9th September, 2011
Today I noticed more American flags than usual on my 2 mile cycle into the town. I presume it is to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The photo above has the flag flying half-mast. It got me thinking about the American flag in general.
Anyone who has visited the U.S. will have noticed that the number of flags flying in the States in far greater than, probably, any other country. In most countries, they are outside or on public buildings. In the US, you can find flags flying on commercial buildings and on many private homes. Many people have bumper stickers of the flag on their cars. I have also noticed that if there is any flag flying on any building, there is usually an American flag as well (and it is always higher). So down the road from me is a Portuguese restaurant and there is a Portuguese flag and above it a larger US flag.
I looked up "US flag" on Wikipedia and learned some interesting things (a lot of which apply to any national lags). It is not illegal to burn the flag and in fact, according to the flag code, a flag that is tattered must be retired in a dignified way, for example by burning. A flag cannot lie on the ground. It can't have any other images on it. The flag can't be on apparel (t-shirts etc.) - this one is obviously not adhered to by many people. It should never be used for advertising purposes (though it seems that this is probably its most common use). It should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform. In contradiction of the flag policy of the Portuguese restaurant, if two national flags are flying, they should actually be the same height and on different poles and they have to be risen together. The flag has to be illuminated at night. There are lots of other specific rules in the flag code.
The flag is almost a sacred symbol in the US. It is an aspect of American patriotism and Americans are more patriotic than most. In a country which is so culturally diverse, patriotism is a very effective way of ensuring national unity. And in such a politically divided country with a political President, the flag seems to be the main symbol of unity.
Over the next few days, we will see lots of American flags flying. It is important to not worship the flag for its own sake, but to recognize what it represents. It symbolizes unity in a country of many different peoples, where everyone is equal. So instead of just flying the flag, I think that it would be better to live out the values that the flag represents.
End of sermon :)
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