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The
Flag
The
flag of the United States of America
is truly unique for what it stands. There is nothing like it in the entire
world.
Its
matching, five-pointed stars against a field of night blue represents
the hope and possibilities that unity and equality brings forth.
Stripes
fluttering in the wind, red and white waves curling, stretching, ever-changing
yet unbroken, remind us of the constancy which underlies the vicissitudes
of life.
Since
first this flag was raised, it has represented more than just the land
within these borders. It has symbolized liberty, clean and true, freedom
with all its dreams and aspirations, strong with resolve despite human
frailties. It represents more than a nation. It represents hope for humanity,
always on the threshold of fruition, yet ever dependent on every choice
we make.
Our
flag is nothing if not the inspiration of high ideals, fashioned by visionaries
of good will to all. Instead of vulgar pride and the ambition of building
empires, it proclaims to the world that democracy is a noble cause, that
justice and human rights are the foundation on which it stands, and personal
responsibility remains key to it all.
To
the world it is a beacon of liberty. To Americans, it is a reminder that
our commitment remains constantly in the making. Our inspiration that
needs vigilance and perseverance in order to be sustained.
As
progressives, we love and support the American flag as the truest symbol
of all that is best of our ideals. What we resist is when people make
it something less. Our flag, like our nation and ourselves, is what we
make of it. We choose if represents peace or aggression; generosity or
greed; kindness or exploitation; unity and civility, or the ugliness of
contention.
It
is all our choice. In the end, the flag is us.
