I understand, artbrooks, just can't agree. I am disgusted and embarrassed about the way our country has come to be viewed in the world and at how it treats its own citizens. The flag represents that, imo. Today so many Americans "celebrate" therr freedom to go to "work" to satisfy the ultra-consumer society we've become, including my daughter who ought to be able to spend the day at home with her twin sons. There is no respect for our country, within our country. I remember when I was a kid the ONLY thing open might have been one or two gas stations for those travellers who were out. This is the only national holiday in which I believe almost everything to do with consuming should be shut down for the day. We've become a nation of hypocrits.