What the Flag Means to Me

Roll Call recently asked a handful of lawmakers and others from Capitol Hill, including me, what the flag means to them. As we celebrate the Fourth of July, here is my answer:

"Flags, like all great symbols, usually have an understood meaning. Not our flag. Ever since the 13 stars made room for more, ever since immigrants of every background came, ever since the first slaves arrived, the flag has sent a variety of messages. In the end, though, the flag has signaled to all that harmony will come with full democratic acceptance. The Americans of the nation's capital, who live in plain sight of the citadel of democracy, continue their struggle for democracy and equality, knowing it must come, as it has for others who live under the American flag."