Don't underestimate the power of 'symbols' to motivate people. Some visual representations of 'ideas' are extremely powerful. All forms of leading/coercing/convincing populations have relied heavily on symbolism, whether that be God, gods, afterlives, swastikas, nuclear disarmament symbols (sometimes incorrectly called the peace sign), x-number of virgins, etc. America calls its men/women to war with the flag, ideal(s) of American democracy, etc., as do all other countries when they decide to wage war. Most of the notions are altruistic. I think anyone would be hard-pressed to actually define what these things mean. They would NOT be hard-pressed to say these things are 'right'. IMO.