The American flag is an emblem of my unwavering patriotism and deep-rooted pride in the values and principles that it represents. For many, including myself, it stands for ideals that embody the pursuit of liberty, justice, and democracy—principles that are not always easily attainable but remain worth striving for. It is through these ideals that I view the act of burning the U.S. flag with sincere negativity, as I believe it disrespects a symbol that has come to represent the sacrifices of countless individuals who fought to uphold these principles.
Having had the honor of draping the American flag over the fallen service members in distant lands like Afghanistan and Africa, I have witnessed firsthand the profound significance this banner holds. Each flag that I laid over a hero was not merely fabric; it symbolized their dedication, commitment, and ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Additionally, wearing the American flag on my right shoulder while serving instilled a sense of pride and responsibility. It was a reminder of the values I was charged to protect and defend. Looking out at the high desert landscape of Afghanistan, the sight of the flag waving in the wind brought immediate comfort, a connection to home, and the ideals we sought to represent. I also witnessed the hope for freedom that it brings to people who live under tyranny.
My emotions toward the flag are further fueled by memories of national triumphs, such as the iconic moment when the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team celebrated their victory over the Soviet Union, draped in the American flag. These moments create a profound connection to not just national pride but to the collective spirit of resilience embodied by this country. Hence, any act of disrespect towards the flag—that which symbolizes the struggles, dreams, and aspirations of millions—provokes feelings of disdain and sorrow within me.
However, it is critical to recognize that the debate surrounding flag burning exists within the framework of American constitutional rights. The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that flag burning, however distasteful or offensive, is constitutionally protected under the First Amendment as a form of free expression. This legal interpretation acknowledges that freedom of expression often encompasses acts that many may find disgraceful, and as a society committed to upholding constitutional principles, we must grapple with this complex reality.
It is in this light that I express my disappointment with the executive order purportedly being developed by the Trump administration, aimed at addressing the issue of flag burning. While I hold a high regard for the Constitution, I am wary of any presidency that seeks to exert expansive power, particularly in ways that may undermine established legal interpretations. The administration’s attempt to recast flag burning as a crime by citing property damage or public safety concerns appears to be a thinly veiled effort to sidestep the constitutional protections already determined by the Supreme Court.
Such strategies appear to reflect an attempt to capitalize on divisive sentiments surrounding the flag, ultimately reopening wounds on an issue that has already seen robust judicial deliberation. This approach met with skepticism as it perpetuates a narrative of division rather than unity, one that the Trump administration has often relied upon throughout its tenure. The real challenge we face is not merely the act of burning a flag, but the underlying sentiments that such actions evoke and the manner in which political leaders choose to respond.
In conclusion, my love for the American flag is as deep as my respect for the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms that protect us all, even in contexts of profound disagreement. While I detest acts of disrespect towards the flag, I also believe that safeguarding our foundational rights, including freedom of expression, is paramount, even when that expression challenges our sensibilities.
As citizens, it is our responsibility to hold our leaders accountable, to question actions that seek to expand power unconstitutionally, and to engage in meaningful discourse that bridges divides rather than deepens them. By doing so, we not only honor the flag and the ideals it represents but also reaffirm our commitment to the democratic principles that define our nation. I have embraced the saying that I may not agree with what you say or do, but I would fight to the death for your right to do it.
Donald C. Bolduc