With the Confederate flag a spurned relic in the wake of the Charleston, S.C., church massacre, the American flag has also drawn scattered protests in recent weeks. Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan denounced it as another symbol of slavery, and protesters burned it in Brooklyn and Charleston.
But the Stars and Stripes has weathered the red glare of controversy before and will again. The independence that Americans celebrate today is what gives Mr. Farrakhan the right to criticize his country and protesters the right to set fire to the flag. Long may they rage. In doing so, they demonstrate the greatness of America and what its flag represents: the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Even as Americans argue over the sort of country they want to live in — a debate that reached peak fervor with recent controversial Supreme Court rulings — most love their flag passionately. There may be red states and blue states, but red, white and blue means one thing: E pluribus unum. Out of many, one.
People visiting the United States from other countries are often surprised to see the number of flags flying at private homes; that’s rare overseas, where flags hang primarily on government buildings. And just look around at the Big Butler Fair or the Three Rivers Regatta this weekend to see the multitude of flag-themed clothes and accessories (although the U.S. flag code says its image should not be used on apparel, bedding and draperies).
The Stars and Stripes is a beloved and ebullient symbol of a people who agree to a principle: that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is a right awarded to individuals by their Creator but defended by all. In shunning the Southern Cross, Americans reaffirmed the flag that is greater. Liberty wins again. One nation, one flag.
First Published: July 4, 2015, 4:00 a.m.
