The headquarters of the United Nations organisation is situated in Manhattan , NYC, overlooking the shore of the East River . Outside fly the numerous flags of member states, a symbol of the participation in the work of the UN and a commitment to its values by peoples from all over the world.

 This national emblem, this symbol, a colourful material design, wind-blown atop its flagpole, is recognised as belonging uniquely to each individual nation the world over. It is the rallying point for peoples who show their allegiance to the flag that is theirs. The Medal Ceremonies at the Olympics often brings tears of pride to those medal winners whose flags are raised while their anthem is played.

 In the first part of the last century, the yellow hammer and sickle on a red ground was the significant image for the USSR , and in Germany in the 30s, the rallies of the emerging Nazi party were bedecked with the black swastika, paraded for all to dutifully acknowledge. The flag personified the national intention. There was something absolute in its power.

     Here in the UK , the Union Jack, a composite flag of our constituent nations is known to all. Yet, within our island peoples, the flying of the Union flag over the buildings of Stormont in Northern Ireland has been a contentious issue since the Good Friday agreement late in the 90s, with the Sinn Fein Republican politicians making a case for the Irish tricolour to be offered the same privilege.

 The flying of a flag is a matter of significant consequence, it can have a price to pay.

 Recently in South Carolina nine people were murdered in a Southern Methodist Church in Charleston . The man arrested and subsequently charged with this heinous act had photographs of himself posted on the web beside the Battle Flag of the Confederate army from the days of the civil war.

         This has given rise to calls, led by the Governor of South Carolina, for the flag to be removed from the grounds of the capitol building in Charleston . By association with history, it is still seen by many as provocative and by others as a rallying point for a racist cause.

 In the Middle East , we are becoming sadly familiar with the black flag of the IS terrorist movement, proclaiming their presence, invoking fear in the people they subjugate, all in the name of God. There is an evil in our midst.    

           Even the smallest of states, Vatican City , has its own flag in yellow and white, together with the papal coat of arms

        The signs and symbols of our tribes are important be they flags, badges of allegiance or in the case of Christian people, the mark of a shameful death, the Cross of the Lord.

 But let’s always be respectful, for to pour scorn or insult on that which another holds precious only serves to feed anger and fosters a culture of revenge. Proclaiming to be right never convinces those we are addressing that they are wrong. Only in our actions will others see the fruits of our conviction.

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