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The American flag has been the symbol of our nation's strength and unity for more than 200 years. The American flag is a source of inspiration and national pride. As I look at the American flag, I can't imagine a more perfect flag and symbol for our nation.Today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red and six alternating white stripes that represent the original thirteen colonies. Fifty stars represent the fifty states of the Union. Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.
The Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act on June 14, 1777, in order to establish an official flag for the new nation. According to legend in May of 1776, Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag. Elizabeth Griscom Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, reportedly sewed the American flag from a design brought to her by George Washington.
The thirteen stars and the thirteen stripes represented the first thirteen states: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Virginia, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.
September 14, 1814 - The flag that flew over Ft. McHenry was made by Mary Young Pickersgill. Her home in Baltimore was later enshrined as the "Flag House." Situated on the corner of Albemarle and Pratt streets in Baltimore, it is preserved as a National Historic Landmark.
The American flag is no doubt a heart warming and emotional symbol of a proud nation. The American Flag belongs to all the citizens of our nation. I can see no reason to desecrate our national symbol in protest to government policies. Many brave men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice to give birth to this great symbol. (But one of the rights our flag secures, is that right to free expression)
Sadly, the use of the American flag by some government leaders to claim patriotism, and righteousness while furthering their personal (and sometimes, religious) agendas is a misuse of the great symbol of our nation.
And, we have seen politicians wrap their political agendas in the American flag claiming all that oppose them are unpatriotic.
The flag is used often in photo opts and powerful television campaign ads to evoke a feeling of patriotism. Our politicians have a right to be proud of the American flag and they have the right to display the American flag. The American people just need to understand the impact these powerful images have on their perspective, and how the power of that image can obscure divisiveness.
The American people proudly display the American flag to honor our fallen leaders and brave men and women in uniform. We proudly display our flag to illuminate the accomplishments of a great nation. The American flag and its symbolism must be respected!
When I see my American flag, I see a perfect symbol of a free nation. We must respect our nation's colors. Yes, the American flag belongs to all citizens. Misuse of this powerful symbol of a free nation was not the intention of those who saw the need to have a uniting and powerful symbol for a free and united society.
Fred Flanagan
