Communities define our lives. Those you are born into, those you make yourself, and those you fall into by accident—communities of all types influence us and help shape us. Describe a defining community in your life and what it means to you.

The image of countless young families waving their mothers, fathers, or spouses goodbye as they stayed behind, hands interlaced with fences by the runway is seared in my memory. I was seven then. Every kid was given a little American flag. And though it was disguised as a happy event with red-white-and-blue banners and symbols of patriotism dispersed throughout the hanger, we all felt sick to our stomachs as we tried so hard to deny the fact that this could inevitably be the last time we’d ever hug our father tight and hear his voice as he said goodbye.
Upon first news of his deployment to the conflict in Kosovo, my father, like the countless men and women of our armed services, answered the call, not once hesitating to do what his country asked of him. I have yet to see such loyalty, such selfless service so clearly displayed. Living in the military community has instilled in me the strong morals that have led me to where I am today. When many people my age disobey laws and cheat on tests, I have the integrity to do what I know is right because the military life has shown me it’s possible to hold oneself to a higher standard.
You could say I’ve lived the quintessential “army brat” life, finding myself with new faces in new places every three years. I’ve had to leave close friends behind and I’ve had to endure stressful and emotional times, but I don’t look back on these events with contempt. Without these struggles, I wouldn’t be where I am today applying to one of the most prestigious schools in the country because I wouldn’t have been close to the required standards.
Only now, at 18 years old can I see how great an opportunity I’ve had, living a life overseas, immersed in a culture other than my own. In Italy, though I longed for my friends and home in the United States, I learned to love where I was. I learned to adapt to my community, immersing myself in Italian culture and playing soccer in the streets with Italian friends. When the history teacher points out the coliseum of Ancient Rome in history books, I see it come to life as the day I stood four foot small as the walls of the ancient arena encompassed me. When the history teacher points out Michelangelo’s mural in history books, I see it as the day I stood in that very chapel and saw the image of God creating Adam painted in the sky.
The military life has given me the opportunity to immerse myself in European culture and to see the world first hand. It has instilled in me the need for personal perfection. As the son of a U.S. Army officer I’ve had the opportunity to live in a variety of different communities and they have truly shaped me into the hardworking, morally, physically, and mentally strong person I am today.

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…..the protests of the left during Bush? Will the American flag be degraded, will people be calling for the death of the US President on the banners, posters etc??? Will the riot police need to be called in?

Or will the tea parties be gatherings of civilized people supporting the Constitution?

Which way will these go?
oh, if you want to see how the left protests, to to:
www.zombietime.com

Technorati Tags: american flag, bush, constitution, gatherings, posters, protests, riot police, tea parties

They make a HUGE deal about it in my school since I live in Manhattan. My homeroom teacher on Friday spoke about it. After we said the pledge our principal named some people who passed away during 9/11 and we had 10 minutes of silence. My language arts teacher had us right a short report about where we were and what we were doing during 9/11. Then my history teacher spoke about it. At lunch we had American Flag cookies and they were playing songs about America like, "God Bless America", "Star Spangled Banner", and a few others. Then at the last half hour of the day everyone gathered in the gym for a short memorial. The school band was there playing some songs. Then they had some kids (they looked about 10) speaking about how their parents died, or their uncle, or aunt, or brother, etc. died in 9/11. It was sad. I’m 14 and I moved to Manhattan from Brooklyn when I was 8. They make a bigger deal about it here then they did in Brooklyn.

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http://www.theblaze.com/stories/new-jersey-restaurant-owner-ordered-to-remove-american-flag-banners/

Technorati Tags: american flag, new jersey restaurant, restaurant owner, theblaze

More specifically, would you purchase a "Made in the USA" T-shirt stamped with specific logo (e.g. American flag) where the proceeds went directly to reducing the federal deficit? In a sense, you’d be bailing out the government to some degree, and I’m not saying that this would solve the U.S. economy issue, but it might help to boost morale and give Americans a sense that they are actually making a positive difference. And if so, would you be willing to pay up to .99 for the T-shirt?
Anjaree, "Made in the USA" actually means made in the United States of America.

For the answerer saying buying bonds, sure that’s a good idea, but people may want to display the fact that they are actively helping out the economy and you can’t wear a bond. I think some answerers are missing the point of the T-shirt. It’s not meant to be some technological marvel. Instead, it would be meant to boost morale, give Americans a sense of pride and accomplishment that they might be helping, abeit in some small way, towards helping out our country in a time of need. It’s more of a symbolic gesture than anything. The T-shirt price could be cheaper, I just sort of pulled that number out of thin air trying to account for manufacturing costs, so let’s not get too fixated on that.
Anjaree, "Made in the USA" actually means made in the United States of America.

