During World War II, American children who were Jehovah's Witnesses refused to salute the flag because it conflicted with their religion. In Saluting the Flag: West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, award-winning author Susan Dudley Gold delves into the issues behind the Supreme Court case. An impressive victory for the First Amendment, especially in time of war, the decision established that government cannot compel Americans to participate in symbolic speech, such as a flag salute. Although the case involved members of the Jehovah's Witnesses, the decision embraced freedom of expression as well as freedom of religion.
