Abstract
The paper refers to the essay "And our Flag was Still There" by Barbara Kingsolver who explores what the American flag represents to different people. The paper explains that the flag is perceived as a religious icon, utilized to display proud patriotism or to represent anger and the need for change, and also represents the myth of Manifest Destiny and the myth of freedom. Additionally, the paper shows how the flag is like a propaganda tool that has been used in many settings and can mean whatever the American people believe it to mean.

From the Paper
"The flag is the most powerful symbol of patriotism for any country, and especially for the United States because the American flag is recognizable anywhere. With its stars and stripes speaking about the history of the nation, the flag sums up what it means to be an American. Therefore, when a person looks at the flag or flies one in their yard or from their car, the person is saying, "I am proud to be an American." The flag equals patriotism. At the same time, the flag means whatever the individual wants it to mean. A person can burn the flag at a political protest to show disgust or disappointment with American policy. Or, as Barbara Kingsolver explains, the American flag can be used for political reasons such as to symbolize the war on terror. Because the American flag can mean anything the person wants it to mean, it remains the most important and most flexible national symbols. The flag can represent proud patriotism or it can represent anger and the need for change."

Tags:patriotism, myth, Manifest, Destiny, liberty, American, Dream, propaganda

Abstract
The paper discusses how the American flag has been a symbol of freedom and liberation to many, however, others have viewed it as a symbol of oppression and conflict. The paper relates that in the Vietnam era of the 1960s, it became popular to burn the flag, symbolic of the anger felt by those who were against the war and were frustrated with United States politics. The paper notes that Norman Thomas disagreed with burning the flag and instead thought, "If you want a symbolic gesture, don't burn the flag; wash it" (Martin 178). The paper discusses how historically, many key events have occurred that have represented the fight for freedom and shedding of the past and its flaws, such as the American Revolution, Shay's rebellion, the Mexican War, the abolitionist movement, and the Civil War.

From the Paper
"The American flag has been a symbol of freedom and liberation to many, however, others have viewed it as a symbol of oppression and conflict. In the Vietnam era of the 1960s, it became popular to burn the flag, symbolic..."

Tags:immigration, flag, history

Abstract
This paper is a creative writing essay which looks at the American flag as a symbol of all that the United States stands for - freedom, patriotism and diversity. The paper also mentions how America is seen to the rest of the world - as a super-power and a land of endless opportunity.

From the Paper
"Fifty stars, three colors, thirteen stripes: six white, seven red; a mere rectangular cloth that has embodied the United States of America for over two centuries. This flag represents a spectrum of life in this country and yet it is displayed, on occasion, in its homeland. Lately the American flag has become a figure of popularity, with many men and women displaying it on their cars, on freeway overpasses, and most commonly at their homes. Yet, do any of these advocators know what they are advocating? Do they know what the flag symbolizes in our country today? The flag of America has differentiated meanings, and can be viewed in many obscure ways. It exhibits the independence that many in this country have strived for, have suffered for, and have rejoiced over. Ultimately, the American flag represents the people by symbolizing patriotism, diversity, and freedom."

Tags:liberty, National, Anthem, Pledge, of, Allegiance, New, World

Abstract
This paper argues the the flag is one of most important symbols of America, and as such, should be protected from anyone who seeks to defame, or destroy it in any way.

From the paper:

"I believe that with the burning of the flag, the symbol of our country and its constitution, you are saying that you don?t believe in what its stands for. Therefore, you are rejecting the very principles of our country and its constitution since the flag and the constitution are so closely tied together."

Tags:flags, patriotism, usa, law, symbol, nation, constitution, defacement

Abstract
This paper details two laws that were passed in order to legislate correct respect for the American flag. The laws mentioned are the Flag Code and the Flag Protection Act. The laws are discussed and their importance examined.

From the Paper
"Does the idea of watching someone burn the United States Flag make you cringe or would you hardly bat an eye at the thought? Would you consider yourself more "patriotic" for defending the integrity of the Flag itself or the principles upon which it was founded? Patriotism seems to historically have been linked with the poignant symbolism of the U.S. Flag, and the whole issue can be an emotional topic for many people. For military members, it probably brings to mind visions of hordes of tearful airmen singing "Proud to Be an American" during the last week of Basic Military Training. But regardless of what memories the Flag resurrects in each of us, no one can deny that knowing and demonstrating the proper display of respect for the U.S. Flag is an important aspect of being an American--and this is the central issue that this paper will address. The two key events that shaped the current situation were the enactment of the Flag Code and the Flag Protection Act."

Tags:11th, act, americans, burning, civil, code, court, flag, johnson, military, protection, rights, september, supreme, texas

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the cultural history of Texas going back to its origins as two different nations: Catholic Mexicans and independent American settlers. The paper describes the battle for the Republic of Texas and the symbolism in the Lone Start Flag.

