Rally ‘Round the Flag
You’ve probably heard the call to “rally ‘round the flag” if you’ve ever watched a gripping political speech, a historical film, or even a sports game. Originating in the heat of battle and finding a proud place in American politics, this phrase has legs longer than a centipede in running shoes. But did you know it first found foothold thanks to General Andrew Jackson and was forever cemented in memory through George F. Root’s Civil War anthem?
Definitions and Usage
Rally ‘Round the Flag: To show support for a candidate, cause, or country. Historically steeped in militaristic and political undertones, it conjures images of unity, loyalty, and collective effort.
Synonyms:
- Stand by
- Back up
- Support
- Defend
Antonyms:
- Abandon
- Oppose
- Neglect
- Betray
Proverbs and Sayings
- “United we stand, divided we fall.”
- “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” - Abraham Lincoln
Fast-Facts and Fun:
- Originally attributed to General Andrew Jackson during the Battle of New Orleans.
- Solidified in American lexicon through George F. Root’s Civil War song: The Battle Cry of Freedom (1862).
- Whispered and belted through political campaign rallies, protest marches, and Memorial Day parades.
Humorous Quotes:
“Supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” - Mark Twain
“A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman of the next generation.” - James Freeman Clarke
References in Literature, Songs, and Movies:
- Song: “The Battle Cry of Freedom” by George F. Root
- Book: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
- Movie: Lincoln directed by Steven Spielberg
- History: Civil War accounts, such as The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
Inspirational Farewell
Remember, to rally ‘round the flag is not just to follow blindly, but to embrace the ideals that bind us. It’s a call to unity and a nod to every effort that contributes, even in strife, to freedom and justice.
Yours in words and wisdom, Liberty Wordsworth
