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What does the flag mean to you?

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Craig Adams
  • 305th Operations Support Squadron
MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. --  As many of you know, to commemorate our 60th Air Force Anniversary, Team McGuire organizations have been conducting a formal retreat ceremony Fridays through Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. at the base flag pole. 

For some of you, it's probably been a long time since you've participated in a retreat ceremony. I know -- we're all busy, and our plates are overflowing; however, it's important we occasionally take a moment to remember why we pay respect to our flag and what the flag means to us as military members. 

I know what the flag means to me -- commitment and sacrifice. I hope this article will inspire you to not only think about what the flag means to you, but also thoughtfully evaluate the commitment and sacrifices many have made for our flag to fly freely every day. Commitment and sacrifice are common elements of everyday military life, and I'd like to expound upon each separately, beginning with commitment. 

Commitment is a powerful word. It immediately makes me think of the men and women, both past and present, who have devoted themselves to defending the freedoms we hold so dearly. I'm referring to not only our active-duty force, but also the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard forces who have collectively and selflessly answered when called upon to defend the United States of America and its global interests. Every day, deployed military members demonstrate unwavering commitment in harsh lands abroad. As a result, I'm filled with pride to wear the Air Force uniform and to be a part of the history associated with the teamwork involved to represent and protect our great nation. As fulfilling as this may be, commitment does not come without sacrifice. 

Sacrifice can be measured in many ways. For example, the personal sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform not only today, but throughout history, supporting campaigns and wars in foreign countries. Families are left behind and forced to celebrate special events, such as holidays, birthdays or even the birth of a child, realizing the only memory available will be a picture they receive in a care package weeks later. Although the long separation faced is difficult, their strength and pledge to duty is an inspiration for us all. Sadly, there are also higher levels of sacrifice -- injuries, or even worse, the ultimate sacrifice ... the loss of human life. We've all seen television interviews of wounded servicemembers who have paid a steep price for their service. Despite the physical sacrifice, they express a strong desire to continue serving, something that cannot be fathomed by most. However, the military member understands the cause justifies the risk. As demanding as the commitment and sacrifices may be, they are made freely and without reservation. 

Commitment and sacrifice are what the flag means to me. The commitment of all the men and women in uniform, both past and present, who have selflessly answered when called upon to defend our nation's Constitution and the freedoms we hold so dear. The personal and physical sacrifices made by all our military members, not only today, but throughout history. 

I ask you take a moment to think about what the flag means to you. I hope I have inspired you to not only assign your own meaning, but also reflect on the commitment and sacrifices many have made for our flag to flourish every day. The next time you have the opportunity to participate in a reveille or retreat ceremony, stand proudly and think about what the flag means to you.