Flag Day will soon be here. June 14th is a day set aside to pay tribute to the American flag.

So, what is the meaning of the United States flag?

The colors are of course red, white and blue. The 13 horizontal stripes represent the original 13 colonies, and the stars represent the 50 states of the union.

The red symbolizes hardiness and valor. White symbolizes purity and innocence. Blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

That says and awful lot about the people of this country, doesn’t it?

One of the most prominent displays of the U.S. flag which the people of Butler have been fortunate to have experienced has been that of a man, a retired veteran, jogging along Evans City Road holding Old Glory prominently above his head. That man is Dave Jackson.

For the past year, Mr. Jackson has run that road exercising his body but more importantly his pride as an American and his appreciation for all who served and especially those who died under this banner.

We chuckled at his comments that this routine made him friends, made people angry, and honored veterans all at the same time.

He posted rather eloquently the following, “This country was divine inspiration forged by written word, sacrifice and people that understood how not to be ruled over by tyrants.”

We will miss the flag runner, this patriotic jogger, this symbol of national pride.

Mr. Jackson says his knees have made the decision for him to end this ritual. Will someone else pick up the torch and carry it forward?

We thank Dave and will think of him every June 14th as we honor the American flag, and we will remember how one man made so many conscious of the importance of patriotism and national pride.

The flags in Butler County should wave a little extra in thanks to Mr. Jackson this Flag Day.

— RV