Flag desecration is a right, but it is wrong

In the past few weeks, there have been a handful of occasions where I have witnessed or have been told about people disrespecting the American flag. While incidents of disrespect are growing more common in modern society, it is none the less disheartening. If everyone could see the flag as our soldiers do, as a symbol of greatness and not just a piece of cloth, maybe these incidents would be far less common.

I have seen soldiers display remarkable care of the American Flag. I recall a soldier picking up a Velcro American Flag that had fallen off another soldier’s uniform during training. He carefully picked it up, brushed off the dirt, and placed it in his breast pocket for safekeeping.

To a soldier, our flag is more than simply a collection of colorful cloth. It is a constant reminder of our service to our country and the reasons why we chose to serve in the first place.

I remember being issued a flag of foliage green and black to wear in the deserts of Iraq. I was saddened that I could not wear the beautiful colors of our flag while opposing the enemies of the United States. But never the less, I still held this camouflaged flag in high regards and proudly wore it with honor.

The flag stands as a symbol of the greatest accomplishments and aspirations of America. It is a rallying flag for those that support the concepts of liberty and justice. It’s a flag that has been carried by countless individuals who fought injustice abroad and at home. It is a flag that millions have died protecting. The flag is a display of America’s continued dedication to the values that have made this country great.

The US Code Title 4, Chapter 1, §8 (J) clearly states, “The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.” How many of us would consider it acceptable to burn a living person or animal in protest? Very few.

So why would someone want to burn or spit on these colors? It would be far better to protest by proudly displaying a flag and the values it stands for than to disgrace one. Our flag has always been a symbol of freedom and liberty. Won’t burning such a symbol indicate that one stand s against these basic principles? Regardless of political view, I believe that all Americans can embrace the concept of honoring our flag.

Let it be known that if one burns our flag (in defiance of the basic tenants of America), I have no choice but to personally consider them as plainly un-American. Military personnel that have sworn to defend this country against all enemies both foreign and domestic, and millions of citizens, also do not think highly of such acts.

Yes, I will still continue to defend the right (and it really is a right) for others to burn the American flag. But I will also continue to be filled with sorrow and pity for those that have no concept of how their acts of vandalism are against one of the finest symbols in history.

If one truly seeks to make America better, no matter the cause, do not burn her colors but raise them high to rally fellow citizens back to the principles that have made this country what it is today.