June is a great month as it ushers in the summer season, my favorite time of the year. The warmth of the season after a cold winter and a cool spring is a welcomed season. It is a time for family vacations, picnics, and various celebrations.

June 14th is Flag Day, a day established in 1777 when the United States approved the design for the first national flag. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14th as the official date for Flag Day and in 1949, the U.S. Congress permanently established the date as National Flag Day.

I have visited many countries, but have never seen a flag that has so much majesty and beauty as the Stars and Stripes of Old Glory. It represents much sacrifice as we reflect on the history of this great nation and defending our freedom. It represents what Concord and Lexington meant; what Bunker Hill and Fort McHenry meant; which was, in short, the rising of a valiant group of people against an old tyranny to establish the most momentous doctrine the world had ever known.

Cheers to the men and women who fought for it, and tears for the men and women who went down in the grave for it.

Other flags mean a glorious past; our flag means a glorious future.

We are fortunate through the efforts and contributions of many individuals to have a large flag that will fly over North Ogden representing freedom and sacrifice of many of our citizens who have served our country and given their all.

We can summarize by reflecting on the words of George Cohan. He said, “You’re a grand old flag, you’re a high flying flag and forever in peace may you wave. You’re the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave. Every heart beats true ‘Neath the Red, White, and Blue where there is never a boast or brag. But should old acquaintance be forgot keep your eye on the grand old flag.”

Let us remember and respect this great emblem of freedom and sacrifice that is the real heart of the United States of America.

Brent Chugg,
Mayor