Jon McNaughton's Mending the Nation emphasizes the costly ideology of American freedom. The liberty represented by the American Flag is supported by the backs of both the strong and the innocent, but eventually unites all of those who stand proud under her. The painting speaks to the viewer by expressing the true cost of freedom, the sacrifices made by service members and civilians alike, through character stance, clothing, and gestures; color choice and implied context. 

Ever since the beginning of our nation's history, we have been able to stay free as a direct result of men and women who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the betterment of others. Upon first glance of Mending the Nation, it appears as if a dim, archaic filter is applied to the painting. This vintage condition is a testament to the idea that freedom and sacrifice is an old theme. The color choice of the artist also provides the viewer with details with regards to liberty. A wife and child are present in the center left of the painting, dressed in white. This is symbolic of the innocent Americans who stay safe and secure with our homeland. In contrast to this, a mother stands in the background dressed in black and red. Her black coat and skirt signify the death of her son or daughter. The mother's red shirt is a tribute and reminder of the blood that her loved-one lost in defense of the innocent pictured in the center. Looking at the background, the artist chose a blue wall supported underneath by a brownish-colored floor. This color choice illustrates unity and peace that is created by our military and the hard work and dedication they have for their nation. 

Upon careful observation, the onlooker will see a circle of light shining from above and onto the center of the painting. The light can be interpreted as God looking over those who are willing to sacrifice themselves in order to protect and preserve the lives of their fellow Americans. 

Adding further to the rich color of the painting, the American Flag's blue field represents perseverance and vigilance, all of which are demonstrated by the brave servicemen and women of our nation as they stand watch against the faces of tyranny. The blue portion of the flag serves as the only piece that remains intact; it affirms that American unity remains unwavering. In contrast, the red stripes are torn and abused. The torn strips are reminders that blood and life was taken away from our servicemen, as they stand committed against any threat to liberty at home. Furthermore, the mangled white stripes are evidence to the case that all innocence and purity is lost as one fights in war, something that can only be described as Hell on Earth.

Likewise, the features and expressions of the people in the painting continue to showcase the sacrifices that are made by our servicemen and women who protect the United States. The Marine standing to the left is tall and erect. He acts as a flagpole, ensuring that the flag continues to fly true and above our nation. In addition to ensuring the flag waves in the American wind, he supports the flag and gives it strength to fly. By comparing the Marine to a flagpole, the artist conveys to the reader that American soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines bear the heavy burden of protecting our flag and subsequently our freedom. They must stand vigilant and ready; they shall never fade in the wake of adversity, even if doing so takes their life, the ultimate sacrifice. 

Besides the Marine, other characters in the painting also give some sort of sacrifice so freedom may ring. The mother in the painting's left clutches tightly to the red and white stripes of the American Flag. The mother's action of holding deeply to the flag is symbolic of the events that take place during a military funeral. A sole American Flag is presented to the family of the fallen military member with the following statement, "On behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service" (U.S. Department of Defense). The flag serves as the mother's only tangible token to remember her child. Her child's death also shows that our servicemen and women are not the only ones who suffer; their families must cope with the idea that their son, brother, father, daughter, sister or wife will never make it home alive.

Adjacent to the mother kneels a man who can be seen as a religious leader. He holds a Bible in one hand and positions himself as if he were administering the Last Rites to the fallen. The priest is serving the dead and providing them with peace as they move towards their final resting place. This image of death epitomizes the great and honorable sacrifice made by members of the armed forces in defense of our nation. 

Sacrifice can also be seen in the lives of those who have very little contact to those directly affected by it. In the painting's foreground, a woman dressed in white is hard at work mending the ripped sections of cloth on the flag. The innocent woman is sacrificing her time and efforts in order preserve the ultimate symbol of freedom, the beloved Stars and Stripes. She does more than the minimum to support her nation, even if it requires a tedious deed. 

Freedom requires more than just fireworks and American Flags to reign true. Preserving the age-old idea of liberty requires great sacrifices to be made by the strong and brave. Mending a Nation utilizes great color symbolism and character placement to pay tribute to all of the sacrifices our men and women give in order to ensure America continues to prevail. Whether it is on the battlefield or on the home front, sacrifices must be made to protect the weak and innocent from the evils that may be present in the world.  

