Sentenza 14 giugno 1943
"There is no doubt that, in connection with the pledges,
the flag salute is a form of utterance. Symbolism is a primitive but
effective way of communicating ideas. The use of an emblem or flag to
symbolize some system, idea, institution, or personality is a
short-cut from mind to mind. Causes and nations, political parties,
lodges, and ecclesiastical groups seek to knit the loyalty of their
followings to a flag or banner, a color or design. The State announces
rank, function, and authority through crowns and maces, uniforms and
black robes; the church speaks through the Cross, the Crucifix, the
altar and shrine, and clerical raiment. Symbols of State often convey
political ideas, just as religious symbols come to convey theological
ones. Associated with many of these symbols are appropriate gestures
of acceptance or respect: a salute, a bowed or bared head, a bended
knee. A person gets from a [p633] symbol the meaning he puts into it,
and what is one man's comfort and inspiration is another's
jest and scorn."