A History Lesson

(This blog was put togeter in response to a blog I read on myspace.)

History Lesson:

The flag as we know it did not exist in 1776, it has been changed several times throughout American history.

"I wonder what the founding fathers thought of the American flag as they drafted the Declaration of Independence?" Well in 1776, and in much of history, flags were used to rally troops for and during battles. Flags historically were not symbols of national pride, but of warlords. Flags as a as a national symbol seems to be a more recent development, perhaps of the last century--the bloodiest century in human history, ever. Oh and the flag our Founding Fathers thought of looked more like what we know of as the flag of the United Kingdom not the US. Don't worry I won't burn it.

"Americans who don't appreciate the flag don't appreciate this nation. And those who appreciate this nation appreciate the American flag. Those who fought, fought for that flag. Those who died, died for that flag. And those who love America love that flag. And defend it."
My Grandfather fought in WWII, my Father fought in Vietnam; I have family documents that reveal my ancestors fought in the American Civil War and the American Revolution. Let me tell you, they did not fight for the flag that is ridiculous literalism. It would be shear folly to risk a human life for a fabric design, much less a design that changes at least every 27 years or so. Actually, the symbolism on the flag raised at Imo Jima has changed twice since then, what we see today is not the same flag. They fought because the nation was at war and as people who struggle with the ethical questions of life, they decided that the higher good in their situation was to join the battle for what they hoped was a greater good then their personal safety. My Grandfather and Father may have fought under the flag but not for the flag. Rather what they did fight for were the ethical values of their communities and the people that they love, and the freedoms--whether we value them or not--of all Americans.

As I end let me clarify . . .. I love the ethical values of freedom that have historically been the core of the American action in the world. I am also aware that those values are changing with the postmodern era. Perhaps as an educated woman steeped in Calvinist values, I am critical of where America's changing values are leading my beloved community . . . so I question a lot of things a lot of the time. I, myself, gave two years of my life to the service of our country. I did not do this for the flag, I did it for the people I know and love, to make their lives and communities better through my service. I will be doing so in the work I do throughout the rest of my life.

The flag perhaps is important, but it is no more than a symbol. I have always respected the flag. I have never burned or desecrated an American flag and I don't think I ever will. I do understand however why other people do desecrate the American flag. When I see this I think of it as silly and pointless and sad, but it does not make me angry. (My lack of anger does not make me any less American, by the way.) It does not make me angry, because although I have respect for what the flag stands for it is still a symbol. I see a flag and wonder at the courage and the many types of sacrifices that have been made to settle our lands and make American society what it is. I do not however see a flag as an object to be revered or to be worshiped. (If I did to see any national flag burn would be a tragedy.) To do so would be to participate in idolatry and in so doing desecrate the value, awe, and reverence for God in my own life. This, I will not do.