For the Vietnam War my brother enlisted. He didn’t want to be drafted (which he would have been). And going to Canada (as many did) wasn’t the patriotic choice for him.

When he returned he wasn’t the brother (in many ways) who had gone. Within a short time he passed away. On his casket was the American flag. At the cemetery the family was presented his flag. His death took a toll on all who knew and loved him and having a flag at his gravesite provided some comfort. He fought for that right.

But there was a battle to have a flag and Veteran flagholder at his grave. The cemetery didn’t want to allow this. The public, Veterans and state legislators united to secure legislation permitting this.

The American flag meant and still means something to Veterans and their families.

Do you want to tell me now that it doesn’t? That it’s OK to disrespect it and all it stands for and represents? That our flag and National Anthem means nothing?

Mary Gadbois

East Lyme