There's just something about that flag (OneNewsNow.com)

There's just something about that flag

Steve Brown - Guest Columnist - 7/4/2009 3:00:00 PM

Steve Brown What is it about a piece of cloth that inspires people?

Everyone on the planet grows up under a flag of some kind, and for most of us in the U.S., childhood memories include the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, usually followed by the Lord's Prayer. Over the years, both memorized verses take on new meanings.

Patriotic and spiritual values ebb and flow, and each of us brings our history with us when we stand to pledge or to pray.

In the 1960s and '70s, antiwar protesters would celebrate their rebellion by setting fire to flags and draft cards, proclaiming them as symbols of oppression. The U.S. flag in flames has been a frequent sight among protests in other countries, as well.

In 1989 and '90, court decisions upheld the right to deface the U.S. flag as "protected speech." Since then, proposals for a constitutional amendment protecting the flag have fallen short.

Flag pole So for the time being, you can deface or burn the U.S. flag with the blessings of the law. Emotions will run high when that happens, but protesters have the legal right to do so.

However, when the flag is burned as a sign of respect, there are different emotions. Veterans groups often gather for the solemn ceremony of destroying flags that have become tattered with age. Voices are hushed, memories are relived, and traditions are carried on.

There is a special thrill to saluting the Stars and Stripes while in uniform. My first summer in the Army, several hundred of my fellow trainees and I stood at parade rest, waiting to pass in review for the Fourth of July parade.

The summer of 1968 was brutally hot on the Chesapeake Bay, with temperatures near 100 degrees — and humidity to match. Our job while waiting was basically not to faint. There were mutters of disgust and misery among the ranks, and I admit some of those mutters were mine. This was the hardest, most oppressive day of our lives.

But when the band struck up a march, and the honor guard led out with the flag unfurled, there was a stirring among us. We stood taller, and when it came our turn to step out, the heat was forgotten and we were soldiers. Not trainees. Not oppressed. Brothers.

"Eyes ... right! Present ... arms!"

That same unity absorbed many Americans in the wake of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. In the days that followed, there were Stars and Stripes on T-shirts, hats, bumper stickers. The U.S. flag flew from homes and cars and businesses. We stood together.

What is it about trauma that so stirs patriotism? Do we need to be in danger for such values to matter? When is our nation not in danger?

I don't know about you, but I fear for our safety when freedom is taken for granted, when our own leaders do not set an example of bravery, when those we trust forsake us.

female soldier I am touched when I hear from young people in uniform how important it is that they feel supported. When they don that uniform, they risk everything.

You probably know someone serving in the military. I urge you to go out of your way to salute them, to express your belief in them, to demonstrate your faith in what they are doing.

Political leaders may feel they need to operate with "an abundance of caution" -- but the troops on the ground must operate with "an abundance of faith."

Steve Brown writes for the Capital Press, which is based in Salem, Oregon. An Army veteran from the Vietnam era, he has two children currently serving in the U.S. Navy. This column is printed with permission of Capital Press.

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