From football fields to college campuses across the country, there is a surprising amount of chatter claiming the American flag stands for racism.
A question ran through my mind: Does it?
Then immediately all the cylinders started firing through my mental space with answers as to what the flag means to me.
These are my thoughts:
blood SHED
The red stripes of our flag remind me of the blood that was shed to build this country. They remind me of revolutionary men and women planning the path to freedom in hidden kitchens and barns. They remind me of a brutal war to free us from a government that would not allow people of different backgrounds to speak their mind and pursue dreams of their own.
They remind me of leaders who risked their lives to keep this union together and of men who left their homes to fight to end slavery. They remind me of white men who fought to free black men and women in the Civil War, and black men who fought to free predominantly white nations in Europe in WWII. The red reminds me of the hardest times in our countries history. Of times that we may not be proud of being part of our history, but they bring pride to know that we have fought for change from those times.
The red stripes remind me to be thankful every day for the men and women who still risk their lives to defend our country and fight for the oppressed around the world. The red reminds me of people who continue to give so much more than I have been asked to give, for me to in turn enjoy the dreams of a free nation.
The red stripes of our flag humble me and give me pause to reflect.
a blank SLATE
The white stripes remind me of the blank slate we have to speak our mind. That we may speak our own personal thoughts, truths and beliefs, no matter how radical, how hurtful, or how scary they may be to the rest. This blank slate of freedom is what allows those that I so vehemently disagree with to spread their thoughts throughout this world, and I would not take that away for one minute. Because, though I may disagree, I am happy to live in a place where that voice can be heard.
The white reminds me that our voices and our dreams can live on in an endless imagination of things to come. That we may dare to dream the impossible and have the chance, however small at times, to make it happen. They remind me everyday that anything is possible when we are allowed to dream.
The white stripes of our flag give me hope.
sky of PEACE
The sea of blue stars brings to mind a peaceful night time sky. It reminds me that wherever we are in this country we can sleep safely under a peaceful veil, should we choose to get along.
It calls together a collection of people and cultures in different states with varying needs and abilities. Any one star missing would leave a void in the sea of blue. Any one star going out would darken our world ever more. Any star standing alone would be a dim lonely light. The collection of the many is what brings the strength and beauty to our nation. The sea of stars is America at its best, encompassing the worst parts of all of us into one great whole.
The sea of stars gives me peace.
give THANKS
I am thankful to live in this great land. You may have a different view of the flag. Perhaps in your experience you are still living in a time where the red stripes are shedding emotional blood or you feel surrounded by hate. Perhaps you have not felt free to share your dreams on a blank slate of freedom. Maybe you cannot yet see the flickering light in a sea of darkness. But my hope for you, for your family and for our nation is that you will experience all of our nation, its great diverse people and that you will see the flag as a symbol for all that we can overcome together, united as a great nation of peoples with a cause.
Thank you for continuing to enjoy the freedom of our journey with me. I appreciate all of you, your diversity and your thoughts and comments below. If you share my view of our flag, please like and share with your network, And most importantly have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!
Andy Vargo is a motivational speaker, life coach and comedian who challenges you to ‘Own Your Awkward’. He is the author of the Awkward Journal series, host of the podcast, Own Your Awkward, and shares thoughts and ideas in his blog and video series available at awkwardcareer.com.
Originally published on LinkedIn