[January 19, 2026] As history tells us, we are not positive how the American Flag all came about.
With this, the 250th Anniversary of our country, and our Radio show very much involved in what I believe will be one of the largest Veteran displays of opened Casket Flags in America over the 2026 Memorial Day weekend.
Actually, there will be two Great American Flag ceremonies going on in Wildwood, New Jersey on May 22 ,2026. At the same time. The Elks of North Wildwood, New Jersey will be displaying Hundreds of Veterans’ casket flags starting on the ends of the Great Vietnam Wall with almost 59,000 names on it. Also, the Sojourn American flag, 5″ by 8″ will be flying on the American Flagpole right behind the Vietnam Wall.
General, the Sajourn flag started its journey last June 2025, in front of the Great Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington, DC. After a brief ceremony the American Flag was refolded and presented to the Overseas Battlefields Commission It was flown to France where it flew atop of the Flagpole in Normandy France, were thousands of American Veterans rest for three days.
AFTER three days in Normandy Cemetery, this Great American Flag was delivered to its next stop to honor our Veterans. In all the Sajourn Flag visited ten Countries and twenty-six Pastures of God’s love to our Veterans called our Holiest Ground in the World. Our Veterans Cemeteries. All these stops were outside the continent of United States. Upon its return it is now being flown all over the Unites States. Our Mission with the VVA, National Sheriff Department, Flag and Banner Association, UPS, Overseas Battlefield Commission, Sheriff Bunny Welsh and the Welcome Home Show on WIBG, is that the American Flag Sajourn touches all Fifty States each for three days.
Along with the Great and I mean really Great display of our Flags of Liberty by North Wildwood Elks on May 22, 2026, this will be one of our country’s largest and best displays of Patriotism, not only on May 22, 2026 but for the last 250 years.
So General, what do we know about our Country Great Flag. History tells us of General George Washington while in Philadelphia, stopped in to see a Seamstress by the name of Betsy Ross. I believe most of this to be true. Who would have believed that George Washington crossing the Delaware on a very cold, snow-covered river in a Durham row boat could defeat one of the most powerful countries in the world, would not have been involved in the first American flag design.
General Washington’s Continental Army kind of reminds me of our Vietnam Veterans. Under paid, not the greatest equipment to fight a jungle war in, really lousy food, not respected for what they gave our Country. And sadly, forgotten about for what they did for our Unites States and the world when they came home.
This American Flag by George and Betsy had so much more on it and in it that we will never know
The Great Johnny Cash in his song this “Ragged Old Flag” talks about old glory being cut, torn, pulled apart at its seams, blown up, blood all over and even burned and set on fire after and after many years she is still in great shape. If anyone doubts me come to the Flags of Liberty and the Sajourn Flag ceremony in Wildwood May 22, 2026. You will then become a believer.
I do believe that God gave General Washington the mind and Betsy Ross the great hands to design a symbol of our country. I believe that these two great Americans along with others were able to come up with an idea called the American Flag so everyone who sees her all understand what she means. There is no mistaken for what the American Flag stands for. Freedom for all.
Our American Flag creation made in our country 250 years ago has never been improved. Yes, we have added stars but is no different that the flag on the lead Durum Boat crossing the Delaware 250 ago with General George Washington standing next to her. The same Durum boats full of our great women and young children and men going to fight a superior force for the freedom of all Americans on Christmas night 250 years ago.
General Washington made sure that our great flag represented all. Our Great American Flag has no political party. Race, creed, color, nationality tie ins, is not male or female. This Great American Flag is not a child or an old person. This Great American flag is not straight or gay; it does not represent any person richer that another. This Great American flag does not represent famous or unknown folks, Rich or poor.
General, as you know being in War, that our great American flag never sleeps. Our Great American flag is the first to show up on the battlefield. She flies high to direct our troops in combat. She is the last to be taken down after battle and brought home.
