Jonna Carter: Under the Banner of Heaven

Memorial Day, as always, caused me to pause in somber reflection upon the meaning of this day honoring the many fallen who fought and sacrificed to preserve our great American democratic republic, and with it our freedoms. This more than any other day of the year serves as a reminder of all that our flag represents. As these glorious stars and stripes are raised at noon from half-staff to full we have reason to be thankful and to celebrate.

As for the flag, my deepest respect is reserved for all it represents far beyond its fabric. Fabric becomes time-worn and frayed, and such is hardly the case with our American ideals. These ideals, as laid out by our forefathers, form the foundation of our nation. I must continue to believe in our shared ideals, despite ample evidence to the contrary. We’ve watched these past few years as the far right, in some complete perversion of “patriotism,” has attempted to co-opt and politicize this great flag that belongs to us all — for a cult leader who has lived high on the spoils of others’ sacrifice as he disdains those who have made possible his privilege.