SCEDC BLOG

At a residence in St. Croix County a couple weeks ago, the owner decided it was time to replace a tired old American flag that flies from a pole attached to the garage. The old flag had truly seen better days, and a few more rain showers will work the fold lines out of the new one.

The home owner’s reference to his ratty old flag turned into ragged old flag. He recalled hearing a song with the same title, but from where?

Sure enough, “Ragged Old Flag” was used in a video tribute leading up to Super Bowl LIV’s kickoff this past February. During its airing, Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Kyle Carpenter raised Old Glory to the top of a pole. Corp. Carpenter medically retired from the U.S. Marines in 2013 as a result of significant injuries received in service to his country. He is the youngest living recipient of the Medal of Honor

“Ragged Old Flag” is the title song on an album with the same name released by country singer Johnny Cash in 1974. Watch the Super Bowl LIV tribute at www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPbDZljUsrY. It ends with Corp. Carpenter saying a phrase typically used by presidents at the end of speeches.

On this Fourth of July, carve out some time for reflection – where this country has been, where it is today, and the continued challenges on the road going forward. And reflect upon this, e pluribus unum, Latin for out of many, one.

The United States is a country composed of many beliefs and backgrounds; it’s still a melting pot after all these years, and unified by 50 stars and 13 stripes. “And I believe she can take a whole lot more” as the line in “Ragged Old Flag” points out.

Here’s from 1776 to 2020 and counting.