American flag storied in history

Letter to the editor

To the editor:
   In regard to the recent letters concerning the American flag and its lack of display in this community, I am back with words to define the meaning of the American flag and the reason that we should display and treat it with a certain amount of honor.
   Despite the fact that a letter recently printed in this newspaper openly denounces the flag that flies in defiance of terrorism, aggression and hostile forces that tend to destroy freedom and liberty, I wish to stand and be counted as an American who speaks for "Old Glory," and I am sure there are many more to join me.
   I think everyone should know that the rules and regulations that govern the use of our nation’s colors were not set forth by any government, political persons or parties. This was the result of a meeting of war veterans groups and other fraternal and patriotic groups throughout the country in Washington in 1923, then again on May 15, 1924. These rules were presented to congress in April of 1942, and finally voted into law by the 94th Congress on July 7, 1976.
   These rules blossomed from the minds and hearts of those that followed this fabric of freedom in many battles throughout the world, and those who stayed to wait for their return.
   I suggest that anyone who disagrees with the meaning of the American flag, take the time to ask those who survived the Bataan death march, or those U.S. Marines who passed by 600 of the dead comrades as they struggled to the summit of Mount Suribachi to raise an American flag in defiance of the enemy.
   Or those at "Operation Switch," where many American forces at a place called "Freedom Village" and some who fell to their knees shaking and sobbing, buried their faces in the folds of an American flag in the hands of a color guard.
   Or ask those war prisoners who were beaten after creating an American flag from scraps of cloth so that they could honor it and have a little bit of America in their sometimes short lifetime.
   And those who were under attack during the Holocaust at Pearl Harbor and braved the oil-covered flaming waters to rescue their ships colors blown away by the enemy aircraft.
   Watch the films showing the men of America’s military storming the beaches of Normandy, Anzio, Bastone, and similar locations in the European battles. You can be sure that our flag was there. And remember the look on the faces of thousands of Jews in the Nazi concentration camps when they were rescued by American troops carrying the stars and stripes.
   Keep in mind that the last gift of a grateful nation to those who fought for their country is a large American flag draped upon their casket and placed in the hands of their next of kin for the sake of a memory.
   There are hundreds of patriotic tales that include the colors of America in their content and I will be willing to tell a few of them to anyone who asks or cares to listen.
   Anyone who objects to flying our national flag is hereby invited to attend the "Flag Day" birthday celebration that will take place on Friday, June 13 at 10 a.m. at the Lawrence Senior Center on Darrah Lane and listen to the children honor the banner that they speak to each day in the classroom.
   Following that, a dignified and honorable retirement ceremony will be conducted for all of those many hundreds of American flags that have reached their time of duty in the skies and the homes of true patriotic Americans and are ready to be replaced by those that better represent America the beautiful.
   And remember also that on Saturday, May 24, the Lawrence Township Veterans Memorial Committee will sponsor a Memorial Day Parade with band music. The patriots of this community who care about the "Star Spangled Banner" will be there and there will be many, many flags flying at that time.
   And let me remind you that when the American flag passes by in the parade, don’t look to see what other people are doing, because "you are the other people."
   And remember, if you are a true American, you can stand tall and be happy to know that, as Americans, "you are the flag."
Jim Hewitt
Slack Avenue
Lawrenceville