Saluting The Flag (Summary)

Saluting The Flag (Summary)

For the large majority of the Americans the flag is a great reason for admiration and respect. They call it “Strip and Stripes” precisely because of its design. Certainly this banner is very difficult for to be confuse with the one of another country. The red and white stripes on the flag represent the first thirteen colonies that declared independence from England. The stars colored in white represent to each state of the union. Nowadays school children have to salute the flag during a civic celebration. All this ritual begins with the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag. It is pronounced at the same time the students look at the flag respectfully and place their right hands over their chests’ left side. The pledge must be recited with all the debited reverence and respect and by heart. Between many of the rituals about the way in which the flag is handled and displayed is its folding; the flag has to be handed following a certain pattern. Therefore the flag is a remarkable symbol of the country's identity. For resident immigrants when become naturalized United Statian, they have to recite the pledge and salute the flag as part of the ritualistic ceremony before being granted citizenship.

Personal Opinion

In my opinion, these rituals represent one of the most important ways to set the bases of any republic. Nevertheless, some people say that Venezuelans are not educated to respect their national symbols; it is notable how our national anthem is sung in all our schools. Certainly our young people tend to be irreverent, but from the bottom of their conscience they really feel the Venezuelan nationality. Here we sing “El Gloria al Bravo Pueblo” every morning at schools, we listen to it on the radio at determinate time, before watching any sport activity, etc. Our flag is almost everywhere, however, it should be set in all the houses too. People must do it during a special celebration. Finally, the symbols of nationality are involved in a great part of our lives.

Ubaldo Gandica.