




Patriotism is the impulse to support and defend one’s country with a sense of loyalty and devotion. Nevertheless, patriotism is a voluntary act. Not many nations have the audacity to claim that they live in this way, but in the United States of America we are proud to make this declaration. July 20th 1969 was one of the most powerful days in human history, a day in which Americans stepped foot on the surface of the moon. This was an idea that countries around the world only dreamt of pursuing. It was not an easy task, obstacles arose and decisions had to be made when there were communication and detachment complications with the shuttle. Nevertheless American’s are able and honored to announce that we were the first to physically set foot on the moon. When Apollo 11 landed, American astronaut Lance Armstrong stepped foot on the surface and said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”. As proven in the image, the United States of America is created on the foundation of bravery, determination and inspiration, encompassing the idea of patriotism and ambition while defying the sense of fear. 

 The American Flag has literal and symbolic meaning for United States citizens. According to the US Flag, each color that makes up the flag has significance. The white signifies purity and innocence, the red indicates strength and courage, while the blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. Each of these values embrace the principles that drive the American people. The thirteen stripes, standing for the thirteen original colonies and the fifty stars, embodying the fifty current states, are a representation of cohesion that this country shares. Not to say that the Nation hasn’t had its fair share of conflicts and battles, but ultimately we work together as one. The symbol of the American flag advocates this significance of camaraderie. The flag is more than just a piece of cloth that hangs outside for American citizens, it represents our country and the beliefs we embrace and pride ourselves on. Therefore, the American flag portrays a forceful message in the photograph of the astronaut advancing on the moon. 

Color depicts emotions as well as significance in an image, playing an extremely important role in what reaction is expressed by the audience. At first glance, one is automatically drawn to the American flag in the image taken by NASA. Not only are the colors that represent our formidable nation shown, but the way the light shines on the flag as well plays an important role as well. The automatic attraction to the flag is because it is the only source of color in the photograph. Space is a dark, mysterious place, filled with unknown. The only source of light in the photograph shines directly on the symbol of our country, illuminating the flag. It makes sense that the image is primarily black and grey; representing fear and the uncertainty of the universe, allowing the vibrancy of the red, white and blue to automatically stand out. By drawing the audience’s attention to the flag it instinctively promotes the theme of patriotism in the piece.

An image of just the flag on the moon would, nevertheless, be extremely powerful. However, NASA’s photograph features an astronaut as well. The man on the moon portrays that not only American’s, but human beings in general can accomplish their dreams. There is no doubt that the journey to the moon faced complications and impediments that were forced to be faced, but they were overcome. No one ever said life was easy. In order to accomplish goals and have the power to confidently say you are proud of your life takes conquering obstacles and facing fears. Going out of your comfort zone and allowing yourself to explore the world to prove who you are is exactly what American’s did. The strength of motivation along with perseverance depicted in the photograph intensifies the theme of patriotism in the United States.

The dark, emptiness of space and the universe that surrounds earth is both enticing yet frightening to humans. We all want to know what else is out there, whether it be other life forms, planets or absolutely nothing, the unknown is alluring. The entirety of this photograph represents that Americans are here and willing to be recognized. We have positioned the symbol of our Nation for not just the world to see, but the universe. The red, white and blue representing our loyal country against the concealed and undiscovered universe proves that we are a forced to be reckoned with on a universal scale. 

One of the biggest milestones recorded in American history is perfectly captured in one still photograph. The attributes that our country stands on shown in this image; pride, integrity and success all lead up up to the theme of patriotism. We will never be forgotten as the first Nation to send humans 238,900 miles away to a location filled with uncertainty, but as American’s we pride ourselves on more than just that. As this image portrays, we have dignity and honor in our country authorizing us our freedom and strong sense of patriotism.




