Flagging respect for Old Glory

I attended the Sunday night performance at Starlight Theatre, which was preceded by the singing of our national anthem. A growing trend I noticed there is the indifference of many toward the U.S. flag. Is there no longer a respect for our flag, which includes holding one’s hand over one’s heart, facing the flag and paying attention while the anthem is played?

I have observed that a lackadaisical attitude of disrespect has grown. Simple flag etiquette is ignored, and people even talk during the anthem. This disregard for what our flag stands for is also an insult to those men and women, past and present, who have defended our country and honored our flag.

Please, the next time you have the privilege to hear our anthem played and watch our flag fly, think about what our flag signifies, show respect and be grateful to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Marianne Weber
Roeland Park

Comments

[Engineer]

solomon
You are probably right about many school children not knowing the pledge. But I can't agree with your assessment "Meaningless custom has nothing to do with how you feel about your country".
At least to me these things are tokens of respect for, and acknowledgement of my debt to, those who have sacrificed to establish and maintain this Country, Most humans feel a need to give allegiance to something greater than themselves.

[solomon]

Engineer,

I doubt the average grade schooler can recite the Pledge.

[solomon]

Good afternoon T,

It is something to think about. What is it in human nature that requires oaths of fidelity on symbols? hands over heart during the pledge? Meaningless custom, has nothing to do with how you feel about your country, its just to prove to others that you feel as they do. What a load.

Its not unique to America, nor is this criticism of those that expect you to adhere to their custom. But they are meaningless gestures to all but the judgemental

[Engineer]

T.
Respect for the flag used to be taught in our public school system. As the teachers unions and the "multiculturalists" started exerting more and more effect on the public school system this teaching apparently has been more or less eliminated.

[T. Hanson]

So should one be forced by law to follow the guidelines of respecting the flag?

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

or singing "Home Of Thuuuuuu CHIEEEEEFS!" How respectful is that?

[Rogue]

You both need to attend a NASCAR race, your faith in the Flag and the country it represents would be restored. If you cannot attend, watch one on television.

[katman]

Marianne, I agree with you 100%. There seems to be fewer & fewer of us that can and will express the love of our country by respecting the flag & our national anthem. I think it stems from the mentality that "grown men don't cry". It brings tears to my eyes when I observe what you have described.