| Patriotism, like love, assumes many different forms, and Americans use the flag
in many ways to express love for their country. Reciting the
Pledge of Allegiance, singing the national anthem, or flying
the flag are rituals that reinforce feelings of patriotism across
generations. In popular culture and daily life, patriotic flag
displays often reflect individual tastes and contemporary styles. |
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 A
young female student at Abby Wright's School in South Hadley,
Massachusetts, painted this picture in 1809. It depicts an early
symbol of America, Lady Liberty, holding a flag topped with
another symbol of the Revolution, a liberty cap. Although they
were not granted full rights of citizenship, women in the early
Republic often expressed their patriotism through samplers,
quilts, and other handiwork. |
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The
song "American Moon," written in 1969, reflects
the patriotism inspired by the sight of the American flag on
the moon. When the first astronauts landed on the moon on July
20, 1969, they planted the flag as a symbol of the nation's
achievement. In a time of turmoil, amid news of war, assassinations,
and protests, the moon landing gave many Americans a feeling
of hope and pride. |
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In 1988 Brian Boitano skated to an Olympic Gold Medal in Men's Figure Skating wearing skates with a replica of the American flag. The manufacturer had sewn a flag appliqué on his boot, believing that this national symbol would bring Boitano good luck. Boitano continues to wear skates adorned with the flag. |
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| National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution |
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