Respect For The American Flag

To the Editor:

I remember when I got back from Vietnam. How angry some people would get if they saw a young person wearing anything that resembled the American flag, and rightfully so. Today, portions of the flag, or what appears to be a flag. is everywhere and it’s not any more acceptable today than it was 40 years ago.

I recently was watching a political rally on TV and there was a man with a large cowboy hat with the image of the flag all over it. I am sure he thought he was being patriotic. If you asked him about it, he would have said, ‘I‘ve got freedom. Don’t tell me what to do.’ But remember the reason you have freedom. It is because men and women died for our country and that flag. Yes, you have a right to wear anything and show off all kinds of images of the flag. But that does not make it right.

You also have the right to burn the American flag, just don’t do it in front of me. I am heartened to see all the American flags displayed when you drive down the roads in Fayette County. But remember, there is such a thing as flag etiquette. If you fly the flag at night, there should always be a light on the flag. The flag should not fly in the rain.

These rules do not apply at cemeteries. The appearance of the flag should never be altered no matter what the cause may be and especially not for political reasons. The biggest problem I find is when you are driving along and you see an American flag that is torn and frayed. These people may not know this is disrespectful or they may not care. It should be taken down and disposed of properly.

If you are interested in the proper etiquette for the use of the American flag, it can easily be found on the internet. For some of us who fought in a foreign land, we may look at the flag a little differently. I know I do. When I see the American flag I feel safe. Thank you for this opportunity to complain just a little and let’s keep “Old Glory” flying respectfully.

Ed Janecka

Dubina