In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, America united under a canopy of red, white, and blue. Flags adorned homes, businesses, and even cars—each one a testament to our collective resilience and shared sorrow. For months, the sight of waving banners felt like a warm embrace, binding us together in a time of profound uncertainty.

But now, as I wander through neighborhoods that once flourished with patriotism, I can’t help but wonder: where have all the flags gone?

I remember the days when every porch displayed a flag, fluttering proudly against the backdrop of a blue sky. Families would gather for barbecues with flags hanging from their homes, children would wave miniatures at parades, and the national anthem rang out at sporting events, filling the air with a sense of purpose. Communities came alive, standing shoulder to shoulder, united in grief and hope.

Yet today, those vibrant displays have faded. The flags that once flew proudly are fewer and fewer. I stroll through my neighborhood, and the sight of a flag feels like an anomaly, a whisper of a time long gone. What happened to that spirit of unity? Was it buried beneath layers of division and discord?

Consider the Fourth of July, a day that once exploded with colors. Fireworks lit up the sky, and flags adorned every corner. Now, many homes remain bare, devoid of the symbols that once spoke volumes. It’s as if the fabric that once connected us has unraveled, leaving threads of isolation in its wake.

It’s not just on holidays; even in everyday life, the flag has become a rarity. Once, it felt as if every car on the road displayed a flag sticker, each one a silent promise of solidarity. Now, those stickers are fewer, replaced by a growing ambivalence. Has the flag become too politicized, too contentious to display freely?

Even in moments of national pride—like the Olympics or moments of crisis—our flags seem to shy away from the limelight. The images of athletes adorned in American colors are often accompanied by debates about what the flag truly represents. It’s a painful irony that the very symbol meant to unite us can also divide us.

Yet, in this silence, I find myself longing for a revival of that fervor. How do we reignite the flame that once inspired such unity? It begins with small acts of courage—a neighbor inviting another over for coffee, a community gathering to share stories, a shared meal that transcends differences.

The flag may be a simple piece of fabric, but its power lies in the connections it fosters. It can spark conversations, evoke stories, and inspire hope. In a world that often feels fractured, we must remember that the flag can symbolize healing, understanding, and renewed commitment to one another.

So, I ask again: where have all the flags gone? They may be missing from our yards, but it’s time to plant them anew in our hearts. Let us reclaim the spirit of unity that once defined us, and raise our voices together. In the act of flying our flags once more, we honor the past while courageously stepping into a future where every heart beats in harmony.

~ KJ Carleo