Okay now I'm upset...you can't treat my Flag that way!

People shared facts and opinions at the microphone and with signs. They wore stars and stripes and some carried upside down American flags, a sign of distress, not disrespect, they said. Post Standard July 4th, 2009.

The story was carried in the Post Standard and I could not believe it. Coming from a long line of veterans that swore to defend the "flag the symbol of our country" against all enemies foreign and domestic I can not set on the side lines but I have to make my own statement.

First the "tea party group" have a right to protest. I do not agree with them, but they have a right to petition their governemnt.

Let's get to my point...the Tea Party group is disrespecting our flag!!

Respect for flag is the title given to Section 8 of the U.S. Flag Code, and it addresses this very issue. In fact, this issue is so important that it is the first article written in the Respect for Flag section. Here is the introduction and article (a) in Section 8 of the U.S. Flag Code.

No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
(a) The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

We in this country have the freedom to protest, I fought for that right as many other veterans did. We were willing to lie down our lives for the flag and everything it stood for. We can have disagreements and I respect that but you should show disrespect for our flag.

The Tea Party group is showing contempt for a symbol I hold very dear, and that is disrespectful. Fly your American flag with respect, according to the U.S. Flag Code, and protest in ways protected by the U.S. Constitution.

WS