A message from Governor Kathleen Sebelius on Flag Day, Saturday, June 14:
Flag Day once again reminds each of us our country is history, determination, and spirit of resolve. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the stars and strips as our symbol of freedom and democracy. It is a representative of our independence and unity.
Throughout our history, our American flag has demonstrated our country is spirit. The Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington, D.C. exhibits Marines waving the American flag during the WWII victory. The flag has seen the world from the moon. On September 11th, as a way to show our own victory and spirit of resolve, firefighters placed the flag in the rubble of the World Trade Center. In all of these instances, it sent a message to the American people, as well as people around the globe, of unity and freedom.
Today is Flag Day should be no different. We must show our spirit, our unity, and our independence. We must be proud of our history and our future. We must support our troops.
Especially in a time like this, we must clearly, openly, and constantly support our troops abroad. Their morale is as important as any strategy or piece of equipment. I hope you will join me in finding ways to express our support and gratitude toward them. Write a letter, thank a veteran, fly a flagódo whatever it takes to show they have our support. I am, and I trust you will, too.
I call on all Kansans to stand united with the rest of the country and with freedom-loving people everywhere. Let us keep our troops, veterans and each other in our prayers. Together, we will see our way through todayís challenges. And, someday soon, I pray that all people, in every nation, will know the blessings of liberty.