Editor:
I am an Air Force veteran and a member of the Bluffton American Legion. I am very proud of my service to my country as well as very proud of my country the United States of America.

I marched in the High School homecoming parade and was appalled at the disrespect of our flag. Most men left their hats on and women and children paid no attention as the flag of our nation passed. I guess it was more fun to talk and have fun while the flag is passing.

The few that showed respect were older gentleman, probably veterans. The number of our military heroes that have died to preserve our freedoms makes it so disappointing to see such disrespect for our glorious flag. Is it just ignorance or just not caring anymore?

Why would anybody disrespect the flag? When we salute the flag and recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag we say "one nation under God". I believe this puts God above our country where our God should be.

I would think that most of the problem is ignorance. Where would we in the community learn about the flag? The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are a great place to learn. Being in the military is also a place that teaches U.S. flag etiquette.

The internet is a great place to find the information. The Bluffton American Legion Post 382 has pamphlets that explain the dos and don'ts of our flag. Contact any member and we will see that you receive one. It is not unreasonable to think that we can on our own learn about our flag. We live in the greatest country of the world.

Right now we have many freedoms others do not have. One freedom is we can disrespect the flag. Why would we? The next parade will be the Blaze of Lights and the Flag will be there.

Bob Amstutz
349 S. Jackson St.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-0334