Today I saw the American flag flown upside down in my community- Is it an official sign of distress or disrespect to our country?
I believe people are releasing their disappointment in our current political environment in the wrong way. Looking at the flag being displayed in that condition brought to surface strong emotional feelings. Our American flag represents more than a political party or an acting president. The American flag represents many things to many people. To many, it represents the most powerful country in the world. To the immigrants, it represents a new life, a country that provided safety and freedom to their family. A country that many feel indebted to and would sacrifice their life for it. For most Americans, it’s a reminder of the unselfish act of many, who gave up their lives for the freedom we enjoy today.
I know many of you are frustrated, that frustration needs to be transformed into a positive movement, not one that takes away from the country that was built by the sacrifice of many. We must not follow the path of the lost and weak. We must keep and hold onto our faith and be proud of our country and its symbol- The American flag. We must display it proudly and with the respect that it deserves. Do not allow the current political environment affect the way we respect and display our flag.
Faith comes in many ways and forms, but I can assure you that nothing brings our country together than the American flag flying high and freely. So if you truly care about the future of our nation, fly your flag high and proud in the manner that it deserves. The stars up, stripes to the right catching the winds that promise hope, unity, and strength to all in the moments where is needed the most. Freedom is a double-edged sword, a balance that should be carefully managed. Flying the flag upside down, or burning the American flag doesn’t demonstrate the freedom we hold dearly, it only demonstrates the destruction that too much freedom provides.
I am writing this from my perspective, an immigrant. I was not born in this country but will fight to the end to protect our nation and our way of life. This magnificent country provided many with the opportunity to prosper, live freely and raise a family. We all owe much to the men and women that paved the way with their lives so we can enjoy our peace today. Those men and women looked up to Old Glory with the utmost respect and derived strength from her in the darkest of times.
Not long ago our way of life was brought to a halt by the attacks of 911. Today, people are acting as if it never happened and are choosing not to recognize that there are people in our world that want to destroy our way of life. Many of them within our borders attacking the foundation this country was built on. Do not forget, do not give up hope, and do not disrespect the American flag. In the end, The American flag is the only symbol of power that can bring us all together and provide the strength to overcome our enemies.
Respectfully,
A Patriot
