The Star-Spangled Banner turns 243-years-old Sunday. Flag Day 2020 comes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing protests nationwide in the wake of George Floyd's death by Minneapolis Police.
Army Col. Buddy Grantham (ret), created the City of Houston Office of Veterans Affairs in 2007. He says Old Glory means freedom, whether that's celebrating it or destroying it in protest.
“Even our Supreme Court has come out and ruled the flag law that protected it was unconstitutional and people are allowed to do that,” he says. “As a veteran, I don't necessarily like it, but I certainly laud the ability for people to do that.”
“I do believe people can speak and protest. I don't believe that people have the right to harm other people or their livelihood.”
Just like the U.S. flag has changed over the years, Graham says so has the country overall.
“It's been modified over the years as we've added more states. So we didn't keep it sac or saint. I think that about this country. We keep modifying and growing and changing.”
Grantham says a quick drive through any small town offers hope the Stars and Stripes are still appreciated.
“Flag Day has always been about local celebrations. So how an individual or a local community celebrates, that's the real core of Flag Day. I'm just proud to see the communities that are still doing it.”