Another Olympic year, another quest for gold, and another sea of flags. You couldn’t have missed them. They are, of course, usually considered a symbol of national pride, such as at the Olympics or in 4th of July parades. But, they show up in many different venues for many different reasons. At times they are just used for decoration; at times they are waved at celebrations; at times they are the backdrop for deep personal sorrow.

After a recent trip to Washington, DC, I began to notice flags everywhere. Not just on government buildings, but on ice fishing shanties, construction cranes, and theater curtains. Not just on flag poles, but on barns, in windows, and on motorcycles. The Stars and Stripes of our flag are everywhere, woven into the fabric of America.