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In this country, at the beginning of sports games, from Little League to professional, a similar rite is performed… a salute to the flag and/or music of the national anthem. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag at many public gatherings represents a common identity and commitment to the ideals and aspirations of the United States of America.
Flags, a length of cloth, dyed in a variety of colors and configurations, have led countless legions into battle, rallied the disheartened and provided an immense sense of pride as representations of a country, organization or religion. It is difficult to avoid feeling sentimental when your flag is raised in triumph such as when Olympians win a gold medal, stand at the top of a podium and listen to the national anthem as the flag is raised.
Similar feelings can be aroused when flags are displayed at other endeavors. It is not hard to imagine that strong attachments are formed to many flags, banners and other symbols of solidarity for people throughout the world. Whether foreign or domestic, flags are overt symbols of unity that evoke strong emotions.
As a hub for many cultures and nationalities, the southeast Bay Area hosts a plethora of celebrations that recognize prominent domestic personalities and events, as well as others observed around the globe. Although focused on the same occasion, festivities, including symbolic items or procedures, can vary greatly even within a religious, ethnic or other social group. What is acceptable and normal for one group may look much different when practiced by another. Differences that appear trivial to some may be of extreme importance to others.
At the January 10, 2023 Fremont City Council meeting, a referral by Mayor Lily Mei suggested a working list of 19 personages, organizations and events that should be considered for flag-raising ceremonies in addition to two existing at this time. The ensuing discussion raised some interesting points for consideration including the current lack of organization and coherent criteria for such endeavors as well as cost to the City. As Councilmember Yang Shao noted at the beginning of the discussion, the initial decision is a binary choice… exclusivity or inclusivity/ After all, he stated that the “best flag we can raise and the people of Fremont and beyond are proud to gather under is the flag of the stars and stripes.” Exclusive use of city flagpoles for official – federal, state, local flags – was quickly discarded as councilmembers thronged to the magic word “inclusive” and cited two existing flag-raisings that have created a precedent.
Although staff had previously been given direction to propose a flag-raising policy, to be reviewed at a council retreat in February, discussion moved toward specifics without much foundation; a classic case of cart before the horse syndrome. It appeared that the impetus for the referral was related to upcoming observances that may not be eligible for flag raising privileges until a policy is adopted. To this point, the limited number has been unfocused, proscribed by the proclivities of councilmembers or activists. There is nothing wrong with this, but as some councilmembers noted, it must have some limits. In a city that is a kaleidoscope of people, inclusive can become massive. Is the role of official written proclamations different from flag-raising ceremonies? What if no unified flag exists for a flag-raising eligible event? Does flag-raising elevate recognition of one person/event over another?
As Councilmember Shao noted, one flag unifies all of us while others represent important facets of our heritage and identity. Caution is necessary when determining who and what should be recognized above others.
It’s a grand old flag,
It’s a high-flying flag,
And forever in peace may it waive.
It’s the emblem of
The land I love,
The home of the free and the brave…
George M. Cohan
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