Trust me; They’re out there!
By Chaplain William Stewart

They are all around us. They are communicating with us. They are even changing the way we see things. Now, before you think I am an “alien chaser,” or conspiracy theorist, let me explain what I am talking about. I am talking about signs and symbols. Symbols are one of the most important elements of communication in our world, and not just for humans, but all creation. They are so much a part of our world that we rarely even notice most of them, but trust me, they’re out there!

Some of our greatest philosophers like Plato, Aristotle and St. Augustine realized importance of signs and symbols. The modern day term for this field of study is called semiotics and is quite fascinating and its significance in higher academics continues to grow. Many symbols are quite noticeable and make perfect, logical sense, like something as common as a road sign which directs our thinking on how we should drive. Others are more relative like the wearing of a cross, Star of David or even a peace sign. To one person, it might be a fashion statement, but to another, it might be a symbol of one of the most important aspects of his or her life, their faith or belief system.

But what is interesting to me is that symbols do not always have to be in the form of a shape. They can involve any of the senses, such as touch, smell, sounds or even color. The other day, I was in an unfamiliar place when nature called; in fact called very quickly and loudly! I jumped into the bathroom and headed to that oh so very convenient device for men called a urinal, only to realize the bathroom was not so equipped. It was then that I got chills down my spine as I noticed the tile on the walls were colored pink. Yes, you guessed it, nature called me to the wrong place and it ended up being a very embarrassing situation as I passed a woman on the way out. I covered as best as possible by lowering my voice, saying “Good afternoon ma’am” and proceeded out hoping she thought I was an inspector or something (after all, I was in uniform)! What was that symbol that communicated to me enough to get chills? Just that beautiful color, pink!

As Americans, we are coming up on a very special day that many may not notice. It’s not a day that we get off from work. It’s not a day that we buy or receive gifts for. It’s not even a day that will most likely have parades and fanfare in most places. But it is a day that represents most everything we do and sacrifice for in the military. It’s June 14 and it’s our Flag Day. But honestly, have you ever thought about what this day stands for, or what it truly represents? Is it really possible that men and women throughout the decades and centuries have been willing to give their lives for what this symbol nicknamed “Old Glory” means? I think, yes.

From its adoption, June 14, 1777, it has changed a bit throughout the years, adding stars as our nation grew. It has been soaked with blood on many a battlefield, it has been burned in protests, and it has been placed atop rubble that resulted from terrorists destroying our buildings because they do not like what it stands for. But, what has never changed and I pray never will, is the meaning of this great symbol: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all. I hope that we of this great nation will forever be cognizant of what this most incredible symbol means for us and others. Whether it be colors, taps, crossing the brow, reciting the pledge of allegiance or any other occasion to see Old Glory, I encourage you to take time and reflect on what those stars and stripes truly mean. It’s a beautiful symbol. God bless you and happy Flag Day!

Interesting!!!!