In my art class we had to discuss what we thought about the art work (not what I consider art work) of Dread Scott and his piece in regards to the displaying of the U.S. flag. Here is a link. dreadscott.net/works/what-is-the-proper-way-to-display-a-us-flag/ Anyway, a woman did not agree with the point I made about his artwork. She stated, I cant bring myself to think of a flag as more than a colorful piece of cloth. So, I responded. Read the following: HER POST: Ive seen that feeling expressed several times here and in other places, and I just dont understand it.. Knowing that not two people will hold the same values, someone will always be more protective about whatever they hold dear and get offended more easily. At which point is a line being crossed, what percentage is required to be considered too far? And if no one ever crosses that line, how can you even know where you yourself draw it? Im not targeting either of you by the way, you both went out of your way to condemn the excessive reactions triggered by by Dread Scott rather than just express discontentment, so I figured you might be more open to the idea of sharing your inner thoughts further. I cant bring myself to think of a flag as more than a colorful piece of cloth, and, a little more in the context of the this discussion, I personally dont percieve any real comments from the artist about the flag itself or the ideals you see reflected in it, but moreso whether those ideals should be represented by a flag, and in the manner it is commonly done. Im genuinely curious, I hope youll share more of your thoughts! MY POST: I will share why I hold the American flag so true to my heart. I come from a long line of patriotism, almost every family member (that is a male) I have served this great nation and paid their dues. That is why I chose to serve; I felt it was my duty as an American citizen, even if it meant loss of life. However, I still didnt truly understand the symbolization behind our American flag until I served as a Ceremonial Guardsman in the United States Air Force. Day in and day out, I trained for events where I was expected to perform perfectly, with no exceptions. I was further taught the PROPER customs and courtesies I shall abide to and how I should render honors to the fallen. I vowed to stand sharp, crisp and motionless in all forms of weather. In four layers of long sleeved clothing in the desert at 120 degree temps, I did not break these vows. As I carried the casket of a fallen brother in 4 feet of snow, temperatures of 3-4degrees with a wind chill of -14, I still kept my promise. Just because I am obedient? Just because that is what was expected of me? NO! I did it because I was rendering honors to brave men and women that gave their all in sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy. It was the least I could do for someone who did everything for me. As a young man, I performed over 160 ceremonies. No matter what the number, when you hand that American flag off and have to look someones wife, mom, dad, etc. in the eye with tears rolling off their face, their entire body numb from the agonizing pain, and their lips quivering with the realness of death in front of them because their husband, son, daughter, dad, mom, wife, friend isnt going to be home tonight because they made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, there is still no way of truly understanding what goes into those great colors. The only ones that truly understand its symbolization are the ones who are no longer here to tell us its true meaning. A Gold Star mother recently said, the best way to remember the fallen, is to live a life worthy of their sacrifice. Words are cheap, promises get broken, but action remains the loudest voice and clearest testimony in the room. No way is this mans art doing any of these things. I will tell you about my most recent rendering of honors (I will leave names out for the privacy of the loved ones). A 23yr old Staff Sergeant was killed defending the freedoms that others take for granted. This Staff Sergeant was a wonderful dad to his beautiful daughter, a loving and caring husband to his wife, a cherished son and son-in-law (which doesnt come easily), a great Airman, and a friend to many. I had to stand in the desert sun at 109 degrees for over two hours, in four layers, my feet scolded from the heat of the black shoes, sweat rolling off of me faster that water in the shower, and until this time, I have never even thought about these small things. All I can remember, is the daunting cries of a 20 year old widow for the entirety of the ceremony, seeing a daughter that couldnt understand why her mother was so upset, a mom and a dad sobbing as they laid their only son to rest, the family behind them displaying the same emotions, friends and members of the community gathered in support of the loved ones. All I can remember is delaying my first steps towards the newfound widow, as I couldnt imagine how my words would comfort her in any way, as I knelt at her feet and placed that flag in her lap, I brought my head up and made eye contact with her, peering deep into an empty soul. As I spoke the words that every dreads to hear, On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of your loved one. I gave this young widow a sense of it all, her husband had sacrificed himself, for the sake of every single person in this country, so that they can leave in absolute and uninterrupted freedom. I then stood and saluted that flag, stepped away and further understood the symbolization behind the flag. I hope my message has conveyed a sense of all this and has spoken to the curiosity you speak of. Thank you for reading.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 19:47:40 +0000
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