McNary says, "The heart element is as yet unknown to national flags. But, it may be time for a true birthing of heart in the great land of America. The gold fabric in this flag can easily bring to mind the Golden Rule, that "God is Love,' and that we are intended to be One Nation Under God."
The Heart of the Matter
"No flag from any country in the world features a heart," he notes, "Some use symbols with deep and ancient meaning - like the Star of David, the Yin-Yang (Korea), Rising Sun (Japan), and others. But no hearts. I should think that feminists would support a flag with a heart. So should people who promote peace, like Dennis Kucinich. How are we ever going to shift from regular wars toward peace and goodwill without people and governments learning to use their hearts? And seeing the symbol is the first step."
His flag measures 3 by 5 feet, and construction took many hours: measuring and cutting out the red, white and blue nylon, and stitching together by hand and by machine. Raw edges were heated with a soldering iron to prevent fraying.
Dr. Robert McNary with his flag, friend Audrey checks out his work
(Image by Duane Kolman for theportableschool.com) Details DMCA
Dr. Bob notes that the focus of his "Harlo to Reno" trek will again be on the philosophical meanings of the symbols on his flag, "with the added benefit of ten years' review of the inspired imagery, and a greater awareness of the changes which the USA is experiencing."
Putting His Best Foot Forward
When asked, Dr. Bob responds that he, "would rather not instruct people in what this flag means," preferring that they enjoy the journey toward their personal insights.
He reveals that it took him quite some time to fully explore his own understanding of these images, and notes that he continues to examine new perspectives. Therefore he invites people to consider their own deeper sense of the meaning of flag, country and ideals via these powerful symbols.
One of the definitions of a flag is as a "signaling device," and on his treks he hopes it signals a message of love and goodwill as it waves. He believes that in order to heal the citizenry and the nation, we must overcome divisions, love our neighbors AND our adversaries, and extend America's goodness and wealth to everyone.
I asked him how others might get involved, and he responded, "They could make their own flags, display them, wear them, pass the idea on in some way. They could paint hearts on abandoned buildings, like those sitting around Detroit, just rotting."
They could follow his blog at http://theportableschool.blogspot.com.
And if they happen to see him waving his flag on the highway, a wave back and a bottle of cold water would be appreciated!
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