Patriotism Pieced

I hung our flag when I woke and went outside to feed our dogs. I always pledge my allegiance after I’ve hung it.

My husband asked which flag among those at the store would I like to display by our front drive. It is important to me. Made in the USA is critical and cloth. Nonnegotiable. As large as we could afford to practically hang. It is mounted to a thick wooden dowel. No flagpole. Instead, a humble aluminum fixture to uphold the heavy, often rain-soaked symbol. To carry this flag in my right hand, it leans against my right shoulder, close to my cheek with the wind of our V-shaped valley wrapping me in just a few centuries’  history.

I realize now the tradition that made the United States of America flag. It is a pieced quilt without the usual padding. Cotton pieces bound together. Essentially fragile  in a way our country was and is. It was made with forethought to more stars as this country was made for more diversity. The white I’ve always seen as idealism, fluid values with a positive intent. The red is obvious as blood, much blood and, even now, more blood—theirs, ours and our own. Midnight blue to look up to with a brilliant constellation of stars.

(Photo credit in caption. Please click the image for more inspiration.)

This post © 2014 Sandra R. Davidson

 

Move Me. This image is © Tyler C. Pedersen and The Ancient Eavesdropper, 2007-2014. Click to be taken to the site page.

Individuality and the American Pledge

A man I dearly respect asked me to support a cause to keep the “…under God…” portion of the American Pledge of Allegiance. I know this is a particularly sensitive topic for most people and I believe wholeheartedly in the rights of the individual when those individual rights do not subtract from the whole. Scroll to the asterisks if you want to skip the personal stuff about me.

May you and I agree to disagree on the issue of the American Pledge of Allegiance and the inclusion of “under God?”

You are one of the few people who know where I stand as far as my own religious and spiritual journey is concerned. We rarely discuss politics. This issue is both.

The words “under God” were finally added to the pledge at a time when the governmental powers had become zealots (which is why most of our fore-bearers left their own mother lands). (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance#Addition_of_.22under_God.22)

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I believe there is a compromise that works beautifully: As an individual says the American Pledge of Allegiance, they can say “under God” or they can remain silent for two words and then continue the pledge. No one need know which version they choose to follow. No explanation for or against need be given.

It allows for the most respect to each individual, no matter which version they choose or why. You know how patriotic I am. Never would I disrespect all the positiveness and growth the flag of our country represents, the freedoms and liberties that have been and are threatened—often by our own government and citizens.

I have the highest respect for the red in our flag, representing to me the blood shed, the sacrifices and mistakes made in our country’s history.

The blue represents to me the limitlessness of our people and the openness of the land, no matter where you are.

The white, the white I feel represents our country’s aspirations, as individuals and as a whole, that are positive in intention, whether or not other individuals and other nations perceive that our intentions are positive.

Each star unites us, equally. They represent individuality set aside for the sake of unity.

I doubt this is the interpretation the creators of our American flag had. I doubt this is the interpretation most Americans and other countries see in the American flag.

It is an honor to fly that flag at my home and see it flown in any places where others wish to fly it. I respect the flags of each branch of our military, the POW/MIA, each of our states and those flags of other countries as well. All deserve a place, even on American soil. (I’m a good part German, Italian and other, but I am all American.)

It’s all individual and while I can appreciate a swell of emotion from one direction of this issue or another direction, I still believe in the individual’s right. (And I believe in the individual’s right to refuse the pledge and the flag, as much as it pains me. I suppose they have reason of which I am unaware.)

With respect and love,
Sandra

Sandra Davidson©2012