Celebrating Red, White & Blue® Made Patriotism a Family Affair

By Gary Peterson, Senior Copywriter

I often get goosebumps when I hear the national anthem before sporting events. I feel inspired, patriotic and experience a pure love of our country. It’s a magical feeling.

A Personal Connection to Patriotism

I got goosebumps again this past summer when I participated in a WoodmenLife Celebrating Red, White & Blue event at a professional soccer game in the Omaha, NE, area. Celebrating Red, White & Blue was established in 2021 as a way for groups to display an oversized American flag — loaned by WoodmenLife — during athletic, school or patriotic activities.

WoodmenLife understands the importance of patriotism. Since our founding in 1890, we’ve provided opportunities to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy and thank those who protect them. And we’ve presented more than 3.5 million flags to nonprofit and community organizations across the country.

I’ve personally connected with WoodmenLife because of our shared commitment to family, community and country. My father was a Veteran. I served in my JROTC’s color guard in high school and had every intention of joining the military — but life took me in another direction. However, I maintained a strong connection to the flag and what it represents.

That’s why when the invitation came to be part of a WoodmenLife Celebrating Red, White & Blue event at a Union Omaha soccer game, I jumped at the chance. I didn’t know then the immense impact the experience would have on me.

Patriotism for the Next Generation

I signed up my wife and my preteen daughter to be part of the event, too, thinking it would be a wonderful thing to share. My daughter was a little hesitant.

What followed were serious conversations about patriotism and her feelings about America. I found it all insightful. She loves her country, and she loves the opportunities and freedoms she has. We talked about how patriotism can take several productive forms.

Soon, she seemed to better appreciate various expressions of patriotism, and she understood the importance of pride in the presence of the flag.

Flag in Hand

When we walked onto the field at the Celebrating Red, White & Blue event with other volunteers, taking our places along the fly end of the flag, I could sense a change in her too-cool-for-this attitude. We were there with dozens of others, holding the most important symbol of our country. And she could tell it was special.

As the group moved in concert to display the flag at its full length, I felt a surge of shared purpose. It was like I was part of the flag itself, and the passion of the anthem was being funneled through me. And you know what? My daughter was feeling it, too.

I could see it. First, it was out of the corner of my eye so as not to trigger the “Dad, you’re embarrassing me” response. Then, as the flag and volunteers were being shown on the big screen, I looked right at her.

Her smile was as bright as the figurative spotlight shining upon us. It remained as a coworker magnificently sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It remained as we waved the flag to mimic the effects of a breeze. Her smile was still there as the anthem closed and we returned the flag to its holder. And the smile was still there as we left the field.

Climbing the stadium’s steps, I had those familiar goosebumps again. One, because I was directly participating in the celebration of our country. And two, because my daughter was feeling what I felt and clearly grasped what Dad had been talking about.

Every American should be lucky enough to get the chance to feel that way.

Learn more about WoodmenLife’s efforts to support America at WoodmenLife.org/Patriotism

See how you can be part of a Celebrating Red, White & Blue event near you by checking in with your local WoodmenLife chapter. Find a chapter near you at WoodmenLife.org/Find/Chapter

Not a member yet? Find a Representative near you at WoodmenLife.org/Find/Rep

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