For more than two centuries our flag has been a symbol of hope in the face of danger and strength in times of peace. Now, as the country stares down a new peril, Americans are flying the banner proudly, heeding its call for unity.

America protects the freedom our flag represents by displaying it in many ways, at our homes, as ribbons and pins, in our actions and as photographs as is displayed here.

One day after terrorists used commercial airplanes to destroy the World Trade Center Towers and attack the Pentagon, firefighters take a moment to unfurl the flag over the scarred stone as inspiration for fellow rescue workers searching through the debris Sept. 12.