Ever wonder why flags are bought? Flags make wonderful gifts, especially for someone who has a special connection in a particular region. A flag is often bought as a gift for someone who is far from home or to show solidarity to someone who’s in the same region. Although this is a good use of flags, there are deeper meanings to flags. You can see Atlantic Flagpole for more information.
Flags are an important part of group identity. They have been around for as many years as humans have been forming groups. Every culture of the world has its own flags. Even the most primitive tribes use flags. Flags are a way to identify oneself as well as others. Flags identify you at a glance. They also serve as a standing proclamation to your belief or loyalty.
Every flag has a constituency, whether it be a state flag, country flag or high school flag. Even pirate flags or smile face flags have a specific constituency to which they communicate. A person’s flags can tell you a lot. A boat owner holding a U.S. Navy and USOW flag has a different mindset than someone who is sailing with a pirate flag flying from their wheelhouse.
The flag one chooses to fly is more than just an attitude. Ask a Texan for his opinion on the “Lone Star,” or get into a dispute over the Confederate Battle Flag. Flags are beautiful and large. Because they are part our identity, they can also be very personal and emotive.
Flags have been featured in some of the most significant moments in history. For example, the first planting and raising of the USA flag at the moon, Iwo Jima’s raising of the flag, or even the flag which survived the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It was almost a religious experience for many.
The flag they feel represents them is the one they carry when a crowd takes to the streets shouting and screaming, or chanting. A flag instantly identifies a group when slogans or chants can’t be heard. When people feel their flag no longer represents them, or they have been betrayed, they will search for a replacement flag.