.....but defend the right of others to do so.

I've witnessed flag burnings before, especially amidst large anti-war actions. When I was young this felt rebellious and very emotionally charged. But I didn't really know exactly why it was being done, I did not know the folks involved.

Flag burning did not convey what my own message was as I marched against war. Holding the flag union down did until I read the flag code:

"The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."

Though depending on when you talk to me, I might feel that holding our flag union down is entirely appropriate.

But what really made the difference to me was attending my first pow-wow. A friend was gracious enough to educate me, teach me as the pow-wow proceeded, and as we watched the Grand Entry led by veterans with flags, I got it. I myself would never burn our flag.

What works for me might not work for someone else. What a symbol means to me might mean something different to someone else. I don't know that I can tell someone else what the flag should mean to them. I also don't want to assume much of anything about why a U.S. citizen burns our own flag.

Flag Desecration in U.S.
Flag Rules and Regulations