Of Flags and Freedom
Taylor Muñoz
Issue date: 12/11/08 Section: Opinion
It was a warm, sun-filled day on July 4th, 1949 and World War II was still fresh in the minds and hearts of many. It was a time of recovery when entire nations were picking up the pieces of broken economies and struggling to rebuild communities, homes, and lives. People were just beginning to travel again and attempting to resume life as they had before the havoc of war.
Amidst this period of rejuvenation, a young American serviceman fresh out of high school was marching in a celebratory parade in Nice, France. He fondly recalls, "There was a big street there called Promenade of Angels and we marched from one end of that street all the way down through. We had a band on our ship and when they struck up the 'Stars and Stripes Forever,' everybody was in step and we couldn't have had a prouder moment in our lives than to be in that parade on that day."
When my grandfather tells this story, he illustrates the overwhelming sense of pride, patriotism, and unity that comes with being an American. He speaks of the great appreciation that many nations have for the United States and their efforts. He speaks of the honor that comes when one has the opportunity to serve a nation that has often been a source of liberation from oppression, working tirelessly to promote freedom through untold personal sacrifice. Furthermore, he speaks of the hope that is represented through our national emblem: the American flag.
Since first coming to Messiah, I have noticed an overall lack of reference to the American flag. It is no secret that, with the exception of the sports complexes and the single flag previously displayed in the Student Union, the presence of the American flag on campus is scarce. Consequently, a number of individuals have argued in the past for the installation of a centrally located flag pole on campus. Although I think that a flag would be beneficial and necessary, that is not what I am arguing for here. My request is that the American flag be valued and respected on campus, especially as it pertains to the new flag display being designed for the Student Union.
Amidst this period of rejuvenation, a young American serviceman fresh out of high school was marching in a celebratory parade in Nice, France. He fondly recalls, "There was a big street there called Promenade of Angels and we marched from one end of that street all the way down through. We had a band on our ship and when they struck up the 'Stars and Stripes Forever,' everybody was in step and we couldn't have had a prouder moment in our lives than to be in that parade on that day."
When my grandfather tells this story, he illustrates the overwhelming sense of pride, patriotism, and unity that comes with being an American. He speaks of the great appreciation that many nations have for the United States and their efforts. He speaks of the honor that comes when one has the opportunity to serve a nation that has often been a source of liberation from oppression, working tirelessly to promote freedom through untold personal sacrifice. Furthermore, he speaks of the hope that is represented through our national emblem: the American flag.
Since first coming to Messiah, I have noticed an overall lack of reference to the American flag. It is no secret that, with the exception of the sports complexes and the single flag previously displayed in the Student Union, the presence of the American flag on campus is scarce. Consequently, a number of individuals have argued in the past for the installation of a centrally located flag pole on campus. Although I think that a flag would be beneficial and necessary, that is not what I am arguing for here. My request is that the American flag be valued and respected on campus, especially as it pertains to the new flag display being designed for the Student Union.
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Jeff
posted 12/20/08 @ 8:33 PM EST
Taylor,
I'm wondering how Messiah is refusing to give the American flag the distinction it deserves. If that's what you see, how would you like to see Messiah respect America and promote patriotism any more? More flags? If Messiah would add more flags, what would that do? A flag is just a symbol, and there are several around campus, so it's not like Messiah needs more. (Continued…)
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