Of Flags and Freedom

It was a warm, sun-filled day on July 4th, 1949 and World War II was still fresh in the minds and hearts of many. It was a time of recovery when entire nations were picking up the pieces of broken economies and struggling to rebuild communities, homes, and lives. People were just beginning to travel again and attempting to resume life as they had before the havoc of war.Amidst this period of rejuvenation, a young American serviceman fresh out of high school was marching in a celebratory parade in Nice, France. He fondly recalls, "There was a big street there called Promenade of Angels and we marched from one end of that street all the way down through. We had a band on our ship and when they struck up the 'Stars and Stripes Forever,' everybody was in step and we couldn't have had a prouder moment in our lives than to be in that parade on that day."

When my grandfather tells this story, he illustrates the overwhelming sense of pride, patriotism, and unity that comes with being an American. He speaks of the great appreciation that many nations have for the United States and their efforts. He speaks of the honor that comes when one has the opportunity to serve a nation that has often been a source of liberation from oppression, working tirelessly to promote freedom through untold personal sacrifice. Furthermore, he speaks of the hope that is represented through our national emblem: the American flag.

Since first coming to Messiah, I have noticed an overall lack of reference to the American flag. It is no secret that, with the exception of the sports complexes and the single flag previously displayed in the Student Union, the presence of the American flag on campus is scarce. Consequently, a number of individuals have argued in the past for the installation of a centrally located flag pole on campus. Although I think that a flag would be beneficial and necessary, that is not what I am arguing for here. My request is that the American flag be valued and respected on campus, especially as it pertains to the new flag display being designed for the Student Union.

There are divided feelings and opinions regarding the display of American flags on Messiah's campus. Some Christians feel that allegiance to such a flag propagates sentiments of national pride that cause a divided loyalty between one's country and one's God. They ask how one can call himself or herself a follower of Christ and yet support the imperfect actions and morals of a country represented by the "red, white, and blue." In addition, these same people will say that the American flag instills a sense of nationalism that perverts the transcendence of ideological boundaries found through a faith in Christ. For them, it comes down to an issue of not having two masters -- one would have to go.

However, this view ignores the fact that the United States has often been a source of liberation, support, and defense for less fortunate nations; ours is a country that has often worked for the greater good without the use of war or violent means. We have given aid to tsunami and earthquake ravaged regions of the earth, supplied food to poverty-stricken third world countries, and encouraged humanitarian work in various forms. When tragedies occur, we are often among the first to respond.

We cannot forget that, as Messiah students, we have the freedom to openly practice our faith and pursue callings into the ministry and mission field, allowing us to witness to nations of people who have never heard the Word. While it is not the United States that specifically witnesses to unbelievers, by God's grace we live in a country where we as believers can freely reach others with our witness. Countless Americans have given their lives to preserve the freedom that we often take for granted.

It is in this light that I ask you to look at the American flag. Unfortunately, some may treat America as an agent of oppression, but it remains that our national emblem embodies religious freedom and protection of liberty for all. Whether you think the actions of the government itself actually exemplify these beliefs is beside the point. One need not look further than our founding documents to see these principles of freedom set forth--principles that are above the actions of the government itself. They are beliefs that have not always been achieved and adhered to, yet the purpose of these documents is to provide a standard that we ought to continually strive to uphold.

Taking into consideration the many honorable virtues that the American flag signifies, it is my hope that Messiah begins to give it the distinction it deserves. The new display in the Student Union needs to adhere to official flag display guidelines, which require that the American flag be given precedence when among flags of other countries. This is not to demoralize or demean other nations as insignificant or inferior, but is simply meant to recognize the symbol of our freedom, our gratefulness for the sacrifice that has preserved that freedom, and our respect for the country in which we live.