Flag Day brings up complicated feelings about the American flag
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When Michael Green founded Flags for Good, the Indianapolis-based flag store, he wasn't sure he'd sell the American flag.
Why it matters: Green, a flag expert (also known as a vexillologist), says he often hears from customers who are proud to be American but wrestle with what flying it (or not) says about them.
- "It's so complicated," Green says. "The American flag is such a powerful symbol, such a charged symbol."
The big picture: Ahead of Flag Day, the national holiday commemorating the day the American flag was born, and the nation's 250th birthday, Americans are considering what the flag means.
State of play: Green, who says he considers himself on the left of the political spectrum, started Flags for Good in 2020 with the idea that he'd sell only flags he believed in.
- In addition to state flags and those supporting sports teams, Flags for Goods sells a variety of LGBTQ+ pride flags and other symbols of progressive activism.
- When it came to national flags, though, Green said it wasn't so black-and-white. While he couldn't know how or why people would fly the flag, he could acknowledge that there are healthy parts to being proud of your nationality and your heritage — no matter where you're from.
What he's saying: "Humans have this innate desire to belong to something," Green said. "Flags are a lot of times the only tangible item of that intangible idea of whatever that community is, whether it's a nation, state or sexual orientation."
Fun fact: The Flags for Good headquarters in Fletcher Place has the original Indianapolis flag.
- The construction paper mockup that Roger Gohl entered into a 1962 contest hangs framed in the shop.
- "If you're looking for a symbol to feel that … you're part of something," Green said, "this flag is ready for that."
Shop Flags for Good online for delivery or in-store pickup.
- The shop, at 646 Virginia Ave., is open to the public for limited hours each month. It will be open on Saturday for the Pride Festival.
Go deeper: How to fly the American flag properly