This week is National Flag Week in the United States. A flag is a special piece of cloth used to represent a country, a team, an organization, or a family. A flag is meant to be seen and recognized for what it represents. Besides being used to represent countries or people, flags are used to communicate. Anyone who sails professionally or is the captain of a ship knows that flags can be used to represent the letters of the alphabet for words or codes. A plain white flag came to mean surrender. A more modern expression notes that inconsistent or contradictory behavior from another is indicative of a “red flag”, or a symbolic warning sign that someone can’t be trusted. In the military, the soldier assigned with carrying the flag was referred to as the “standard bearer.” During more serious events, military exercises, parades, and funerals, the flag carries even more weight.
Depending on the translation, the bible often uses the words “standard” or “banner” instead of flag. The purpose of carrying the banner was the same. The banner is meant to be seen and represents a nation especially during a time of conflict. When it is planted in the ground, that is an assertion of victory and sovereignty. Many of the prophetic messages were meant to either encourage or admonish the Israelites who were exiled during the early part of their history. The following words are God’s message to his people to wait for Him and watch how they will be delivered. Isaiah, the prophet, declares (18:3): “All you inhabitants of the world and dwellers on earth, As soon as a standard is raised on the mountains, you will see it, And as soon as the trumpet is blown, you will hear it.” This passage appears to be the precursor of the custom many nations have regarding the fanfare for the flag before a national or athletic event.
During the Olympics, every nation that has a team representing their country has someone carry their national flag. Whoever is chosen to carry the flag is given a distinct honor. We are currently in the throes of the FIFA World Cup where thousands of soccer fans will be holding, wearing or saluting their flags in support of their teams. As reporters and sports networks pan across the audience, we will see who is represented at an event by looking at all the creative ways that people wave or wear their banners. As our National Anthem is played, we pause, stand if we are able, place our hands over our hearts, or even kneel respectfully to acknowledge and honor the flag which symbolizes our history of freedom, honor, heroism and justice for its citizenry. This is our right as Americans.
The flag of the United States of America goes by several names: “Old Glory, The Star-Spangled Banner, and the Stars and Stripes.” The flag has also undergone many changes since the founding of our nation. It has the red, white, and blue colors from the British Union Jack flag which shows a connection to Britain. The difference is that the design of the stripes represented each one of the original 13 colonies and the number of stars grew on the blue background with the addition of each state. Each color has a meaning. Red signifying the blood and valor of those who have died in service to our country. White representing purity, and blue, justice. These are noble values we aspire to. There has also been a flag etiquette that has developed over the years regarding when and how to display the flag, thus showing respect to this national symbol. I barely remember learning the pledge of allegiance in elementary school. While I was too young to understand some of the words, I knew that this ritual was serious. Honoring the flag meant that I was honoring the sacrifices of the people who established our country and those who died to protect our freedoms.
The flag can be a symbol of victory, hope, or patriotism for us. What it means to us depends on what we have been through. There was much controversy when athletes “took a knee during the national anthem” to express solidarity with black people who were unjustly treated or killed by the authorities charged with protecting them. In 2023, a news story in the Atlantic was written by Jemele Hill, a former ESPN broadcaster. She wrote about WNBA player Brittney Griner’s desire to stand for the flag after her detainment in Russia. Griner expressed a newfound appreciation for the freedoms she enjoyed but was still going to continue her fight for justice for those who had no voice. We are so fortunate to live in a land where we still have freedom of speech and freedom of expression. We have the right to disagree respectfully and to participate in our society as we choose. This is what makes a civil society. May we all remember the best that our flag represents and do our part to live “with liberty and justice for all.”
