In this image, the main argument or ‘power’ I see behind it is the emotion in a place many overlook, which could be referenced in the man walking by in the background. Every day those in our armed forces put their lives on the line to keep our country free, leaving their loved ones and everyday routines at home. It’s something we take for granted, and the purpose of this image is to remind us of the amount of stress and responsibility being placed on these citizen’s shoulders, as represented by the tears brought to their faces when they are finally allowed to come home.
Along with this, the picture is an argument against those who kneel for the flag for societal reasons in our country. It’s saying that by kneeling for the flag, you are disrespecting those who give up their rights every day and only get to see their families in small moments like this. It really uses pathos to its advantage to show how our armed forces are just humans like everyone else.
In fact, that’s the most important point displayed in this image; those in any army or armed forces are just humans. While we may only hear about the killing, death, and tragedy caused on the news, at the end of the day these are just citizens taking order for a cause. It’s telling us to see the humanity the symbolism, and that even if you’re against war, it shouldn’t be taken out against the people in the front lines.