The American Flag—a symbol of courage and pride

Air Force Speeches, June 14, 2004

Remarks at the Flag Day ceremony, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., June 14, 2004

Thank you Scott (Brig. Gen. David "Scott" Gray, 89 Airlift Wing Commander) for your generous introduction; and thank you for inviting me to join you, General Severson, General Germann, Team Andrews, our honored veterans, civic leaders and the entire community in honoring our flag on the 227th anniversary of its adoption by the Continental Congress.

I am especially grateful for the opportunity to begin my week here with you. There is nothing more delightful for me than to be with the great men and women here today--those serving in uniform; those who serve in the community; and those who have served in uniform before, following this flag in previous conflicts.

This is a special day--the anniversary of the adoption of a very powerful symbol. Other important events share this anniversary date as well:

On June 14, 1775--two years before this nation had a flag--the Continental Congress authorized the creation of an Army. To all my friends who are--or have been--members of the world's greatest Army, I wish you a happy 229th Birthday!

Unfortunately, there have also been tragic events that occurred on this date. On June 14, 1940, Nazi forces occupied Paris. For four years, those citizens of France who cherished their lost freedom resisted their oppressors. The troops who marched into a liberated Paris on Aug. 25, 1944, carried many flags--the most prominent was the flag of the United States of America.

Flag Day also marks the anniversary of the beginning of the strategic bombing campaign in the Pacific Theater during World War II. On this date in 1944, Airmen flew 60 B-29s from China on a mission against an iron and steel factory on the Japanese home island of Honshu. More missions followed, and the tempo of strategic bombing increased. The effects of airpower in the Pacific Theater were enormous; they led to the regime's capitulation and obviated the need for an invasion which would have been horribly bloody.

While this day is a celebration, it also is a somber anniversary for the family and friends of an American serviceman who was an early hero in our fight against terrorism. On June 14, 1985, terrorists hijacked TWA Flight 847 while enroute from Athens to Rome. After forcing the aircraft to land in Beirut, the hijackers tortured, and then murdered, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Stethem, a passenger on the plane. He was singled out because he was an American.

Today, Petty Officer Stethem lies in honor not far from here, at Arlington National Cemetery. After the burial, his brother Kenneth said:

"Every time I look at the flag now and for the rest of my life, the red will represent the blood he spilled, the blue the beating and bruises he endured, and the white the purity and integrity he demonstrated in sacrificing his life."

Each of these events is tied together by one powerful symbol, the American Flag. The flag was carried by the Continental Army; it led the Armies which preserved the American Union; it was present as Americans came ashore to liberate Europe--some of you were there; it was sewn on the uniforms of our Airmen in those B-17s in Europe and B-29s in the Pacific; and it covered the casket of Petty Officer Stethem, as it has for many of our heroes. Our flag was there at all these events. It has a potent, unifying effect. It is worn on the battle dress of every American soldier; it flies from every commissioned ship of the line; and it typically is attached to our flight suits. It reminds us of our common purpose.

There is a lesser-known story that illustrates the power of our flag. In the 19th Century, there was a man named William Carney who was a 23-year-old from Bedford, Mass. He wanted to become a minister. However, this was a time of war--the Civil War--and like many he felt compelled to answer his country's call. He became a sergeant in Company C of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. On July 18, 1863, the 54th prepared to attack the

Confederate garrison at Fort Wagner, S.C. Six U.S. Navy ships bombarded the fort, while the 54th and other regiments waited on the beach for the order to attack. When that order was given, Sergeant Carney charged with his regiment.

One of Carney's comrades, Sergeant John Wall, was carrying the flag when he was cut down in the hail of fire. William Carney dropped his weapon and caught the flag before it hit the ground. Heedless of the danger, he rallied the 600 men of the 54th in their resolute advance. Sergeant Carney never faltered, despite wounds to his head, both legs, and hip. He later told his comrades, "Boys, I only did my duty. This flag never touched the ground."

Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courageous action. He was a great American Patriot--and the first African-American recipient of our nation's highest award.

Our flag is all around us today at Andrews, uniting us as Airmen and as Americans.

* It is carried on the aircraft of the 89th Airlift Wing, the 459th Air Refueling Wing, the 113th Wing, Marine Air Group 49, and aboard the Naval Air Facility