HERE & THERE COLUMN

    Show Respect For Our Flag & Anthem

  Why have American Flags been removed from fire trucks.... and why haven't NFL players who have become anthem-haters been told to stay in the locker room until kickoff. 
  What is this country of ours coming to when flag and anthem haters dictate what all of us respect.
  It wasn't too long ago that Old Glory was removed from the Arlington Fire District trucks in the Town of Poughkeepsie.
  Arlington Fire Commissioners fed the public the statement that the flags were a liability.
  The flag of the United States should be welcome anywhere anytime in this country.The liability is from those who don't respect their country of origin or taught the sacrifices made for their liberty.
  Nearly 100 years ago, the American Legion and other organizations crafted the National Flog Code and Congress subsequently adopted these advisory principles.
  With all that's going on in our world today, our flag is a symbol of pride for many and a unifying force that we stand together when faced with adversity and challenges.
  Our flag stands for the countless sacrifices that American heroes have made to protect and uphold our freedom and our values, and prominently displaying the flag is honoring the great Americans who fought for this country with a flag that is a symbol that demonstrates and inspires others throughout the community.
  This outrageous act at the Arlington Fire District developed into heated discussion and soon the fire commissioners came up with a suitable compromise and flags are once again on their fire trucks.
  Local firemen have told me that their departments have flown flags at the rear of its trucks for many years and that their departments take great pride in displaying the flag on each of their apparatuses.
  I have no respect for National Anthem haters.....how dare these athletes dishonor all the men and women who gave their lives for our flag.
  Denouncing America and its flag is not a precious right and the anthem is a very special part of any pre-game ceremony.
  Take your political issues elsewhere.....show respect for our Flag and the National Anthem.