The late 1960s was the most turbulent time in our country’s history since the Civil War. Some of us lived it, and others read about it in history books. At that time, there was a great deal of discussion about what the American flag meant.
My Experiences in a Most Turbulent Time
I attended Tufts University from 1966-1970. Boston, along with San Francisco, was a hot spot for protests during that time. People expressed their anger and frustration with incredible energy. I received as much of an education outside the classroom as I did within.
There were many issues that folks were protesting at that time. The Vietnam War was the most prevalent. But there were also protests about racism, women’s rights, and gay rights. Universities were shut down for days to allow students to gather and express their feelings.
Yes, there was also damage to buildings, looting, attacks on people, and other disgraceful and disgusting behavior. Some in every movement exploit the situation for their own purpose. That kind of conduct is never acceptable. It is criminal, and those who commit them should be punished. And it also takes away credibility from the message the majority are trying to convey.
Even though I was a conservative son of Italian immigrants, I did my best not to judge those dedicated to their cause. But the first time I saw a group of people burn our flag, I lost it. That was going too far! Didn’t they know that the flag symbolizes our country? How could they show such disrespect?? I wanted them tossed into jail and the key thrown away!
What Does Our Flag Really Represent?
A few years after I left college, I started reading and attending lectures to learn more about the time I lived through. I learned that our flag, National Anthem, and Pledge of Allegiance are not just symbols of what we love about our country. They are symbols of ALL parts of our country.
When we attend an athletic event, we begin by facing the flag, placing our hand over our heart, and singing the national anthem. We are showing gratitude for all the rights and privileges we have. And we are also giving thanks to the men and women who have fought, and in some cases, given their lives, for us to keep those rights.
But that’s just part of the story. In our country, we harbor prejudice against races and religions. We have corruption in government, unfair business practices, and other not-so-flattering issues. If our flag is a symbol of our country, and these things are a part of it, then it follows that our flag also represents these aspects – whether we like it or not.
Our First Amendment Rights
A few years ago, a professional football player knelt down during the national anthem. He was protesting what he saw as racial bias in our law enforcement community. He did this in the most peaceful – and yes – respectful way possible. It cost him his career. How can we claim pride in the rights our flag represents and then punish people for exercising those rights?
Voltaire, a French writer in the 1700s, was an early advocate of freedom of speech. He is associated with the quote, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” As Americans, it is our duty to defend freedom of speech, regardless of how we feel about what is being said or who is saying it.
Making a Great Country Even Better
The flag of the United States of America is not a sacred object. It is a symbol of a wonderful country. It also represents those elements we must address to improve it. It misses the mark to say that those who use this symbol to protest do not love or respect America. Mature and caring people know that we are not perfect. Improvement is always possible – and necessary if we wish to survive.
