I served six years in the Navy, am the son and grandson of WWII and WWI veterans, and love my country, however imperfect it is. Our flag is a symbol of where we’ve come from, and what we aspire to as a nation, and it certainly doesn’t belong to the seditious traitors and faux patriots who enable and encourage “The Former Guy.” William M., Mount Pleasant, SC

Flying high over the Balboa Bay, in Southern California, established by FDR, and populated by Reaganites and Trumpers: we stand tall in our passion and patriotism! It’s OUR flag indeed. The Parks Family

Like many I have been horrified at the misuse of the symbol of the flag. Members of my family fought for it, and I always have a lump in my throat when I see it and say the pledge. Marcy G., Boston, MA

I am a vet and an independent out gay woman. Thank you Lincoln Project. I know in my heart my time in the military was not ignored by you. Cathy B.

Our 5-year-old grandson (who also happens to be a Down syndrome child) sings and recites the Pledge of Allegiance and “The Star-Spangled Banner” at school each morning. Now, every time he sees a flag, we all must stop, put our hands over our hearts, and sing “See,” as he calls it. We should ALL love our flag as much! Barbara

The Ashland City Library took part in the Big Read. As part of the exhibit, the library held a reception for all of the area veterans…. I was told that 21 men from Clark County, Kansas, were drafted and all, fortunately, came home. That’s not to say the service and war did not change their lives. But today they are honored members of the community. And thank you for the Lincoln Project. You are the voice of sanity in very red rural Kansas. Martha B. Ashland, KS

I have continued to fly my flag since Biden was elected. My wife thinks the neighbors will think I’m MAGA (obviously they haven’t spoken to me). However, refuse to let our flag be usurped by traitors. Richard L Sabo

This flag flew on a landing craft on D-Day at Normandy. It serves as a constant reminder to our family that freedom and democracy should never be taken for granted. My mother’s cousin was 2nd in command on the ship. We’re not sure why the flag was given to him.

The Right Wing has co-opted the flag. For many minorities like myself, the sight of a lot of American flags flying in a neighborhood now feels less welcoming. I’m less likely to want to move there, or even knock on doors. James Miles Jr.

My Uncle Ross gave his life on Okinawa in WWII in defense of American freedom. We proudly fly our nation’s flag in his memory, and we daily hold our elected officials accountable for building a future of “Freedom and Justice for All.” John and Robin Sansom, Marietta, Georgia

This is a flag. On my house. Howell Ellerman

J Bianca J.

Happy Flag Day! I was raised by a lifelong career Associated Press newsman and a teacher of American History. I never conceded our flag to anyone! I fly the flag, frequently with my BLM and Pride flags. This may confuse any MAGA neighbors I may have. Of course, they are habitually confused. Never conceded our flag, our voices, our rights, commitment to the rule of law and respectful expectation of equality! Never. Geenah

Wishing you all the best in continually fighting for our democracy. Godspeed! Louie San Luis

I live in a rural area in East Central Wisconsin. We often have Democratic yard signs stolen or destroyed, just to give you a feel for our community. I have lived here 40+ years and have flown the flag probably 20 years. Nancy S., Fremont, WI

I swore to uphold and defend the constitution as a U.S. Marine and as a police officer when I returned home. I’m now retired, but the reverence for our flag has never faded. Throughout our nation’s history, brave Americans have fought and died in part, bringing free and fair elections to oppressed people around the world. I am passionate about reminding those who will listen that Donald Trump dishonors their sacrifices by continuing to claim a presidential election was stolen from him here at home. Semper Fidelis! Norman H.

It’s about time we started to take back our national icons. I never surrendered the flag. I never surrendered the proud title of patriot. I have worked for years with the League of Women Voters to register voters. ALL voters. I am proud to be part of their non-partisan efforts to empower voters and protect democracy. Wenda Kincaid

Jan Roberts Stickel

To me, the flag does not represent a particular group of people, a set of policy ideas, or any religious belief. It represents an idea. The idea that we can govern ourselves. That we’re still the last best hope as George Packer put it. Tanner Marchese

Having served in the U.S. Navy / Intelligence Community for over 44 years, I received an American Flag, flown in my honor over the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. A flag over the Senate is the representation of my sacred oaths to the United States of America and the U.S. Constitution. (Life long oath with great pride and honor.) Carlton Tolsdorf Jr.

My Great Uncles and Great Grandfather fought for the Upstate New York regiments, under the flag of the Union. Sacrifices bring a Nation together under the American Flag. Carlton Tolsdorf Jr.

We fly our flag (in Colorado) because we do not take our freedom or our democracy for granted. Kathy Haselmaier Fort Collins, Colorado

She’s worth fighting for. Join us: jointheunion.us. Reed Galen

This photo of a fresh tattoo says it all for me. Our troops die to protect us. Those who apologize for Trump are complicit. Thanks for all you do to protect our democracy. Connie, USA

I had 4 brothers in Vietnam, one in the weeds. In our family we proudly displayed the flag on our flag pole in the front yard…. To me the flag represents the sacrifices of this great nation. Those who gave and risked their lives for our freedoms…. It’s a sign of love really, and sacrifice, not a tool of bigotry and hate. Debbi B.

Not exactly a flag but I made these because I refused to concede the flag to MAGA. I was born here. I am a descendant of slaves and pilgrims. The only people that can tell me I don’t belong here are indigenous people. History is one of my favorite subjects. The ignorance of some doesn’t change it. Angel H.