The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Paying Our Respects It's Truly Important

by Dessa Rodeffer, Publisher/Owner

5 June 2002

I received an email last week with a picture attached. The sender was rather upset at the lack of respect a few of the individuals at La Harpe Graduation were showing for our nation's flag as it was being retired by the American Legion color-guards.

The sender wanted me to publish the picture he took which displayed a young man, still with his ball cap on, and a couple of others getting things together to leave the building.

I chose not to print the picture or to single out these individuals, but rather felt an article would be appropriate.

Some may feel we need a reminder at times, some may feel, a kick, but this person thought we shouldn't have to announce to Americans to stand, remove your hat, and give respect to our nation's flag.

This is where I think scouting has helped our children. But parenting is a big issue as well and we should be discussing this in our homes. Schools and organizations aren't enough.

Respect for "our flag" is taught in all of these places.

Most are not neglectful in keeping our national flag, yet there are many who are and that seems bothersome.

I especially liked attending the Rodeo in Stronghurst last year when the opening began with the announcer reading about what the flag stands for as if he were the flag talking. All through his talk a lady on a horse carrying a large flag kept circling the arena as he read. It really made you stop and think of all "Old Glory' has gone through for Americans and freedom lovers.

The more you are exposed to things like that and scouting and the politics of our country, the more you come to love our symbol of FREEDOM.

To the reader who's heart was crushed by the lack of respect for our flag, and to the service men and women who fought under the United States flag to protect our freedom, and to all those who gave their lives to assure that our flag keeps flying Ð you understand more than most could ever know what keeping freedom really costs.

I am not excusing any American who enjoys the wonderful freedoms they take advantage of - without a cost to them. I am only saying their hearts have not been affected in such a way to make it spontaneous as it was for the soldiers and families who attended The Quill's Salute To Veterans November 11th.

There, when one note of the National Anthem was played as the choir was warming up, everyone stopped what they were doing, stood at attention, removed their hats.

The hearts of these men and women have seen the cost of freedom and are an example to us. They have seen countries that have never known freedom and some have held a dying soldier - a comrade - in their arms fighting for that flag of ours.

For several years, they didn't go to bed thinking about the fun they were going to have as soon as "graduation" is over. They were thinking about- "Will I ever make it home" or if they would be able to see their friends and families again, and would "Old Glory" remain flying.

History books are full of stories of people stripped of their freedom and what they endured. Many who were able to come to America do not take for granted what our flag means.

I am sure it hurts a soldier to see a fellow American "show no feelings whatsoever" for our nation's flag, but I doubt if it is intentional. The best think I as a civilian all my life can come close to comparing it to is giving birth. No one will ever love the child a mother bears as much as she will. No one will ever feel every pain that's put upon that child like a mother unless you are along side her every step - like a good husband and share in the responsibilities.

Americans must get involved and if you can invite them to take part in the patriotic programs, their hearts will began to feel more of what "Old Glory" is all about to those who love her.