to “edit” ads, and players have the right to make political statements to quite captive audiences. The real issue is the trampling of perceived “rights” protected under the First Amendment.
Certainly, American veterans deserve, perhaps more than any, to have their freedom of speech honored. In the case of the rejected AMVETS ad, there was little respect offered to simple words of encouragement to “please stand” for the playing of the National Anthem. Yet, does Freedom of Speech still work both ways in America? Does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave over veterans willing to give their lives so that others may live in relative freedom? Will that Star Spangled Banner continue to wave over the prominent athletes refusing to stand like genuine citizens during the playing of the National Anthem? In light of the orchestrated attack upon foundational American values in ways that target the flag, it is a serious concern of many Americans.
Unfortunately, ignorant people do not understand the meaning of the flag they may be disrespecting. Even intelligent and “well-educated” people may not understand a deeper meaning behind the flag. Actually, the American flag is more a symbol of the people of the United States than it is a symbol of the U.S. government, and history is clear on this. Nevertheless, the prerequisite for understanding the meaning behind the flag and its value would be a propaganda free understanding of U.S. history.
Intelligent, reasonable people understand that the U.S. flag was born before the very existence of the U.S. government. The stars and stripes always represented the people of America, intertwined with the genuine symbol of the struggle of a determined people to be free. Actually, before the legal formation of the government, the design of the flag was recognized as a symbol of the people: the red and white stripes represent the original thirteen colonies and the stars were meant to represent each new state that entered the union. Fundamentally, the flag, as originally designed, represented the unity of people fighting for freedom.
The United States government was only formally established after colonists won the War for Independence, and signed a peace treaty with Great Britain. While the chronology may seem inconsequential, the timeline actually reflects deep significance. It should be remembered that on June 14, 1777, the historic day that the Second Continental Congress passed an official resolution aimed at the creation of an official flag for the nation, there was no legitimate government — it was only a loosely knit band of men and boys who dared to fight for freedom and a group of bold and brilliant men who took upon themselves the authority to pass their own precepts for freedom.
Therefore, to a greater extent, the U.S. flag can be fundamentally understood as the symbol of the unity of brave and brilliant people willing to offer their lives for the sake of creating a nation of free people. It continues to serve as the symbol of the unity of brave and brilliant people willing to offer their lives for the sake of freedom around the world. Certainly, the design of the American flag has long been recognized as a symbol of the people: The red and white stripes represent the original thirteen colonies, and the stars represent each new state that entered the Union. Even the specific colors of the flag came to represent ideal human characteristics.
On the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress also established a committee that would create a seal for the new nation. The Great Seal was created, accepted by Congress, which formally adopted the symbol on June 20, 1782. The Secretary of the Continental Congress, Charles Thomson, then presented the seal to Congress. At the time, he explained: “The colors… are those used in the flag of the United States of America. White signifies purity and innocence. Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue… signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.”
Although the deeper symbolism behind the colors can be traced back to the birth of the United States, the color red in the stripes is regarded in this day by some to represent the blood shed for freedom, then and throughout America’s history. In other words, the flag is symbolic of the people. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed 1986 as “The year of the Flag,” and stated that “The colors of our flag signify the qualities of the human spirit we Americans cherish,” Certainly, the design of the flag has long been recognized as a symbol of “We the People.” This deeper symbolism stands out more than the flag representing the government.
Essentially, dishonoring, disrespecting, and the flagrant desecration of the flag has more to do with the dishonoring and disrespect of a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Especially in this day, many concerned citizens can see the televised reports that the flag is now easily seen as an object of scorn. But, the bottom line is that it is the people’s government being scorned and disrespected and the people’s symbols that are being desecrated. This perspective can be empowering to those who care.
In this time, as U.S. symbols and American values are under attack. The attack, though subtle and insidious, it can be viewed as comparable to the time when Francis Scott Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry. Baltimore was threatened to be destroyed by the British, as they had trashed and burned the United States’ Capitol in the War of 1812. Key was an ordinary citizen; yet, he was deeply moved write his impressions as a witness to the 25 hour bombing and deliberate destruction of the fortress protecting Baltimore. Key shared his heart in the “Defence of Fort McHenry,” his poem of surviving the intense shelling.
Today, one can ask: Are Americans up to defending the flag in 2018? -- up to defending the self-evident truths and bedrock values at the foundation of our nation? Five or ten years from now will the question be answered affirmatively: “Does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave”?
Articles of History…
American Minute by William J. Federer - FLAG DAY "I pledge allegiance to the Flag and to the Republic ..." - A Republic is where the citizens are co-kings! – 6/12/23
From HISTORY.com: What Is Flag Day?
From National Geographic: What is flag day? The history behind the patriotic holiday
From US National Archives: July 4 2021: Betsy Ross - 7/4/2021
From US National Archives: Young Learners Program: Meet Betsy Ross - 7/21/2022
From Canada Free Press by Dennis Jamison: June 14th and Foundations of Freedom - 2017
From The Old Farmer's Almanac: Flag Day 2024: When Is Flag Day? Celebrate the American Flag – 6/7/24
True Fact Check -
We strive for accuracy and objectivity in the entries in this section. But if readers see anything that doesn't look historically correct, send us an email and let us know your feedback: dj.light@protonmail.com
Coalition Connections…
Editor’s note: The CPR Lifeline Advisory has been revised, and the CPR group activities or articles follow our new ‘featured issue focus’ section. The CPR group activities segment will continue to shine a spotlight on member organizations or allies or affiliates. We know new patriots are awakening each day across the nation, and as necessity breeds invention,’ the CPR seeks to work with additional Christian, conservative, groups as they work
to organize, mobilize, and actively respond to the current clear and present danger to our Constitutional Republic.
From Election Integrity Project®California: Land of the FREE? - Not so Fast. – 6/10/25
From Last Call Radio Show: 6/7/2025 "Judge Not" and "The Father Effect" – 6/7/25
From Family Peace Association: “Recognizing the unique contributions of fathers in the family and community.” – 6/2/25
From United Sovereign Americans (USA): CEO, Marly Hornik on Stern America 5-14-2025
From Strike Force of Prayer: PRAY FOR PEACE! – 2025
ICYMI > From Liberty Christian Fellowship and Pastor Earl Wallace: The Christian Responsibility To Secure Freedom – 3/24/2024
From Camp Constitution: Christian Flag Case Continues Ripple Effect on Governments News Release from Liberty Counsel – 6/12/24
ICYMI > From Election Integrity Project®California: EIPCa Bulletin May 14, 2025 – 5/14/24
Fighting for Life - for Liberty - for Goodness
Flag Day Tribute
From YouTube: Donald Trump and Johnny Cash Ragged Old Flag - 10/27/16
We Must Fight by Ronald Reagan
From DailyClout: Celebrating Flag Day: A Tribute to American Patriotism – 6/12/24
From Creed Fisher: Stars and Stripes by Creed Fisher - (Official Music Video) – 11/10/23
From The American Minute with Bill Federer (video): American Minute for June 14 - The Second Continental Congress chose the American flag design on this day in 1777.
From YouTube: Donald Trump and Johnny Cash Ragged Old Flag - - 10/27/16
From YouTube: Super Bowl 53 | Ragged Old Flag – 2/7/21
Ahead of Pride Month: School Walk-Outs Planned, Parents Discuss LGBT Lessons in Schools – 5/29/24 (ET)
From Brian Rose - on X: “We Will Not Be Silenced” – YouTube DOES NOT Want YOU TO SEE
From The Soldiers' Chorus of The United States Army Field Band: The Battle Hymn of the Republic - 11/22/2016
