One of the most common symbols of American culture is the American Flag. They can be seen everywhere. They can be seen on houses on the way to school. They can be seen in front of schools, like Aquin. The flag is a symbol of hope, unity, and pride, but to some people in society today the reverence people should have for the flag and what it truly represents has been forgotten.
This last September, a few veterans came to Aquin. They talked to us about the importance of the American Flag. We were shown how to fold the American Flag properly. He also explained The Pledge of Alligence to us, word for word. This explained to the other students and me how important the American Flag really is to our country.
The American Flag is a symbol of pride and hope. It is a symbol of unity; the unity of the 50 states. It also represents all of the men and women who are fighting, and those who have died, protecting the USA.
After this, we were shown examples of how people had disrespected the flag. They showed us flags that were ripped and torn, but they also showed us flags that had images drawn, painted, or sewn onto them. These are just a few examples of how people disrespect the American Flag.
People have also used the American Flag to show their support for the country. On September 11, 2001 Wal-Mart sold a whopping 116,000 American Flags on that day alone. How does this compare? On September 11, 2000, one year earlier, 6,400 American Flags were sold by Wal-Mart. This really shows that when the country needed our help the most, the citizens supported it. http://www.sptimes.com/2002/09/08/911/911_for_the_record.shtml
Our country's way of displaying our flag is somewhat rare among the other countries. In many countries, such as Germany and Italy, their flag is rarely, if ever, displayed. In other countries, such as Norway and The United States, the flag is displayed where ever and whenever it is possible. http://flagspot.net/flags/xf-disp.html
When I was younger, my family used to host foreign exchange students in our home for a few weeks each year. One women, I do not remember where she was from, asked my mom why we display flags everywhere in our country. My mom told her that it shows unity and that we support our country. My mom was surprised to find out that she did not do the same in her country. The woman still could not grasp the idea. She said the she thought it was weird, and a bit tacky. She did not see the point in displaying your country's flag.
The American Flags is a symbol of pride, hope, unity, and it represents everyone fighting for the country. Displaying the American Flag at your homes show that you support the USA even if you do not agree with everything that the President says or does. I believe that everyone should display the flag at their home to show their support.
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Good post! :D The American flag is a big part of our culture.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Patriotism in general in this country is declining, more respect for our flag is a big issue.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great post. Patriotism definately has been declining in recent years needs to be reiterated in our culture!
ReplyDeleteI have an American flag outside my house:)
ReplyDeleteI thought this post was very good! The American flag is an important symbol in our culture that should be respected.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that everyone should display a flag to support the people that are fighting for us.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that other cultures were so secretive about their flags.
ReplyDeleteI agree, patriotism is declining in this country. The reason possibly being how corrupt this country has become.
ReplyDeleteThe party political system can be seen as tearing apart our country. It is always good to see patriotism through the flag that relates us all to the U.S.
ReplyDeleteYEAH! AMERICA **** YEAH! WE'RE GONNA SAVE THE ************* DAY NOW!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post and feel that displaying the American flag is a sign of our loyalty and pride in our country.
ReplyDeleteI pledge alliedgence to the Flag, of the United States of America. And to the Republic, for which It stands, one Nation, under God, with Liberty and Justice for all.
ReplyDeleteI think more people should have the flag outside their house.
ReplyDeleteThe flag is not only a symbol of our country, it's a symbol of us as a people, and a symbol of our spirit. It deserves respect, not just for the cloth. I laugh to myself when people bring up the arguement that "it's just a flag, why should i do anything to respect it?" They really don't realize the meaning behind it.
ReplyDeleteThis post is spot on, and highlights one of the more interesting artifacts of our country's genesis: American Exceptionalism. There has always been, and continues to be, a fundamental belief held by Americans that the USA is somehow different, somehow more worthy of their patriotism, than any other country that is or has been. One may well ask themselves, "how do the people of a country founded on the idea that no government should ever be completely trusted so willingly express the patriotic love of their nation without seeming hypocritical?" The answer lies in the history of this phenomenon and in the distinction that Lee, an American herself, aptly draws here.
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