June 14 is Flag Day. The United States Flag is a significant symbol. While not a religious symbol, still it is to be revered. There are precise protocols for displaying and respecting our flag. The colors of the flag have specific meaning. It is now proper for Veterans, not in uniform, to stand at attention and salute the flag, instead of the civilian posture. In all situations, the Flag should be respected. It is not that difficult.
Even the disposal of worn or damaged flags has a specific protocol. Having been Chaplain for a troop of Boy Scouts of America, I have been privy to numerous flag retirements by my troop. The ritual is always a respectful, impressive, (not to mention teaching) experience. By the way, if you have a worn, tattered, or otherwise irregular flag, seek out a Boy Scout troop in your church or community. They will gladly receive your flag and give it a respectful retirement. That failing, contact the Atlanta Area Council BSA to locate a troop near you.The ritual is observed on many campouts. Your call will help a troop. It is part of the BSA service.
The wishy-washy manner in which much tradition and ceremony are sloshed around lately, many customs get trampled; symbolism is diluted or lost. It is credited to writer-philosopher George Santayana that: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” The Flag helps us remember. Symbolism and meaning of the Flag suffer such demise if they are not held fast.
The Flag of The United States should always be displayed in proper form, above any other symbol on display. Read the code (see my first hyperlink above). This is why the flag is not displayed in Christian churches other than when BSA troops are recognized and a proper posting and retiring of the flag occurs. In a Christian church there is only one sacred symbol, a single Cross.
Jesus’ adversaries tried to trap him in just the sort of controversy we have today over the flag and the cross. He told them to make proper distinction and do the right thing. Basically, he told them to “think.” Don’t muddy the water. You live in this nation. Put God first, and follow the laws and customs of the nation, insofar as they don’t violate God’s laws. Love God first and put your neighbor in your shoes. That’s the RWV (Revised Willis Version.)
The Flag represents, to a patriot, a claim similar to that of the cross to a Christian. Patriotism has been savaged lately, not at all what it meant to folks of Paul Revere’s time. Merriam-Webster defines a patriot as—“one who loves and supports his or her country.” For a patriot this loyalty is lofty. For a Christian, loyalty is given to God. The two are not automatically mutually exclusive. Blood has been shed in pursuit of both. I have a friend who is annoyed by hymns that speak of blood. Although The Old Rugged Cross does not use the word “blood,” it is implicit in the words as it addresses loyalty;
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true
It’s shame and reproach gladly bear
Then he’ll call me some day to my home far away
Where his glory forever I’ll share
Actually, it does not imply such blood as caused by the Crusades. The blood is of the ultimate self-giving of Jesus. He said, No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. And Jesus laid out the greatest commandment: This is the greatest and the most important commandment.“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and the most important commandment.”