For the answerer saying buying bonds, sure that’s a good idea, but people may want to display the fact that they are actively helping out the economy and you can’t wear a bond. I think some answerers are missing the point of the T-shirt. It’s not meant to be some technological marvel. Instead, it would be meant to boost morale, give Americans a sense of pride and accomplishment that they might be helping, abeit in some small way, towards helping out our country in a time of need. It’s more of a symbolic gesture than anything. The T-shirt price could be cheaper, I just sort of pulled that number out of thin air trying to account for manufacturing costs, so let’s not get too fixated on that.

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The front of the coin has an american eagle holding a banner in its mouth that reads 10 ounces .999 fine silver. The eagle is standing on what looks like an earlier version of the american flag and there are some weird symbols at the bottom i cant even begin to describe. The also appears 4 stars to the right of the eagle. On the back, there is only the words TEN OUNCES .999 FINE SILVER along the top and nothing else. There is no picture on the back. I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find anything on this coin.

Technorati Tags: american eagle, american flag, weird symbols

So, you’re at a huge sporting event. Thousands of people are there, but when it comes time to sing the national anthem prior to the game, there is a problem and the singer doesn’t show. SO, the announcer asks the crowd if there is anyone out there that can sing, who would be willing to sub in.

So you raise your hand…

The spotlight shines on you as you rise and start walking towards the playing area. Your friends are looking at each other in surprise, as they realize your about to do an impromptu "Star Spangled Banner" in front of everybody. The tech guy hands you a microphone and leads you out to the center of the playing area and you stand there while the crowd goes completely silent, waiting for your performance.

As you open your mouth and sing the first line, you realize that your voice has been transformed, as if by a divine presence, into a majestic, beautiful singing voice. Like a combination of Stevie Wonder and Pavarotti. Just as you get to "And the rockets red glare.." The marching band joins in! And simultaneously, an enormous American flag unravels behind you. Your singing is so beautiful, people begin to weep uncontrollably, sick people are healed, cripples get up to walk…

As you finish the song and walk back to your seat, the crowd goes absolutely batshit crazy with cheer and praise. The cheerleaders flash their tits at you, the coaches and players shake your hand and hug you..

You see your crush in the crowd smiling, with tears rolling down her face as she runs to meet you, embracing and telling you she loves you.

I do.

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There is a poster that I love. From the days before the media and stupid people wrongfully maligned Pit Bull breeds and they were considered the "All American Dog". It is a poster from World War 1 of a white American Pit Bull Terrier with an American Flag wrapped around it’s neck. Under this is says:

"The Germans have their "Wincht am Rhein," the English play "Lord Save the King," the Frenchmen sing their "Marseillaise," while the Russians chant their "National Hymn."

Our spirit shuns this warlike ring: Peace breathes in what we proudly sing: "The Star-Spangled Banner."

And long may it wave, o’er the land of the free and home of the brave. By these colors we stand ever true.

Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue."

I would love to get this for my home to frame, because it is so meaningful to me. If you have any idea how I can find it please let me know.

(And please if you don’t like Pit Bulls or dogs in general please don’t bother mentioning it or saying anything bad about Pit Bulls. It’s breedist, ridiculous, and I want no part of a fight with an ignorant stereotype that I know WAY more about than most. Thank you.)

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Google has been little help, or I am not searching for the right thing.

I am doing a research paper on the American Flag being a symbol for our culture. I have included stories of famous American Flag references, but I am looking for something in pop culture such as…

Famous song about American Flag(not the Star Spangled Banner, I have it…)
Famous picture or art
Famous clothing or something like that
Famous anything that has to do with the American Flag! That I can at least write five sentences on.

Please and thank you, I appreciate it.

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His resent decision to deny American citizens who are students at Live Oak High School, the right to wear the National Ensign (American Flag) is offensive and reprehensible. Remember that this is The United States of America where our Flag should be revered not disrespected. With deference to the Mexican American student population who found the wearing of T-Shirt’s bearing the Stars & Stripes disrespectful, they should be reminded that they are (for better or worse) citizens of the United States of America and not citizens of Estados Unidos Mexicanos. Would it be disrespectful to wear Red, White, and Blue on St. Patrick’s Day or Columbus Day?

History Lesson: Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrating the Mexican army’s victory over the French in 1862 and has absolutely nothing to do with American high school students in the United States of America. It should also be noted that Cinco de Mayo is neither an official or recognized holiday.

Take Away: Learn from these courageous students: Daniel Galli, Austin Carvalho, Matt Dariano, Dominic Maciel and Clayton Howard what it means to be proud of your country. They stood up for their First Amendment Rights in the face of those, like Miguel Rodriguez would deny them what is guaranteed under the United States Constitution.

O, say does that star spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave at Live Oak High School?

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