Old Glory

There is a website www.mapsofworld.com documenting the symbolism of the American flag.  Every aspect of the flag from the colors, to the stripes, and the stars symbolizes an intangible quality.  “Stars represent the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the strip is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun.  The color of white signifies purity and innocence, red valor and bravery and blue vigilance, perseverance and justice.”  Since the first official flag in 1777, the flag has undergone many physical changes and the meaning of the elements have changed throughout American history.  But I think if you ask most Americans today they would say the flag stands for our freedom.  It is interesting that although the many elements of the physical flag have meaning, the intangible quality of freedom stands out. 

So why do some Americans get upset when another American in protest does not stand at attention to the flag as the National Anthem is playing?  Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedom which is represented by the flag.  But some feel that the values represented by the flag have been diminished by the actions of others.  They feel by protesting they are reminding us to strive harder for the ideal, not destroy the ideal or repudiate those who gave their life for the ideal. 

So what about someone burns a flag in protest?  How is that different that not standing at attention?  Is the ideal being destroyed by the actions of the government or the Americans burning the flag?

As a fellow American, I have to ask myself what is the intent of the protestors? If they are asking us to strive harder for the ideal or the values represented by our flag, I should listen and work together with them to do so.  If we are not willing to listen or reflect to better our actions, then we risk diminishment or destruction of the ideal or symbol.

It is interesting that God who is our eternal light cannot be diminished or destroyed by our actions.  He is not an ideal, but the alpha and the omega.