The American Flag – Old Glory, Stars and Stripes, That Grand Old Flag – regardless of the subtitles and nicknames, is a national symbol with specific meaning in its design. That the United States Olympic Committee is considering “rebranding” it with a new design is an idea that should never see the light of day.

In his monologue on Monday, “Hannity” host Sean Hannity blasted the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) over a new plan to redesign the American flag on its logo, and replace the 50 stars with 5 new stars, and alter the portrayal of the stripes.

Regardless of one’s feelings about Hannity [and this writer rolls her eyes at his bombastic stylings], he is correct in raising a red flag about this particular change under discussion.

“Our stars & stripes should be the only flag representing our country at the Olympics and the Paralympics – there are so many amazing athletes and champions we are all so proud of.” (snip)

“And, we already have our flag,” he added.

And while the official US Flag has been modified 26 times since 1777, the resolution on its basic design has never waivered. Thirteen red and white stripes to symbolize the original thirteen colonies and the union represented as white stars on a blue background. As the Second Continental Congress put it, “to represent a new constellation.”

Any watering down … er … rebranding … of a national symbol that has meant so much to so many, out of modern-block-graphics aesthetic is just plain wrong. And consider the timing!

On Sunday, protesters took to the streets in 32 cities across Cuba, calling for an end to the Communist regime’s oppression. These protesters carried a symbol of freedom in their arms — the same symbol that freedom fighters in Hong Kong used last year when they marched against Chinese Communist oppression. Yet many on the Left have demonized this same symbol, denouncing it as an icon of white supremacy and “institutional racism.”

https://twitter.com/tedcruz/status/1414594603542401028

Among my earliest memories of school is in first grade as my teacher explained we were getting a new flag because we now had two new states, Hawaii and Alaska. There was a short ceremony where the 48-star flag was reverently removed from its stand and the new flag installed. 61 years later and I can still “see” the inside of that classroom.

There is nothing wrong with simple stars and stripes in banners, buntings and other decorative elements. It is a given that they themselves are symbolic of the flag, not a substitute for it.

Americans have fought, and died, under that flag for what it symbolizes. Their sacrifice and our earned national pride do not need rebranding.

The USOC should round-file that design and remember just who they represent going forward.

featured image, cropped, Adobe Stock standard license.