The first Flag Resolution, passed in 1777, resolved that our American flag should contain thirteen stars to represent the thirteen colonies as well as red and white stripes. Today our flag has fifty stars to represent the states, but the same cherished red and white stripes. Our flag is a symbol for freedom, unity and democracy. You will find an American flag in every school, stadium, government building and even on the moon.

I never realized the importance of the flag and all that it represents until this year when recent stories flag burnings as well as considerations for altering the flag have arisen. Protesters against racism and police brutality have used flag burning as a symbol to start a conversation about racism in America. I understand the anger the protesters harbor and the reasoning behind it, but is burning the flag that so many people have died for really going to carry across a message? I believe burning the American flag sends the wrong message.

On the Fourth of July, in Brooklyn, New York, there was a flag burning rally and protesters clashed with others trying to protect our flag. These people are unable to be arrested for their actions because burning the flag is protected free speech. Even though this is legal, there are many reasons why Americans of all races, genders and political stances should respect our flag.

The ones who gave their lives.
Ever since the United States became a country, we have been in various wars from the Civil War to the current war on terrorism in the Middle East. During this time, more than 41 million men and women have served during wartime and 1.3 million soldiers have lost their lives protecting the freedoms the flag represents.

How far we’ve come.
Since the birth of the flag and our country, our nation has been through hell and back. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, we have fought for the rights we have today. We are now a nation of equality, where people can practice their own beliefs. Unlike many countries, in the U.S. people are able to practice the religion of their choice without fear, and men and women of the same sex are now free to legally be married. Our nation has our first African-American president, Barack Obama. We elected him not once, but twice, to lead our country. We, currently, have two women running for president in the next election. If we look back to the beginning of our nation, we as a whole have gained so much and truly now represent freedom.

Red, white, and blue.
Our flag was created with a purpose — to represent what we stand for as a country. The stars represent the heavens and what man has always aspired for in time. The white stripes represent purity and innocence, which were two characteristics our founding fathers wanted to base our nation on. They were looking for a nation where we could have peace and liberty. The red on our flag stands for hardiness and valor, the blood spilled by those who fight to protect our country and the patriots. Blue stands for vigilance, perseverance and justice. This is the color that I personally think best represents what we stand for.

As a nation we have spread democracy and freedom, where we have fought for our rights and persevered. God bless America!