One of the most shared columns I have written in the Daily Umbrella dealt with why I fly the American flag. I thought about those words recently when I noticed a wide range of flags being flown, all seemingly symbolizing what is important to each person or group — or maybe to simply annoy the neighbors. I can’t be certain.
The annual Iowa vs. ISU football game brings out flags galore every year. So does PRIDE month and NFL game days. Some people fly state of Iowa flags or nautical flags. Flags that celebrate heritage are popular with our Mexican, Irish, British, Canadian and other friends. And although clearly not as popular today, the Confederate flag still pops up now and then.
Chicago Cubs fans celebrate with the “W” flag. U.S. veterans proudly display their Army, Navy Air Force or Marines flags. The City of Des Moines even has a renewed flag, and some families have their own versions, too.
There is a word for all this flag stuff. It is called vexillology, the study of the history, the symbolism and the use of flags. The word is derived from the Latin word vexillum and the Greek suffix -logia.
Serious debate continues to arise in the discussions of when and where flags originated. Some argue that the Shahdad Standard is the oldest flag in the world. The squared bronze flag from Iran dates back to 2400 BC. Although not a cloth flag or in the shape of a rectangle, it did have a pole, an eagle with open wings mounted on top of the pole, and an emblem.
Cloth purists say flags were invented in ancient China and then spread west through Eurasia and Africa, reaching Europe and the Mediterranean in the early middle ages.
Regardless of where and when they started, flags are most all designed with careful color considerations and meanings. Red symbolizes valor and bravery. White signifies purity and innocence. And blue denotes justice, perseverance and vigilance. At least for some of us.
But the question remains, why do we fly flags? The best explanation is that flags are used as representations of places and people — in other words, what we associate ourselves with.
Regardless of what flag you fly, continue to do so with pride and comradery and a friendly competitive spirit. And if it annoys your neighbor, well, so be it.
Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
