TOP STORY OF THE DAY - Why it matters

FLAG DAY

June 14, 1777 - 2023

Many Americans will display the Red, White and Blue in front of homes, businesses, their vehicles, and even themselves to celebrate Flag Day: The official adoption of the Stars and Stripes for the United States.

The day is for taking a moment to reflect upon the dedication and sacrifice made by men and women in service to their country, at home and abroad.

Military personnel have a special relationship with the flag.

Out of respect for the U.S. Flag, it is never allowed for any reason to touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water, or merchandise.

People may not be aware there are customs for handling, displaying an proper disposal of the U.S. Flag are defined by law, known as the U.S. Flag Code, which contains 10 rules in Title 4 Chapter 1 of the code.

This includes the history, how new stars can be added, mutilation, its use in advertising, what and how the pledge of allegiance. Is delivered, use of the flag by the military and civilians, times and occasions for display, positions of display (never horizontally by the way), the conduct regarding the flag, and why it deserves respect.

For many people, the U.S. Flag represents the ideals, principles, sacrifices and the freedom of a living country; from past to present and beyond.

To truly understand the meaning of “Old Glory” for a nation of people, “You must look to those who sacrificed everything, and their families, on behalf of the country.”

Lonnie Boyce and Bill Brainard are military veterans with a combined total close to 60 years of service to their country.

They returned home to still serve their community by going to work and raising families, and, as part of the American Legion, they continue to serve fellow veterans by performing funeral services when needed.

According to Boyce, who provided an important portion of the funeral tribute service for everyone to consider:

As a brave man/woman marched away in abiding faith in his/her God, their country and flag;

The red of our country’s flag was made redder still by their heroism;

The white more stainlessly pure by motives which impelled them;

And in the starry field of our glorious banner, the blue has bern

glorified by the service they have given for American ideals.

“When we pay our final respects to a party, it’s very emotional.

I’ve been on both sides presenting the flag and also receiving a flag,” said Boyce. “And it’s a lasting tribute of respect for the sacrifices not only the veteran gave, but the family too.”

The two men admit seeing how society has evolved over the years is somewhat disheartening.

“A lot of the younger people don’t seem to have respect for anything, even themselves. I don’t know if it’s what they’re taught or maybe not taught in their homes, the schools or at colleges,” said Brainard. “They’ve got the right to free speech and their protests, but a lot of the protests get to get out of hand. You know, if they don’t get what they want, then they get rowdy, and they start damaging stuff, flag burning. There is no respect anymore.”

Both men agree it’s a worldwide problem right now, but they have hope.

The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars both provide educational programs for school-age children. They think the conversation should start at home because every citizen has a stake in this country, and can make it better.

The military and their families are not the only ones with a special connection to “Old Glory.” There are first responders; firefighters and law enforcement on the frontline putting their lives at risk during emergencies, the medical personal, teachers and students, fellow citizens of all ages and colors who help the less fortunate and fight for the freedoms and justice of normal people, not only in America, but around the world.

“I don’t think the younger generation understands what all this means,” said Nick French. “They haven’t been faced with the struggles that past generations have.”

French is the Clay County Coroner, and Funeral Director at French Funeral Homes. French admits that he has heard many stories of family struggles and of service to they country over the years.

“We know the younger generations haven’t had to fight for it like previous generations,” French said. “You know, I get to sit here at this table and listen to those stories. And over my history, I’ve heard a lot of those stories.

The kids, if you will, these days, younger generations, they don’t have the ability to understand if it’s two or three generations away. They don’t have the ability to understand what the Great Depression was, what World War II was, or the Korean and Vietnam wars. The Cold War. I mean those wars hit so close to home, and were so frightening to the point that we could have been under a different leadership and a different kind of society altogether. Our forefathers before us knew they didn’t want that, and knew what they wanted for their lives and their kids lives in the future. And now we live in a time and society that we have that opportunity to question what we want for ourselves.”

French Funeral Home has a flag disposal box on the back porch of the funeral home at 421 East National Avenue, Brazil.

People can bring damaged US Flags to the facility, place them in the box 24-hours a day.

NOTE: According to Indiana Code, the Indiana state flag should also be disposed using the same examples as the US Flag Code.

French said a respectful flag retirement service will be scheduled later in the year.

French said the American Legion Post #2 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1127, along with local boys and girls scout troops assisting, help perform the service.