Students Display American Flag in Support of Nation

by Jennifer Smith

niversity of Central Florida students are showing support for their country by displaying the American flag.

The American flag was created as a symbol of freedom in America over 200 years ago.

For our generation, until recently, the American flag could be found on flagpoles in front of government offices, schools and other buildings. Seldom was the flag displayed by ordinary people.

In college apartment complexes, students displayed American flags in their front windows.

Because of the Sept. 11 tragedies, however, any item with the American flag on it, even the flag itself, has been scarce in stores.

Now American flags can be seen on cars, in windows, and on clothing worn by people of all ages.

Harlee Samuels, a senior at UCF, put a sticker on the back of her car not long after the tragic events. It is a flag that reads "Proud to be an American."

"The events of Sept.11 made me realize how lucky I am to be an American," Samuels said. "I wanted to show my patriotism, and I have friends that are in the armed forces."

Students put stickers with the American flag on their cars to support the nation.

Why is it that it took such horrible events for people to show pride in their country?

"I think before [Sept. 11] we were all so self absorbed and materialistic that we didn't care," Samuels said. "After seeing what happened, we've gotten a reality check and realize the importance of being an American."

Scott, a freshman at UCF, put a flag on the antenna of his car. He said: "I wanted to show support and patriotism. It's sad that it took [the events], but at the same time, the swell of patriotism is a good thing for the United States."

Several students agreed that the American people cared about the nation, but just did not take the time to show their concern.

One UCF alumnus said, "I think everyone already had love for the country, just because they didn't have flags strapped to their cars and other property 24/7 doesn't mean they didn't support the country."

Hopefully this show of patriotism will continue, not just in the near future, but for years to come. Putting a flag on your car may seem like a small gesture, but thousands of these gestures of patriotism has definitely had an impact on others.