OGFC is a statement against an increasingly confused American society. While there is plenty to cause confusion, frustration, even anger... Old Glory is not one of them. What was a universal symbol of hope and freedom is now often equated with words and concepts that are ugly and careless. We owe it to Old Glory to care... To remember why she flies and who she flies for. As my uncle-in-law would say: OG flies for all of us "no matter the platter." If life is a buffet - we're free to choose what we put on our plate. Old Glory embodies that freedom.
Through OGFC we aim to unify those who share common values and support those making a statement with the flag they fly. Which these days, as crazy as it sounds, seems like a brave thing to do. We hang fliers on doors and mail boxes as a gesture of that support, nothing more. We don't use social media, we don't gather data, we don't do politics and we don't bend a knee to OG.
When we say 'grassroots' - we mean it. This is purely a boots on the ground effort. OGFC members 'fly it forward' as often as they can to keep the sparks flying. A spark here - a flyer there - and suddenly flying Old Glory each morning takes on a whole new attitude.
Its a fresh and encouraging vibe that defines the moment we step out onto the stoop... In our robes... Knowing there are many other OG's out there doing the same thing. We raise our coffee to our OGFC brothers and sisters and step the day off strong. The world needs a strong America, and we get stronger together by unifying under one flag.
The roots for Old Glory Flight Club took shape in the neighborhoods of Chicago as a gesture to show solidarity amongst sports fans. For instance - if we saw a Bears flag flying on a neighbors porch, we'd leave beef sandwich on their doorstep. Cubs flag flyers might get a cold can of Old Style... You get the idea. All in good fun.
However in recent years the temperature in our great country has been rising, and our focus has been shifting...
Support our stoops!
The OG
The term 'Old Glory' came from a 19th century American sea Captain named William Driver. In 1824, upon receiving his first appointment as captain of his own ship, his mother (and friends) sewed the flag and gave it to William as a gift. The flag he esteemed "Old Glory" flew above his ship throughout his colorful career as a U.S. merchant seaman and well beyond...
Driver eventually settled in Nashville Tennessee, and served in city hospitals as provost marshal during the Civil War. At one point when Confederate troopers sought to retake the city, Driver hung the flag out of the third-story window and then left to join the city's defense. He, of course, came back for Old Glory. And because he left Old Glory on display outside of his home while away - he also found a OGFC flyer on is front door! (allegedly;)
On his deathbed - Captain Driver gave the flag to his daughter, Mary Jane Roland, on July 10, 1873. Telling her: "This is my old ship flag Old Glory. I love it as a mother loves her child. Take it and cherish it as I have always cherished it; for it has been my steadfast friend and protector in all parts of the world—savage, heathen and civilized."
Dedication
To our boys... We are committed to a future where they hold themselves like they hold Old Glory... High and proud.