symbology of patriotism

the american flag is rarely invoked in an interesting way on film. this is the second time in my memory.
1. the protagonist of American Movie talking about cleaning diarrhea splashed public restroom stalls while folding the flag at the cemetery where he was caretaker. 2. this. and this is far more moving.

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2008/12/filmmaker_barry_jenkins_explor.html