From the Paper
"Texas is identified for a number of reasons throughout the United States. One of the most common reasons is because of the number of flags it was governed under throughout the years. For the fifteen years from 1821 to 1836, it was ruled under the reign of the Mexican government. This flag represented many aspects of life in Texas and Mexico. However, the two cultures and political ideas caused many conflicts, as did the distrust the Mexican people held for the American settlers. To begin with, the Americans and the Mexicans held two different sets of values. The Americans believed strongly in freedom of religion, while the Mexicans held a very strong belief in the Catholic Church. The Southern Texan settlers felt it was acceptable to own slaves, while the Mexican people were strongly opposed to this action. The Mexican people also had a long tradition of respect for authority, while the American settlers in Texas, emigrating from a new, independent nation, held little or no respect for authority. Another difference was in the human nature of the two cultures. The American people possessed an individualistic nature that was blunt and self-assertive. This clashed with the Mexican nature, which was subtle and secretive. These differences caused problems for two primary reasons. The first being that it is difficult to effectively govern people who posses such different opinions in values and different characteristics in human nature. The second is that the Mexican flag stood as a symbol over Texas. This symbol represented their control over the Texas settlers, which therefore enforced the Mexican values and personalities upon Texans. These differences were the beginning of the discontent towards the Mexican flag, its government, and its people. "

Tags:Flag, history, lone, politics, star, texas, Mexican, Mexico, American, settler, symbolism, Republic, of, texas, revolution, Santa, Anna, Gonzales

Abstract
Against the backdrop of the recent Congressional debate concerning the issue, the author of this paper argues that those who seek to protect the flag with legislation are well-meant but fail to see the ramifications of the their actions. The author argues that there has always been a fringe element of society which has sought to criticize the mainstream and an amendment protecting the flag would be impossible to implement since it's difficult to define what a flag is. It would also legitimize the voices of the fringe, which is small in number and no real threat to the mainstream. The author concludes that violating the free speech of unpopular voices is not constitutional and that Americans should do whatever is necessary to ensure that all voices are heard.

Abstract
Examines the debate over flying the Confederate Battle Flag over the Statehouse in Columbia, South Carolina. Past & recent history. Sentimental & historical meaning of the Confederate flag to Southerners. Issues of symbolism, partriotism, racism, slavery. South vs. North. Views of whites & African-Americans in South Carolina. Argues that the Confederate flag should remain. Gives reasons.

From the Paper
"?To strike freedom of the mind with the fist of patriotism is an old and ugly subtlety,? wrote Adlai Stevenson in a 1952 speech, and his words could well apply to the debate that has gone on for generations in the state of Georgia over the flying of the state's flag, which since 1956 has had the Confederate emblem incorporated into it. Although recent protests over the Georgia flag have not been as those in South Carolina over the Confederate Battle Flag's flying over the statehouse in Columbia - a somewhat more egregious action - it remains a contentious issue in the state that is considers itself both to be the heart of Dixie and also the heart of the new, enlightened, progressive South (Harrison A1).


Protests over the state's flag, which is seen by some as a reminder of the state's history of independence and by others as a..."

Abstract
The paper examines how Beveridge speaks of America as an imperial institution with an attitude of elitism, while Hertsgaard looks at the arrogance of that stance, and addresses America's ignorance regarding the rest of the world. The paper discusses how Beveridge's stance of superiority is frightening in that it translates to a distrust and anger in many other countries towards the U.S. The paper considers Hertsgaard's assertion that Americans are oblivious to what the government is doing at home and overseas. The paper contends, in agreement with Hertsgaard, that the U.S. should stop being so hypocritical and overbearing towards the rest of the world.

From the Paper
"These two writers are talking about the same people and the same country, but it sounds almost as if they are speaking about two different countries entirely. Beveridge is elitist and arrogant in his stance about America's superiority, and it seems almost as if that attitude, which is still prevalent among many Americans, is what has gotten us into the mess we have overseas, where so many foreign countries view us with skepticism and even fear. Americans do not take the time to learn about other countries or even our own foreign policies because as a nation, we are essentially self-adsorbed and selfish, and totally disinterested in anything that does not remotely affect us at the time. Other countries and their cultures are not so one-dimensional (of course, some are), and they do not appreciate this attitude in Americans, especially when they travel overseas, which Hertsgaard makes clear in this essay. In contrast, Beveridge seems to think that there is nothing wrong with oppression and overtaking "weaker" people as a foreign policy, something Hertsgaard clearly opposes."

Tags:elitism, arrogance, superiority, foreign, policy, ignorance

Abstract
This paper reviews "Flags of our Fathers" written by James Bradley. "Flags of our Fathers" is the story of the tremendous struggle of the American marines preceding the raising of the American flag on the island of Iwo Jima, Japan in 1945.

From the Paper
"It was vital that we capture the island, and it was vital to the Japanese that they prevent that capture. As the author of Flags of our Fathers says, "somehow valor overcame terror" (p. 273). The carnage was terrible: by the end of the first day less that 16% of the medical corpsmen had survived and this handful of men had to do the best it could to help tremendous numbers of casualties, many with severe injuries.
The seven men who raised the second flag at Iwo Jima were Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley, John Bradley, Harlon Block, Mike Strank, "Doc" John Bradley, and Rene Gagnon. Each of these men endured hardships and horror to get to that powerful moment. These men -- and many others -- had to crawl over bodies and body parts to advance. The first description of Harlon Block is of a man in shock, stunned by what he has seen and possibly experiencing flashbacks of horrors he had seen on other islands. These four men in the photograph represent all the agony, struggles and triumph of all the men over all the years who got our forces to that point, that day, on Iwo Jima. Men below the mountain cheered and hooted, believing the battle was over. "

Tags:battle, soldier, freedom, country, flag, killed