Getting America back on track

I was encouraged by the article written by Jack Evensizer in the June 14 edition of the Press. Mr. Evensizer gave a great synopsis of the history of our flag, but also included a much deeper message that needs to be said. I hope that it will be taken to heart by adults and taught to our children as well.

It is heartbreaking to me to see so many these days who seem to feel it is appropriate to fly the flag upside down as a "sign our nation is in distress." Those that do this are taking the flag code entirely out of context. The code section that is being misinterpreted: "The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."

This rule is intended to serve as a life saving measure when there is nothing else those in distress can do. It was not intended to be used as a political statement, as many are trying to do today, but rather as a true S.O.S.

In any case, our nation is not in dire straits, yet. There is plenty we can do.

Could soldiers say they were in distress during the battle at Fort McHenry in the War of 1812? You bet they could! But the next morning after witnessing the bombardment, Francis Scott Key saw "our flag was still there" and wrote the words to what is now our national anthem. Fort Sumter? I would say they were in distress! But as stated in Mr. Evensizer's article: "During the siege, the flag fell and Lt. Norman J. Hall risked life and limb to raise it." No one turned it upside down. Were they in "distress" at Iwo Jima? Absolutely! But they made sure our flag was exactly where it should be! Remember the famous photograph? Every battle we have ever fought, our soldiers have respected and honored our flag. Some even risking their lives to rescue the flag, carrying it with them through the rest of their battles. Every one of these patriots proudly and respectfully flew the flag HIGH!

I am reminded of Ryan Job (serving with Chris Kyle), who after being blinded in battle could no longer see the flag. After multiple surgeries and time in the hospital, Ryan while recovering, asked someone to wheel him out to a flag pole where he could have some time alone and listen as Old Glory whipped in the wind. There he sat respectfully, for quite some time in honor of the flag and country he served. That is understanding the cost. That is patriotism at its finest.

Those that think that we are in distress don't seem to really understand distress. There is plenty that we can do for our nation in the comfort and safety of our own protected communities and homes. Write a letter of encouragement as Mr. Evensizer did. Contact your representatives and senators; Join a group of like-minded citizens who actively keep others aware of what is taking place and then work together to fix it. Vote! Pray! It's time to quit whining, and get to work instead of taking the easy way out by flying our flag upside down. Those who do so only join symbolically the groups that are stomping all over it. Because that is what an inverted flag represents to those of us who still believe in the exceptionalism of America.

Thank you for your service, Mr. Evensizer! Thank you for this article of encouragement. I pray it will instill some thought in those who have wandered off the path of honoring our flag and our nation.

Jan Conner is a resident of Athol.