While discussing cultural differences, I had a British person once comment to me that the Queen is the enduring symbol of their nation, and the flag seems to be the enduring symbol of ours. I had to agree. Presidents, politicians, policies and all the rest have come and gone, and the flag remains as the universally recognizable symbol of the USA. That's why folks spend so much time burning it, they're symbolically destroying us as a nation.
As a young man growing up, and also as a boy scout, I was taught about the symbolism of the flag. I was also taught that there were right and wrong ways to display it. I would not condemn another person for displaying it incorrectly. But I feel that as a citizen of this country, you owe it to yourself to understand the symbolism of the flag and to educate yourself about how to properly display it. To purposely show respect for the flag, is to purposely show your respect for our country.
Off my soapbox now
