This week as President Ronald Reagan made his final trip to Washington, the world reflected on a truly humble American hero. We remember a man with an ordinary beginning who went on to do extraordinary things - to chart the course for a generation, for a nation, and for the world.

Washington is a town of leaders, and each of us who comes to Washington has a vision for the direction of our nation. Rarely is there a man like Ronald Reagan who could not only lead leaders, but who did do so with such integrity, principle, and honesty.

In the midst of a nation whose spirit had been crushed with war and economic burden, in the midst of people gripped with fear from the spread of Communism, Ronald Reagan picked us up and breathed hope into our hearts. He reminded us of what we were fighting for. He said: “The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas—a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.”

He reminded us that as Americans we have a responsibility to help those in need: “We cannot turn away from them,” he said, “for the struggle here is not right versus left; it is right versus wrong.” How true his words still ring today. 

Ronald Reagan reminded us that government is not the answer to our problems, people are. “The government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases,” he said, “If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.” 

By exposing and destroying burdensome and oppressive regulation and taxes, he restored the spirit that America is built upon: optimism, opportunity, and self-reliance. In doing so, he not only energized the economy, but he rejuvenated the pride and self-worth of Americans.

Finally, Ronald Reagan reminded us of the importance of faith in our democracy. He said, “Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.” He taught us to seek truth in the right places – not in the backrooms of committees, or in the newspapers, or in whispers in the halls of Congress – but in our principles and in our hearts.

While many of us never knew Ronald Reagan personally, we felt close to him because we shared his lighthearted sense of humor, admired his uncommon virtue, and were moved by his remarkable wisdom. His unbounded compassion and wise counsel charted a course our nation continues to follow today and his fatherly leadership and gentle smile will long live in our nation's memory.

He will be missed but his words and spirit will continue on. His memory and our grief from his passing will bind us to the conviction of his principles: freedom for everyone, smaller government as the foundation for economic prosperity and personal responsibility, and faith as the touchstone of democracy.

:: June 14 - A Day for the Stars and Stripes ::

For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation’s unity, as well as a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens.

On June 14, 1777 the Continental Congress passed an Act to establish an official flag for the new nation. The resolution ordered that "the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." On August 3, 1949, President Truman commemorated the occasion by officially declaring June 14 as Flag Day. 

While no one knows the exact origin of the first American flag, some historians believe it was designed by Congressman Francis Hopkinson and sewn by Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross. 

Between 1777 and 1960, Congress passed several acts that changed the shape, design and arrangement of the flag and allowed for additional stars and stripes to be added to reflect the admission of each new state. 

Today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor; white symbolizes purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. 

When displaying the flag, remember these simple etiquette rules:

 - It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

 - The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

 - The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.

 - The flag should never be displayed with union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

 - The flag should be displayed daily and on all holidays, weather permitting, on or near the main administration buildings of all public institutions. It should also be displayed in or near every polling place on election days and in or near every schoolhouse during school days. 

 - When displayed against a wall or a window, the blue field should be uppermost and to the left of the observer. 

 - When the flag is raised or lowered as part of a ceremony as it passes by in parade or review, everyone, except those in uniform, should face the flag with the right hand over the heart. 

 - The flag should never be dipped toward any person or object, nor should the flag ever touch anything beneath it. 

For more flag etiquette tips, and for information on how you can purchase a flag flown over the United States Capitol, please visit my website at www.house.gov/forbes.