MY WISH IS THAT ON THIS DAY MORE AMERICANS WOULD SPEND MORE TIME CONTEMPLATING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PATRIOTISM AND NATIONALISM.

Patriotism is, according to Merriam Webster, a "love for or devotion to one's country." Nationalism is a "sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups."

A flag is merely a symbol.  it is not THE nation nor is it THE people.  Its reverence should never be put above that of "we the people."

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About the Origin of the USA Flag

Once again it would appear that we've been sold a bill of goods when it comes to the history of our flag.  Most of us believe the story that Betsy Ross was visited by George Washington and sewed up the first flag in June of 1776.  There are no historical documents to substantiate this.  In fact, there is much to refute this claim.This pattern of the thirteen stars in a circle is now commonly called the "Betsy Ross flag", although claims by her descendants that Betsy Ross contributed to this design are not generally accepted by modern American scholars and vexillologists.  

• There is no evidence to show that Betsy Ross and George Washington knew each other, or that George Washington was ever in her shop.
• The Flag Resolution of June 1777 was the first documented meeting, discussion, or debate by Congress about a national flag.