The Symbols That Define Us: Flag, Eagle, Arlington, and the White House
When I served with the Marine Corps in Okinawa, I learned something about symbols that no classroom ever taught me: they only carry as much weight as the people willing to stand behind them.
That lesson has stayed with me ever since.
Symbols have been part of daily life since ancient times. We see them everywhere, yet many have become so commonplace that we either ignore them or forget what they represent. Often, it is only when we witness what we perceive as serious disrespect toward a symbol that we feel compelled to act.
The Bald Eagle: Strength and Resilience
Another important American symbol is the bald eagle, which represents freedom and independence. Chosen in 1782 as the national bird, it symbolizes strength, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the nation. The bald eagle is prominently displayed on the Great Seal of the United States.
The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor: A Marine’s Symbol
While stationed with the Marine Corps in Okinawa, I became intimately familiar with the Marine Corps emblem — the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. Its roots can be traced back to the Continental Marines. The globe signifies the Corps’ readiness to serve in any part of the world. The eagle represents the United States, while the anchor reflects the Corps’ naval heritage and its longstanding relationship with the U.S. Navy.
For those of us who wore it, the emblem was never just decoration. It was a daily reminder of an obligation — to the Corps, to the country, and to every Marine who had worn it before us.
The POW/MIA Flag: A Promise Not Forgotten
Few symbols carry the particular weight of the POW/MIA flag — the black-and-white silhouette of a prisoner before a guard tower, with the words “You Are Not Forgotten” beneath it. The design was created in 1971 by an MIA wife working with the National League of Families, and the League formally adopted it in January 1972. It first flew over the White House in September 1982 and remains the only flag other than the American flag ever to have done so. In 1990, Congress passed Public Law 101-355, recognizing it as the official symbol of the nation’s commitment to accounting for Americans still missing from Southeast Asia.
For Vietnam veterans and their families especially, this flag isn’t a historical artifact. More than 1,500 American service members from that conflict remain unaccounted for to this day. That’s a promise still being kept, one Recognition Day at a time.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is another powerful national symbol. It serves as the final resting place for those who gave everything in service to their country. Maintained with dignity and respect, it is rich in the history of our nation. Military burial ceremonies are conducted according to traditions that have been preserved for generations. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a solemn reminder of sacrifice, and wreath-laying ceremonies on special occasions honor those who remain unidentified. Arlington symbolizes both our nation’s victories and its losses.
The White House: The People’s House
The White House is often referred to as the People’s House. For generations, it has stood as the residence of the President and as a symbol of American democracy. Its grounds have long been admired for their beauty and historic significance. For many Americans, features such as the Rose Garden represented a connection to the nation’s heritage. Recent changes to the White House grounds and proposals for additional facilities have generated differing opinions. Some view these changes as necessary improvements, while others see them as a loss of historical character. Regardless of one’s perspective, alterations to such an iconic national symbol often spark strong emotions because of the meaning the White House holds for the American people.
Why It Still Matters
Our national symbols remind us of who we are, where we have been, and what we value. Whether it is the flag, the bald eagle, the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, the POW/MIA flag, Arlington National Cemetery, or the White House, these symbols connect us to our shared history. Their importance lies not only in their physical form but also in the ideals and sacrifices they represent.
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