Today is Flag Day which commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

It’s wonderful to live in Johnson City, Texas, a town that loves America and celebrates traditions such as Flag Day.

Our flag is a symbol of the greatest nation on earth, exceptional in that America is a nation of immigrants bonded together by a shared commitment to the democratic principles of liberty, equality, individualism and laissez faire economics, as well as one nation under God.

I have the honor every year to give the Invocation at our Flag Day Observance sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution in front of the Courthouse.

Here is the prayer I composed during my time with the Lord this morning and then prayed at the Courthouse:

Lord God of the earth and of America,

We acknowledge you this day as the creator and protector of our nation, with all its freedoms, benefits, and opportunities, understanding that this experiment in governing ourselves can only last if, in the words of John Adams, our Constitution is upheld by a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

On this flag day, we remember how you brought your people out of religious tyranny, to a country where you could be worshipped freely. The 13 stripes on our flag represent the establishment of our original colonies who longed for a better country for all who would follow afterward.

We thank you that the 50 stars represent 50 states, each with their own governance, and we hope and pray that you would establish us as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

We acknowledge the colors of our great symbol of freedom: red for hardiness and valor. Help us to work as unto you, and by trusting in you, to be bold and very courageous as we face darker days ahead.

The white in our flag, symbolizing purity and innocence, reminds us to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves when dealing with those who would want to steal our liberty. Help us to be blameless in our example as we speak the truth in love.

And lastly, the blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice, emulating Jesus’ ever watchful presence. As we live for you, strive for you, and unashamedly speak of you, will you please bless America again?

Thank you for giving us this flag, a great symbol of a great nation, serving a great God, for a great purpose.

Long may she wave.

Amen.