KAMP NOVO SELO, Kosovo – According to Merriam-Webster, a flag is a piece of cloth, usually rectangular in shape, with a distinctive design used as a symbol of a nation. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act, which outlined how the first flag of the United States was to be designed. “Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternately red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing the new constellation.”
There have been several variations of the United States flag. One particular variation is the Bennington flag. Typical of Revolutionary-era flags, the Bennington flag has 13 stars and 13 stripes to symbolize the 13 American colonies in rebellion against Great Britain. Within the 13 stars is a large “76” which refers to the year the Declaration of Independence was signed.
The Bennington flag also has several other unique features. The blue field is larger than the other flags, spanning nine stripes instead of the usual seven. Most American flags have 5-point stars, while the Bennington flag has 7-point stars.
One particular Bennington flag was flown in Germany in 1968-1970. Specialist 4 Jennings Michael Runyon, a generator repairman assigned to Alpha Company, 46th Medical Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, received the flag upon completion of his assignment. Living in Ashland, Kentucky, Runyon faithfully served his country and raised a family.
Runyon’s grandson, Spc. Jacob Holley, an infantryman assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 29th Infantry Division, received a flag from his grandfather before his death in January 2022. In honor of his grandfather, Holley brought the flag with him on deployment to Europe.
“I joined the military because of the example my grandfather set,” Holley said. “I want to pay tribute to the man who raised me.”
When Holley was 15, his father passed away. Runyon took Holley and his brother and raised them to be the people they are today.
Holley is currently serving with NATO’s Kosovo Force mission, KFOR, in Kosovo. Before arriving in Kosovo, the flag stopped in Germany at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, marking the first time the flag had returned to Europe. Holley, along with other members of his platoon, posed for a photo with the flag.
“I think we have a duty and a responsibility to preserve this history,” said Lt. Col. Jason Mendez, commander of the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 29th Infantry Division. “We are fortunate to have that personal connection to this history through Spc Holley and his grandfather.”
While he was in Kosovo, a flag flew over the camp in honor of Runon. The flag remains displayed in Holley’s living quarters. Holley hopes that the flag will fly in the aviation mission throughout Kosovo.
“Spc. Holley’s love for his grandfather and admiration for his service instilled a love of country that resonates through Spc. Holley today,” said 1st Lt. Patrick Metzgar, Sp. Holly’s platoon leader. “I am grateful to be part of the leadership that respects this and helps preserve history for future generations.”
On the civilian side, Holley is a trained diesel mechanic, but serves in another capacity as a moving and maintenance supervisor at King’s Daughters Medical Center. Holly is currently engaged and has a three-year-old daughter. Holley intends to pass the flag on to his next generation to continue honoring his grandfather.
Mendez continued, “So often we find our soldiers come from a ‘family of service’; families that over the years develop a legacy of dedication to our profession of arms. Spc. Holley’s family exemplifies that, and we are grateful for their service and sacrifice. This flag, Spc. Holly, and Holly’s grandfather will forever be a part of the Highland Warrior Battalion.”
Kentucky National Guard soldiers currently represent part of the US’ contribution to the 3,600 troops provided to KFOR by 28 countries working to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo.
"Thin Blue Line" the flag, which resembles the American flag but has a blue stripe, is a sign of support for law enforcement, but has also come to signal opposition to the racial justice movement and a symbol of white supremacy or support for the Blue Lives Matter cause.
How do you fly the Gadsden flag?
How to fly properly? When flying the Gadsden flag, it is important to fly it with the snake side up. The rattle in the upper left corner will vibrate if someone tries to take down your flag. The rattlesnake was originally designed as a warning symbol against potential attackers.
What does the Gadsden flag mean today? What it means? Throughout history, the Gadsden flag has been used as a symbol of rebellion against government tyranny and today it is a powerful symbol against government oppression, including taxation and wasteful spending. See the article : Immigrants reduce unionization in the United States Cato Liberty Blog.
What is the motto of the Gadsden flag?
Don’t Tread on Me began with what is known as the Gadsden flag, which features a rattlesnake coiled above the phrase on a yellow background. The flag was first flown on a warship in 1775 as a battle cry for American independence from British rule.
Is the Gadsden flag a military flag?
Beginning in 2009, the Gadsden flag became widely used as a protest symbol by protesters of the American Tea Party movement. It was also exhibited by members of Congress at Tea Party rallies. On the same subject : Martial Arts and Asian American Identity | Penn today. In some cases, the flag was considered a political rather than a historical or military symbol because of its strong association with the Tea Party.
What military branch uses the Gadsden flag?
The Gadsden Flag Gadsden presented to Congress an elegant standard, such as should be used by the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Navy; is a yellow field, with a living representation of a rattlesnake in the middle, in the attitude of going to strike, and these words below: “DON’T TREAD ON ME!” On the same subject : Transcript: Mayor Eric Adams delivers a speech at the U.S. Naturalization Ceremony.
What does it mean when a flag is upside down?
According to the US Flag Code, American flags should not be flown upside down — with the stars at the bottom — "except as a signal of dire distress in cases of extreme danger to life or property." The American Flag Code is officially the law, but there are no federal penalties or enforcement for people who…
Why does my neighbor have an upside down American flag? According to the US Flag Code, the flag should never be flown upside down – except as a signal of dire distress in cases of extreme danger to life or property.â
Why would someone fly the flag upside down?
According to the American Flag Code, the American flag should not be flown upside down â with the stars at the bottom â “except as a signal of dire distress in cases of extreme danger to life or property.” The American Flag Code is officially the law, but there are no federal penalties or enforcement for people who…
Can you get in trouble for flying the flag upside down?
An FBI representative said there is no law against flying the flag upside down. The flag code clearly states that the American flag may not be flown upside down “except as a sign of great distress in case of extreme danger to life or property.”
What is the white snake flag?
Flag of Martinique Flag Description: the light blue background is divided into four quadrants by a white cross; in the center of each rectangle is a white snake; the flag of France is used for official occasions.
What does the snake flag mean? What do you mean don’t step on me? ‘Don’t Tread On Me’ is an expression of freedom and liberty that first originated on the Gadsden flag, which depicts a coiled rattlesnake preparing to attack, and was used as a rallying cry for the independence of the American colonies against the British.
What country has a snake flag?
Although the French flag is the official flag of Martinique, the snake flag has been used to represent the island for years. And this, to be different from metropolitan France.
What does the flag with the broken snake mean?
The ‘Join or Die’ flag features a wooden rattlesnake, cut into eight pieces, with each piece representing one of the existing colonies. The snake is dead, and the image implies that the Thirteen Colonies would also die if they did not unite to face the French and Indian War.
