Since nearly the dawn of civilization, flags have been used as a sense of pride, patriotism, and loyalty, whether for a nation, a state, or even a family’s crest. There’s just something wholly symbolic and nearly sacred about waving a banner of loyalty to one’s heritage.
America’s flag is no different.
From the time it was created during the Revolutionary War until now, it’s been flown by patriots as a physical representation of the honor and legacy that is the United States of America. From small-town courthouses and homes to the U.S. Capitol grounds and vehicles and vessels fighting our battles overseas, it symbolizes freedom, hope, and justice.
And that’s precisely why laws were created, both nationally and at the local level, to honor and protect the Stars and Stripes. As is outlined in 18 U.S. Code § 700, the United States flag is never to be burned, never touch the ground, and never be defaced. This also included regulations that put the American flag above all others.
Most of us recognize these rules as a form of respect and have known them as such since our earliest childhood.
However, it would seem that not everyone thinks the flag should be such a sacred thing.
Take several county officials in Virginia, for example.
Here in Fairfax County, Virginia, a new zoning amendment has been introduced to change some current regulations on flag height, the distance between flags, and the distance between flags and streets.
And one such change is that the American flag will no longer be given precedence over that of any other flag, according to The Washington Examiner. When flown alongside other flags, be they state, county, or company flags, the American flag will fly at the same height as all the rest.
Essentially, if the new ordinance is passed, Old Glory will be relegated to just another “piece of cloth” being blown about in the wind.
And yes, the resolution to make these changes actually refers to the U.S. flag as a “piece of cloth.”
Thankfully, some in Fairfax County’s community have stood up for the flag and opposed the new ordinance.
Enter the Great Falls Citizens Association.
According to the Great Falls Connection, a local news outlet, the volunteer organization has formally objected to the new regulations put forth and labeled them as “overly restrictive.”
The group has also written an opposing resolution of their own to fight for the legacy of the United States flag.
Their resolution notes that the flag is not just another piece of cloth but a symbol of what America is and was created for – to create a nation where all walks of life could be free from tyranny, free from oppression, and free to live out their dreams.
To tear the Stars and Stripes down, or even to lower it to the same height as any other flag, no matter how vital another flag is, is to essentially that we are no longer Americans first and foremost. It is to say that our values, our beliefs, the founding documents that built this nation no longer matter and should be replaced with something else.
No other idea, in and of itself, has ever been more wholly un-American.
Now, with all that has gone on in our nation in recent days and months, I can’t say that I’m stunned that someone would have this idea. I mean, have you seen the vast movements to destroy our American heritage and replace it with an alternative version of history? The statues toppled, the memorials defaced, the incursion of our nation’s capital?
All of that suggests a growing movement to transform America into something not American, into something less free, less life-giving, and less just.
But just like this ordinance to have the American flag and her honor lowered, we have also seen plenty willing to stand up for America and what that name is supposed to mean. If we are to remain a free and whole nation, you and I have to join that fight and make it known that America and her heritage are not about to be trampled on.
For the sake of our future and our past, we have to stand, and we have to do it now before it’s too late.