Flag talk
The field of white in the DeMolay flag symbolizes purity and the cleanness of thought,
word, and deed. It reminds the DeMolay of the words of the psalmist who prayed, "Create
in me a clean heart, oh God."The three diverging red stripes, which pierce the field of
white, represent the basic tenants and foundation of DeMolay. Those being: Love of God,
Love of Home, and Love of Country. They diverge through the white to symbolize that
these tenants should be spread throughout ones lifetime.The stripes converge into a field
of red which takes the shape of an oblong square, or rectangle, which symbolizes
DeMolay's ties to Freemasonry. The red is emblematic of courage, and reminds the
DeMolay of the many sacrifices our nation's youth has made in defending the liberties we
enjoy as citizens.The official DeMolay emblem is centered around a crown which is
symbolic of the Crown of Youth and constantly reminds a DeMolay of his obligations and
the seven Precepts of his Order. The ten precious stones of the crown honor founder
Frank S. Land and the nine youths whose ties of friendship drew them together in the
formation of the Order of DeMolay. The red rubies honor the founder and those of the
original nine who have passed away and the pearls represent the living members of the
original nine DeMolays. When, as comes to every man, the passing from this life to the
next, a pearl in the crown is replaced with a ruby.The helmet is emblematic of chivalry,
without which there can be no fineness of character. The crescent is a sign of secrecy and
constantly reminds DeMolay's of their duty never to reveal the secrets or betray the
confidence of a friend. The five-armed white cross symbolizes the purity of ones intentions
to always remember the motto of the Order, "No DeMolay shall fail as a citizen, as a
leader, or as a man. "The crossed swords denote justice, fortitude, and mercy. They
symbolize the unceasing warfare of DeMolay against arrogance, despotism, and
intolerance. The stars surrounding the crescent are symbolic of hope and should always
remind a DeMolay of those obligations and dutieswhich one brother of the Order owes to
another.
(
geocities.com/mcrae_demolay)