Respect flags of veterans

All veterans, past, present and future, should have the right to be buried beneath the flag each soldier fought to defend. So, whether it be the Stars and Stripes or the Stars and Bars, the appropriate display of any wartime conflict would be at a burial site. Let them be remembered for fighting for their beliefs.

As for remembering the past with plaques, statues or monuments: These are icons of pride shared with past, present and future generations. Each statue represented a virtue perceived, each plaque a value remembered, and the monuments are the pride of the community. Most were to recognize achievements from an individual or group. Every town and hamlet needs their hero to be looked up to.

The Civil War was first and foremost a battle over states’ rights. That issue was settled 150 years ago. All current arguments seem to be centered more on individual rights and beliefs.

Please, let those who fought and died for the Confederate flag rest in their hallowed graves beneath a flag flown at their cemetery. The statues from the past should be allowed as they are, and community pride should be encouraged between all factions.

Kit Heston

Spokane