Another view on the Flag

Sometimes you and your friends don't see eye-to-eye when you are talking over things. We have run into that here on the Front Porch from time-to-time.

I didn't really see a problem with US Olympic athletes carrying our flag after they won a medal. Likewise, I didn't have an issue with them using the flag as a cloak.

I agree 100% that the flag is a sacred symbol of our nation and it must be treated with respect.

The athletes at the Olympics represented our country. When they won, they won for themselves and for us. Therefore, I didn't mind if they wrapped themselves with the flag, sweat and all. In fact, I kind of liked it. Though I am not an athlete, I feel a chill when our national anthem is played after winning a gold medal.

I am glad that the Olympic athletes felt enough pride and patriotism to show the flag. I think it shows that there is something special about representing your country on the global stage and at the pinnacle of athletics. In other words, maybe when the athletes say that it is special to represent their country it isn’t just a platitude.

One more thing. If you look around, may times our flag is flown in ways that do not meet all the standard rules. It bothered me at one time. However, when you travel overseas, you don't see national flags flown nearly as often as you see Old Glory in the US. I think it good to see our flag outside car dealers and restaurants, even if the flag is a little faded and tattered, or left flying in the rain. In a small way, it shows a special pride. Maybe it is because America is more of an idea than just territory or where you are born.