Two Flags, One Nation

Today, I’m struck by two very different images of the American flag.

One photo was taken here in Las Vegas. It shows the flag waving beneath gathering storm clouds overhead. Most of you will understand the metaphors. The flag is flying at half-mast in tribute to the late President Jimmy Carter, who died last week. Another photo was taken from a live television news report on the terrible fires currently engulfing many parts of Los Angeles. That photo shows a flag badly tattered by deadly fire, smoke, and wind, but still waving in its old glory, nonetheless.

The contradictory images of the same symbol amidst very different situations is not lost.