I was raised in the late 1960s-1970s and watched Old Glory, one of many names for the American flag, burned on television in direct contradiction to what home, school and church taught me.
The flag is cloth but it's also a concept anyone can harbor regardless of appearance or attainment in life. Despite what critics shout, it's not only a flag for one race or the wealthy, it's my flag too! Yes me, the big Black guy!
We can't let feelings of alienation separate our nation. Clearly, that is what is happening around us.