Proudly she rests alongside our wounded on the ground on the sleeve of their uniform. Sadly, she is the last living object to touch our heroes before they enter their final resting place for eternity.
Many times, she is shot before the bullet hits our Veteran.
There are too many businesses that sell our American flag in their businesses for a profit but fail to fly her outside for Patriotism. She flies on Jet Fighters, is on every Sub under all oceans. She has been to the Moon and on top of every mountain in the world.
General, cars have changed, buildings are getting taller. Styles in cloth change, baseball stadiums are getting bigger, but General Washington and a seamstress from Philadelphia Betsy Ross made our American Flag so it’s symbol of freedom always remains the same.
Sir in Closing I would like to share my thoughts on OLD GLORY:
Johnny Cash’s great song “Ragged Old Flag” pretty much tells it all.
I don’t know if George and Betsy ever discussed why RED, White and Blue would be the color forever on the flag but General Satterfield maybe it was this:
The white on the flag reminds me of the shock and sad look on the families answering the door that just got word of the loss of a loved one.
The Red, for the marks of red left on their face for years of crying missing their loved ones.
The Blue is the sadness in the families’ hearts missing their love one’s.
But the White Stars are our Veterans smiling down on us letting us know that their sacrifice was worth it. They are ok. They died defending all, they died giving us all freedom.
Just as the American Flag is our Great sign of freedom, Blue Cross is our Great sign of Health to our Country. Thank You General Washington Betsy Ross and Jonathan Pearson, Blue Cross/Blue shield
General Satterfield on May 22, 2026, we want to thank all the Veterans that represent their flags on this Great day who are resting in paradise for allowing us to enjoy today in the Wildwoods.
Thanks, General Satterfield for all you do. See you all in Wildwood May 22.
Love Ya Joe,
Below is link to the Welcome Home Veterans radio show on every Sunday from 9AM to 11AM
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Joe Griffies
Director of Veteran’s Affairs
The Welcome Home Radio Show
WIBBAGE Radio 1020AM 97.9FM 101.3FM 101.9FM
3328 Simpson Avenue
Ocean City, NJ 08226
SUNDAY’S 9AM TO 11AM
609-398-1020
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Very well written for our veterans. Sir, thank you! 🙏
🇺🇸 We are proud Americans who are super happy to begin the celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. While we go back further into a few hundred years before, the United States would officially begin in 1776. We all should be proud of the republic created then, and as we move forward with it. While there are problems we still must overcome, overall, our nation remains a shining light on the world’s hill. Thank you Joe for your comments in support of America. 🇺🇸
https://www.wibg.com/
Got it. Thank you!!!!! Love it. ❤️
Mr. Griffies, once again you’ve given us insight into what’s happening in Jersey. I moved out over a decade ago … taxes too high, crazy politicians, stupid policies at the state and local level. But my heart remains with Jersey and yet I still call myself a Jersey Girl. Oh, welcome home. As the wife of a Vietnam war veteran, I’m very involved in how veterans are treated and I know you are a fighter for them. Thank you from the deepest part of my heart for you and I do wish you well. I’ve not listened to your radio station but I will start. After reading your article, I’m drawn by your commitment to do good for ALL veterans, to be treated with the dignity and respect they ALL deserve. 🙏 God Bless you sir.
Lady Hawk, you beat me to the punch on this comment. Well written. And, Mr. Joe Griffies, than you again for what you do for all our vets.
All thumbs up from me, Joe, for your article and the invite.
Great as always.
Good to have you back, Joe. I always enjoy your comments. I live too far from New Jersey to go, but I hope these ceremonies go well. In my small town of Chicago (ha ha), I’m not so sure we are going to have much. The Democrat mayor of Chicago is a communist and an idiot (is there a difference?). Chicago is in freefall and people, like me, are leaving the city for greener pastors where the people like you Joe, me, and the many patriots are allowed to celebrate our nation’s founding. Good luck. I’ll be moving to Texas soon.
Hey Joe, thanks!! Love your show.
Ditto…….