Stars and Stripes

Betsy Ross's needlework of patriotism is an unifying symbol for all Americans. The American Flag is a national emblem that has stirred passions for several centuries causing those passions to be at their highest on July 4th.
The story of the American Flag takes many forms. Almost from it's beginning the flag has been pulled back and fourth along different visions of America. It has stood for abolition of slavery, unregulated capitalism, immigration, segregation, integration and war. Few of America's visions stand out as much as nationalist patriotism which seems to be the flag's underlining quality. Duty and self sacrifice is one of the most easily recognized forms of that reverence but others are just as recognizable. Protecting civil liberties and enabling democracy are also easily recognized, each rivaling duty and self sacrifice.
Will you fly a flag on the fourth of July? Will the passion for the stars and stripes stir deep inside you? I can answer yes to both of those questions. What about yourself, do you even remember where you stored the flag after the last July 4th holiday or will you have to make a trip to Walmart after reading this story and purchase a new symbol of your patriotism?