COMPANION FLAG

A short while ago, Scott Wyatt gave a fascinating program at the Stanwood/Camano Rotary.  .  Mr. Wyatt advocates that our flag staff should include two flags rather than one.  The nation's flag symbolizes that we as a nation are set apart from all nations of the world.  Yet, as citizens of America, we are also part of all of humanity.  That means we share many or most human characteristics with all other human beings.  Therefore, the concept Mr. Wyatt brought to us was that a second flag that is all white with a single band made of one of the colors of the national flag can remind us, as citizens of a specific country, also of our link to all of humanity. 

Companion flags of various color schemes have already been flown in numerous other countries in addition to the United States.  At last count, companion flags have been flying over 16 countries including such diverse societies as Japan, Malta, Uzbekistan, India and Peru

Mr. Wyatt gave a small American flag with companion flag to the Stanwood/Camano Rotary.  The companion flag  was white with a red band.  It could also be white with a blue band of the same color as the field for the 50 stars in our flag.  Jerry Van Vliet used that flag set and combined it with the flag of the Canary Islands.  He then gave the flag set to Marta Solano Carpintera, our exchange student from the Canary Islands at her 16^th birthday party.  Marta was delighted.  The Stanwood/Camano Rotary will obtain a full-sized companion flag to accompany the American flag we have in our meeting room and to which we pledge our allegiance.

Although Mr. Wyatt's rationale for proposing the companion flag is complex and steeped in historical and sophisticated philosophical thought; the concept can be reduced to a pretty simple point: we should be constantly reminded of our humanity.  That being the case, we can be guided toward humanitarian works.

At the next meeting of the Stanwood/Camano Rotary, we will be giving a lapel pin to each member and guest in attendance.  This pin has the American flag with a companion flag on the same staff.  We hope you will wear the pin proudly for we feel the pin signifies your subscription to being not only a citizen of this nation, but a humanitarian who recognizes the oneness of mankind.  The companion flag concept blends beautifully with principles we espouse as Rotarians.  Think of the Four-way Test.  It is neither nationalistic nor sectarian - it embodies universal principles of ways we can think and act to associate ourselves with all human beings. 

The FOURTH stated object of Rotary is "The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service."   We are convinced that use of the companion flag will be a fine way to be reminded of the need to relate to others, no matter who they are or where they come from.  In doing so, we participate in the essence of Rotary.

Our love and best wishes to each of you, 

JoAnn and Dave