Four Words

We installed a new feature to our camp south of town over the weekend. And we used it for the first time by teaching three of our grandchildren a few lessons which they most likely won’t be taught in school.

In four words-----Respect for the flag.

I know there are some who believe burning the flag is the ultimate expression of free speech. I’m not on board with that way of thinking even though I’m a huge first amendment guy.

We raised Old Glory on the new flagpole on Saturday morning. The three grandsons each handled the flag with the understanding it was not to touch the ground. Flag etiquette is not just important….it is a

federal statute.

After the flag was lifted, we talked about how we were going to come back at sunset. And we did.

We lowered it and had two of the boys holding the flag on each end. We then taught them the proper way to fold the flag into a triangle. After the folding, we stored Old Glory in our cabin.

I was taught all of this in grade school. Maybe it still is part of the curriculum and our boys were just not paying attention. We made them pay attenti0on on Saturday.

To some of you this might seem unimportant. I would argue you miss the point. Teaching respect for the symbols of our American life and heritage are never a waste of time.

I wish more people felt the same way.