Saturday marks the 228th birthday of the United States Army. June 14th is also the 228th birthday of our Nation's flag, the Star Spangled Banner. Twenty-one days after June 14th is July 4th, the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the birthday of our great nation.
The number "21" signifies honors within the brotherhood of arms. The commander-in-chief of our armed forces and visiting heads of state receive a 21 gun salute upon arrival and again at departure. Three volleys of seven rifles are fired at funeral services, interments and at other memorial functions such as Veterans' Day and Memorial Day. The lone sentinel, forever guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery takes 21 steps, pauses for 21 seconds, turns and pauses again for 21 seconds and then takes 21 steps, continually reflecting honors to all our honored dead.
I own a replica of the 15 star and 1 strip Star Spangled Banner, the flag that was defiantly flown over Fort McHenry during the famous bombardment in 1814. I fly this flag continuously from June 14th through July 4th in memory of all those service members who have gone before me and in honor of those who still serve. This Saturday, I ask each of you to pause for a moment, the first time you see our National Standard as it snaps briskly in the breeze and reflect on our heritage and our freedom. And, if you are so inclined, please join me in flying your flag continuously during these "21 Days of Honor" between June 14th and July 4th.
Colonel William S. Bernfeld, USAR (Ret.)