Reclaiming the Flag
- © Michele Toomey, PhD • September 20, 2001

I remember only too well the capturing of the flag by the Hawks during the Vietnam War. It became the symbol of patriotism defined as pro-war. If you were an anti-war American you were labeled anti-American, and the flag became a divisive symbol in divided times. Anti-war protesters burned the flag. Pro-war advocates wore lapel pins of the flag and took it to themselves as the sacred symbol of their patriotism. The flag served as the dividing line between the divided citizens of our country.

Today as I stood in line to buy two flags to fly at our home and at our office, I felt a great sense of healing. It was a deeply moving feeling to be reunited with the flag. Now it was representing a nation coming together in unity and solidarity in our horror, our outrage, and our grief. I felt at one with the victims, I felt at one with their grieving families, I felt at one with the rescuers and the volunteers, and I felt at one with my country men and women. The flag had regained its rightful place as a symbol of unity and patriotism. We were at this moment in history "One nation under God," and I was moved and proud.

It is a fitting tribute to the innocent women, men, and children who lost their lives September11, 2001, that we reclaim the flag that will fly over their resting places and over their families. United we stand against the evil that has wreaked this havoc on us, and united we stand for preserving "Liberty and justice for all."