It was Memorial Day and I put out our American flag. I couldn’t help thinking about the flag’s meaning. With the current lack of respect shown for display of the flag, and in many instances, efforts to use it as a boot heel for bullying, vulgarity, and repression, I have struggled with its meaning and relevance, why it should or shouldn’t be displayed, and if displayed, in what context?
I was recently in New York City, and I was moved by displays of the American flag on the streets and in neighborhoods. When I visited Ground Zero and the 911 memorial, I realized that the display of the flag in New York City has a different meaning and significance than the political, cheap, and demeaning displays, and alterations to the flag so common in Southwest Washington.
People have many different reasons as individuals for displaying the flag. It reminds me that Native Americans, African Americans, German Americans, Irish Americans, Mexican Americans, Scottish Americans, Asian Americans, Arab Americans, Polish Americans, Armenian Americans, and all other Americans from this incredible, diverse country served and serve. All are important to America’s future if it is to survive.
