Letters

Respect the flag

The symbol of honor, the red, white and blue. Those of us who still remember so well the very heroic men that planted a flag – one very fine flag – called America’s Stars and Stripes, the red, white and blue. I am 87 years of age (not old) and my view of them on the top of Iwo Jima is still in my heart quite clearly.

Thousands of lives of valiant Americans dedicated to the principles of all that it stands for should not be forgotten. All men of all colors of skin and all red-of-blood fought to put that flag there. Now I challenge the VFW, the DAV, and all those that salute the flag at lodges, schools and wherever to let it be known loud and clear that because Barack Obama refused to keep the flag on his lapel, regardless of reason, should under no condition be voted commander in chief of our honorable armed forces.

I challenge all people of all colors to join the men at the top of Iwo Jima, with the proud, distinguished, honorable symbol of our country, the flag of the United State of America. If indeed a few have acted dishonorably in the presence of our flag, it does not mean that the high principles of the flag are corrupted. The corruption and shame belongs to those few.

The actions of Mr. Obama dishonor the memory of those of all bloods who have fought and died defending the high principles of the red, white and blue. The fact that Barack Obama removed the flags from his lapel demands action. Silence is consent. Those at Iwo Jima are not silent. I hear my brothers crying in my heart. Do you hear them crying in yours?

Lester Smith

Spokane Valley