The American flag waves in the breeze, both to the left and to the right. The flag is not a Republican or a Democrat. The flag is not against the war in Iraq or for it. The flag does not support John McCain or Barack Obama. These true but simple statements are worth repeating today, as a reminder to everyone to emphasize that the flag is the symbol of a nation in which we have the freedom to disagree.
That sometimes is overlooked as people with differing beliefs attempt to portray themselves or their points of view as being the only possible American way. The real American way is a journey over changing and difficult terrain, led by men and woman carrying our flag. It is seldom a smooth path.
Think of the struggles of this nation as our national symbol has evolved from a banner with 13 stripes and 13 stars to the 50 starred emblem we fly today.
The flag was embraced by those who thought Thomas Jefferson was right when he engineered the Louisiana Purchase and those who thought it was folly. The flag flew in both North and South as the Civil War approached and Americans argued over slavery. The flag was saluted and praised by factions who thought the nation should enter World War I and by those who said America should avoid foreign adventures.
Similar debates took place – often from flag draped platforms – in the early days of World War II, as some Americans urged the nation to come to the aid of France and England while others just as fervently offered opposing views.
Flags were carried by black and white Americans urging equal rights for people of all races and they were carried by people fighting against equality. In the heat of the Vietnam War the flag was a powerful symbol. Some saluted that symbol; some burned it. The flag became part of the debate about what kind of a nation this should be.
The flag covered the coffin of President Reagan, saluted – even kissed – by those who supported him and those who opposed him.
Whatever your beliefs about any particular policy, you can fly our flag in the comfortable belief that it represents a nation in which you are free to believe what you wish, and to express those beliefs to all who will listen.
The flag is, indeed, worth your Pledge of Allegiance.
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