But do the members of the military do so because they are required to do so, because not doing so would land them in the stockades? Or are they doing so because they truly believe in what the flag represents, and are proud to openly display their pride along with their comrades? And in the latter circumstance, does that pride come from brainwashing, or from simply being shown what is good and worthy about the country.
Did you know that frequently throughout the year, hundreds of thousands of seemingly ordinary people, here in the US gather together at a variety of locations, and stand in deference to the flag, as the Star Spangled Banner is sung? Then the game begins. OK, I'm being a little silly here, but sports like baseball and football are an important part of Americana, and Americans take pride in that, and the flag is a very real part of the game. Maybe they don't face the flag every day at 8 and 5, but they make it a part of what means America to them.
Re: Pledging.
Did you know that frequently throughout the year, hundreds of thousands of seemingly ordinary people, here in the US gather together at a variety of locations, and stand in deference to the flag, as the Star Spangled Banner is sung? Then the game begins. OK, I'm being a little silly here, but sports like baseball and football are an important part of Americana, and Americans take pride in that, and the flag is a very real part of the game. Maybe they don't face the flag every day at 8 and 5, but they make it a part of what means America to them.