Good The American Flag Essay Example

The stars and stripes are one the most significant symbols of the great nation of the United States of America. This symbol represents so much for the citizens of the U.S., which is why it is what I chose. Placing the symbol of the flag is sign of patriotism and love for the amazing country I live in. Anytime the American people see the red, white, and blue colors of the flag, the appreciation for the freedom and liberty of this great nation are realized.
The flag, as most people know has red and white stripes with a blue square in the corner with white stars. Each part of the flags symbolizes some characteristic of what the United States represents. There are thirteen stripes that stand for the original thirteen colonies that were the original states in the early years of the country. There are fifty white stars inside the blue square to represent the fifty states within the United States.
The cultural importance of the flag has numerous uses. For example, when Neil Armstrong, the first man, an American, landed on the moon he placed the American flag on the ground to show the pride of the first country to send a man all the way to the moon. During every national holiday, the display of the flag is common practice. On the 4th of July, the American Independence Day, flags are seen all throughout the country. They hang from homes, they are on shirts, little children have smaller flags they wave around, and every other place you can imagine is likely to have the symbol of the American flag portrayed as a show of loyalty, commitment, and pride for the great nation of the United States.
There are very particular cultural practices that are important when discussing the U.S. Flag that I think are worth mentioning. Any defamation or disrespect of the flag is against the law and punishable. The way that a flag is folded is specific and should be done correctly by an individual who knows the proper folding method. Prior to the start of any event in the United States, the Pledge of Allegiance or National Anthem is sung facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Most schools and buildings will have a tall pole with the American flag on it which is raised and lowered at the start and end of the day. If a national tragedy or death occur, the flag is placed halfway down the pole, called half-mast to honor the loss of the American or Americans who have died. As you can see, the flag is a symbol that is everywhere and very popular in the culture that I live in. It is the image Americans and people throughout the world think of when thinking of the United States of America.
When I see the flag I think of how lucky I am to live in this great democratic nation where a large population of ethnicities from all over the world has been able to come together. The flag symbolizes opportunity and the chance for a diverse group of people to live together in harmony while still having the freedom to honor their individual cultures. The flag is also a symbol of the brave soldiers that protect the country so that regular people like me have the chance to go to college and create a future full of possibility. As I write this about the cultural symbolism of the United States flag, I am filled with appreciation and pride for the wonderful life I get to live because of the resilience of the country upheld by the beauty of the flag. It is no wonder that the flag is so highly respected in the United States of America.