What does the US Flag Mean to You?

[PhilDernerJr]

Be honest. When you look at the US flag, what do you think of? What does it represent to you?

[jran225]

-Home (first an foremost)
-Power (in terms of the country's physical size and political influence)
-English (our receeding national language)
-Borat (sorry, I couldn't help myself --> :borat: )

Those are the first things that come to mind when I see the flag (ok, last one was just an excuse to use the smiley). Good idea for a topic Phil; I'm curious about how others will answer.

Greets,
-Omario

[T-Bird76]

When I see our flag I see the people who built this country and the good people of this land. I see our flag as a symbol of our freedom and not what our current or poor past administrations have done. Our flag is the spirit of what makes America great it represents the citizens of the U.S.

That's pretty much a repeat of what I said in the other thread but its what I feel. I'm proud to fly the flag over my house everyday and night. To me its an honor and something I'd die to protect.

[hiss srq]

To me the flag is a sign of perserverence. It is a a symbol of choice and the freedom of that as well. It is a sign of a people that once and to a lesser extent now in the current times cared. People that allowed no barrier to be just that. Resourcefulness of the masses. And a symbol of strength and not just that of physical and military power. But a symbol of the strengths inherently brought by allowing choice. I as Tommy previously stated would die for the flag if that is what was required of me to ensure it flew another day in this nation. It means the same to masses of people outside the nation as well and shamefully it means more to some of those people than some of those who rightfully live here and have the right to claim their heritage to the flag.

[Idlewild]

I see the history. UNITED States.... It's a unique if not a kick ass flag for a unique and kick ass nation.

[NcSchu]

When I look at the flag I look above politics and see what this nation stood for when it was created, namely freedom - freedom of speech, religion, etc. Sure, we have bad history, but so does any good nation and we have to overlook that. As Omario said, I also connect the flag with home. When I'm in a foreign country and I see the American flag it gives me a feeling of still being connected to where I was born and where I live.

Aren't you supposed to take down the flag at night and when the weather's bad?

[PhilDernerJr]

It can stay out at night, except for when a light is specifically shining on it.

It's also supposed ot be taken down in poor weather. In addition, it's actually not supposed to be dispalyed on clothing or anything else. When you see sports uniforms with it, that's actually a no-no.

[flyboy 28]

In addition, it's actually not supposed to be dispalyed on clothing or anything else. When you see sports uniforms with it, that's actually a no-no.

Well, to be specific, the only clothing it can be worn on is that of a soldier of the US Army.

[lijk604]

1) Freedom
2) Honor
3) History
4) We are ONE country

[mirrodie]

A struggle for continued unity and freedom amongst diverse huddled masses.

[USAF Pilot 07]

It can stay out at night, except for when a light is specifically shining on it.

It's also supposed ot be taken down in poor weather. In addition, it's actually not supposed to be dispalyed on clothing or anything else. When you see sports uniforms with it, that's actually a no-no.

I wear it on my green bag though... :borat:

But actually, I never knew it wasn't supposed to be worn on clothing, except for certain military uniforms...

Most people fly the flag incorrectly. The flag should always be lit. Therefore, at night, it is customary to take it down, unless there is a spotlight shining on it, illuminating it.

Also, when taking the flag down, it should never touch the ground. If it does, the flag should be disposed of, by burning it.

The US flag is always flown higher than all other flags (unless you are in the "great" state of Texas)..

There are numerous regulations on the correct way to fly and take care of the flag which aren't generally followed... But I think it all comes down to the underlying message. If someone is flying a flag because they want to display their patriotism, but forget to take it down at night or something, I don't see it as a huge issue.

[moose135]

I wear it on my green bag though... :borat:

But actually, I never knew it wasn't supposed to be worn on clothing, except for certain military uniforms...

From the US Code:

No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.

[USAF Pilot 07]

Wow interesting... I definitely think that should be amended for stuff like pro-sports teams and the like, although the "members of patriotic organizations" is kind of like the "catch-all" for displaying the flag.

As long as the flag isn't being degraded, I don't see any problem with displaying it.

[FlyNavy]

To me it represents so many things, probably too many to list. Freedom, Equality, Family, Honor, Loyalty, Justice - and Unity. But since I'm a Veteran, it has a deep and special meaning to me. I spent five years on active duty in the Navy.

[cancidas]

reminds me of the old and worn out patch i used to wear on my shoulder which in turn reminds me of the best 4 years of my life.




<-- GO ARMY AVIATION!!

[mirrodie]

I thought of this thread, this morning and felt it appropriate to post here.

This morning I am supervising residents at the hospital. There is an atmosphere of being on a military base as it is a veteran community.

I parked my car this morning and made my way to the main building.

As I did, I heard one of the veterans playing on the pipe organ "Star Spangled Banner" and "Oh When the Saints Come Marching In" while Old Glory waved in the rainy wind.

The sounds resonated across the entire campus, reverberating from the low lying clouds.

While I am proud of our flag, I am even more proud and honored to serve those ladies and gentlemen that served for us.