[Al Skierkiewicz]

Karthik,
Yes, the flag is just a symbol. The importance of the symbol is what it represents to the people who hold it high. The flag for me, represents so much. Throughout my life, I have attended ceremonies where the flag symbolism was explained in light of the event. At veteran's gatherings, you will hear that the red stripes represent not only the colonies but the blood that was spilled by the thousands of patriots who died to make us free. The marines at the battle of Tripoli, the sailors in our young navy, the soldiers at Appomattox, the Ardenne, and Guadalcanal. The white stands for the purity of the belief that all men are created equal and have an inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The blue field and stars represent the heavens and the right to practice whatever religion you choose. All together, the colors of the flag represent the beliefs, hopes, needs and desires of every man, woman and child who have ever lived. Those that burn the flag of this nation are in effect telling us that they have no respect for those beliefs and they have no respect for me or you. Were I to burn the flag of another nation, I would also be showing that disrespect to the people of that nation. It is not just the flag of the United States that should be held above all others but the flags of all the great nations, as in the parade of flags outside the United Nations.
And for those who will tell you we burn flags everyday, the answer is yes. When a flag has outlived it's ability to be displayed there is a very solemn way to retire it in honor. Those that have attended such an event will never forget the respect and spirituality that surrounds the final end. The flag is reduced from the symbolism mentioned earlier by first disassembling it in silence. Each stripe is removed and burned, one by one, and then the field of blue. Those in attendance remain until all vestige of the flag has turned to ash. The symbolism of the event is a reminder that this is a fragile peace we live in, there are others who wish to steal the freedom from us, take away our rights to happiness and subjugate us.
I applaude you for your conviction.