The image does say a lot. The only thing is: I still do not ‘grasp’ what Americans have with their flag. I could never be seen waving a Belgian or Flemish flag. Is it because flags have nationalist (and hence, over here at least, also extreme right) connotations? I don’t know. I wish we could have more of a similar pride about our flag, but without being able to put my finger on the reasons why, I can’t get myself to rally behind one - it’s largely an irrational reaction in my case. A bit of a shame if you ask me, but I guess it is just one of those (cultivated or not?) differences between both sides of the Atlantic (although there are many differences regarding the phenomenon in the different countries of Europe of course). Anyway: it’s a good thing a country can unite in times of difficulty, whether it’s behind a flag or something else…
Perhaps you cannot comprehend America’s zeal for its flag because you are not American. That is to say, you cannot fathom the pride that comes with living in a nation, under a flag, which was not thrust upon you.
OUR flag unites us, even during our dissension from one another. And, therefore, as Americans we can rally around it, burn it, salute it, or turn our backs upon it. Yet, no matter what, it remains OUR flag just America is OUR country.
The two are intimately intertwined.
By way of OUR flag, we Americans demonstrate OUR passion for OUR country, and no one who shares that level of respect for Old Glory finds it silly, nationalistic, or extreme.
To wave OUR flag is to say I love my country, regardless of politics, religion, or personal opinion.
This is the heritage of OUR flag, and it is the basis for that which the Star Spangled Banner rejoices.
To wave OUR flag is to acknowledge that we earned OUR flag and, regardless of what happens, no one can steal that from US.
And, unfortunately, very few nations or peoples in this world can truly understand OUR flag’s significance.
Serge, your grandparents understood this because, one morning not too many years ago, the Americans dropped from the sky like Angels and returned to the Belgians their country, and their flag.
Growing up with a father in the military, there has always been a lot of importance placed on our American flag. It signifies more for the United States than many may comprehend.
Unfortunately, there is no freedom without sacrifice. Our flag represents the freedom our country has earned and sacrifices made by those who helped earn it.
Despite issues and concerns people may have, our American flag serves as a reminder that, as a country, we remain connected.
It’s amazing how powerful this patterned rectangular material has become and its significance is continually increasing.
Just a few thoughts from a patriotic military daughter…
Corey: you are right. I am not American. And I will never be. Not even if I tried. But despite your best efforts to explain to me what it means, I persist: I still don’t really fathom it. So you’re right in that respect too. Just two extra points I’d like to make (again): I do not condemn this flying flags of yours (like you - judging from your reaction - might seem to think) and I do not find it extreme, silly or nationalistic (I only said in this part of the world it is sometimes done in such a context); on the contrary: I said I wish we could find a way of doing something similar more often. But one the other hand: the fact that you are American and I am Belgian is pure, utter, sheer coincidence. Hence, I do not see the merit in nationality. As far as I am concerned we are all inhabitants of this planet, which is - even though I do not understand or feel at home in every corner of this world - sufficient as a sense of belonging for me. And btw: please don’t think you can tell me what my grandparents understood or did not understand. I know what they thought and felt, because I have - fortunately - been able to ask them. And whatever you think that was, is far more complicated in reality. I am grateful to anybody who dropped from the sky in those days, American or not, because perhaps it is thanks to them I have actually still had the chance of talking to my grandparents afterwards. But that does not mean I should fly a flag today, is it - just like my grandparents were not to keen on doing anyway. So if you’ll excuse me - I’ll go enjoy my right not to fly a flag. And before you tell me so: I know it’s very well possible I thank that freedom to a.o. your country. There is really no need for emphasizing that. Just let’s not get carried away, shall we?
What is that saying about a picture saying a billion words?
Throughout the day I’ve gotten so tired of reading reminissions about that day.
So thank you for posting this. It speaks more than you know.
Thank you too, Owen.
The image does say a lot. The only thing is: I still do not ‘grasp’ what Americans have with their flag. I could never be seen waving a Belgian or Flemish flag. Is it because flags have nationalist (and hence, over here at least, also extreme right) connotations? I don’t know. I wish we could have more of a similar pride about our flag, but without being able to put my finger on the reasons why, I can’t get myself to rally behind one - it’s largely an irrational reaction in my case. A bit of a shame if you ask me, but I guess it is just one of those (cultivated or not?) differences between both sides of the Atlantic (although there are many differences regarding the phenomenon in the different countries of Europe of course). Anyway: it’s a good thing a country can unite in times of difficulty, whether it’s behind a flag or something else…
“still do not ‘grasp’ what Americans have with their flag.”
It’s the one thing we can count on as Americans.
Perhaps you cannot comprehend America’s zeal for its flag because you are not American. That is to say, you cannot fathom the pride that comes with living in a nation, under a flag, which was not thrust upon you.
OUR flag unites us, even during our dissension from one another. And, therefore, as Americans we can rally around it, burn it, salute it, or turn our backs upon it. Yet, no matter what, it remains OUR flag just America is OUR country.
The two are intimately intertwined.
By way of OUR flag, we Americans demonstrate OUR passion for OUR country, and no one who shares that level of respect for Old Glory finds it silly, nationalistic, or extreme.
To wave OUR flag is to say I love my country, regardless of politics, religion, or personal opinion.
This is the heritage of OUR flag, and it is the basis for that which the Star Spangled Banner rejoices.
To wave OUR flag is to acknowledge that we earned OUR flag and, regardless of what happens, no one can steal that from US.
And, unfortunately, very few nations or peoples in this world can truly understand OUR flag’s significance.
Serge, your grandparents understood this because, one morning not too many years ago, the Americans dropped from the sky like Angels and returned to the Belgians their country, and their flag.
Now, Serge, go fly YOUR flag.
Growing up with a father in the military, there has always been a lot of importance placed on our American flag. It signifies more for the United States than many may comprehend.
Unfortunately, there is no freedom without sacrifice. Our flag represents the freedom our country has earned and sacrifices made by those who helped earn it.
Despite issues and concerns people may have, our American flag serves as a reminder that, as a country, we remain connected.
It’s amazing how powerful this patterned rectangular material has become and its significance is continually increasing.
Just a few thoughts from a patriotic military daughter…
Corey: you are right. I am not American. And I will never be. Not even if I tried. But despite your best efforts to explain to me what it means, I persist: I still don’t really fathom it. So you’re right in that respect too. Just two extra points I’d like to make (again): I do not condemn this flying flags of yours (like you - judging from your reaction - might seem to think) and I do not find it extreme, silly or nationalistic (I only said in this part of the world it is sometimes done in such a context); on the contrary: I said I wish we could find a way of doing something similar more often. But one the other hand: the fact that you are American and I am Belgian is pure, utter, sheer coincidence. Hence, I do not see the merit in nationality. As far as I am concerned we are all inhabitants of this planet, which is - even though I do not understand or feel at home in every corner of this world - sufficient as a sense of belonging for me. And btw: please don’t think you can tell me what my grandparents understood or did not understand. I know what they thought and felt, because I have - fortunately - been able to ask them. And whatever you think that was, is far more complicated in reality. I am grateful to anybody who dropped from the sky in those days, American or not, because perhaps it is thanks to them I have actually still had the chance of talking to my grandparents afterwards. But that does not mean I should fly a flag today, is it - just like my grandparents were not to keen on doing anyway. So if you’ll excuse me - I’ll go enjoy my right not to fly a flag. And before you tell me so: I know it’s very well possible I thank that freedom to a.o. your country. There is really no need for emphasizing that. Just let’s not get carried away, shall we?