THE FLAG DAY (MOS INTERVIEW)

Jun 14th, 2018

Rita Brown, 38, Long Island, accountant

"Yes, I always celebrate the Flag Day with my family, because June 14th is also my father's birthday. Three years ago, my sister made him a birthday cake with a mini chocolate flag on it. It was adorable. We do own a flag. For me, the flag represents freedom and pride. Team USA won many gold medals in the Olympic Games. When the flag was raised, and people began to sing the national anthem, I was so proud of my country. I think it is necessary to advertise the Flag Day. Young people need to know more about the flag: the history, the stories and the people behind it."

Yu Ge, 21, NYU student  

"Oh, it's the first time that I heard about the Flag Day. Flags are everywhere in New York, but I didn't stop and look at them carefully. I am not a U.S. citizen, and in my country, we don't celebrate the Flag Day. But I think both the American flag and the Chinese flag have a meaning of power and pride. That's why people from different countries take flags to the Governors Ball, wave them, and rave with the music. My favorite band, Fall Out Boy, released an album called "Make America Psycho Again," and the album cover was a boy with an American flag painted on his face. That picture impressed me a lot, as the background color was red, just like blood."

Glenn Taylor, 85, Manhattan NY, used to be a chef, now retired

"I don't celebrate the Flag Day, but I do respect the American flag. I think the flag represents royalty. I don't know why I chose this word, but when I look at the flag here in Washington Square Park, it is the only word that appeared in my mind. I don't hang a flag on the wall, but I have an American flag bookmark; it was a gift from my granddaughter. I'm still using it. I had a debate with my Japanese friends about the flag. Everyone knows Armstrong, Aldrin, and the moon landing, but some people are suspicious about the authenticity. They say the flag movement on the moon was weird. Anyways, I believe the moon landings really happened. I was proud when I saw the flag on the moon."