Symbols carry important meaning

Why is the U.S. flag so important?

Proper Etiquette: Standards of Respect

--The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.

--The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speaker’s desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.

--The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard

--The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.

--The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.

--The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

The U.S. flag providing pride--

The flag brings a sense of pride for those who live here, it’s representational of the U.S. and is a daily part of our lives because it’s everywhere.

In Huston, Texas for example—the U.S. flag is flown at the same level as its state flag.  I think this is interesting to note because of all the foreign-born residents there, and may even provide a different sense of unity for those who live there.  However, it is also said that this diversity could also pose a challenge to any sense of unity that might revolve around the flag.

The U.S. flag in protest--

However, the flag can also be used in protest.  People use the flag constantly to show their displeasure with policies or view that people may have.  Growing up in Topeka, you can see the flag hung upside down on the Phelps' church, and often times, on their signs they hold while picketing outside of local churches, etc.  Because they are so displeased, they are showing this by bashing people’s beliefs and the flag in general because they feel this isn’t how the U.S. should be represented.

The U.S. flag means different things to each person and holds significant meaning in America.  In times like this, it can extend character through another character—meaning that it can provide safety and security for those who live here, especially after and during war.  For those who move here, or live here, it can provide a sense of hope, security, patriotism, and loyalty to the U.S.