I can remember reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at 9 o’clock while attending elementary school. The true meaning of the American flag became evermore important as I matured and peaked when I joined the Air Force and visited communist countries — Czechoslovakia, Russia, Cuba, East Germany (pre-1990). It was reassuring to see the American flag at American embassies abroad.

Periodically, respect for the American flag needs to be nourished and rekindled. This instantaneously occurs countrywide when our nation is threatened, e.g., Cuban Missile Crisis, assassination of President Kennedy, 9/11 terrorist attack. Between these tragic events, we must remind ourselves that the flag embodies the bedrock values of our nation — freedom from want and fear and the right to pursue happiness. Proper care and display of the flag are paramount to honoring this commitment.

I witnessed several infractions of the Flag Code at the Mystic Memorial Day parade. While not intentional, they are a matter of not being familiar with the code. I wholeheartedly encourage review of THE FLAG CODE — a succinct document that delineates the proper display and care of the flag.

David A. Carpenter

Major, USAF (Retired)

Mystic