A Lack Of Respect For The Flag

To the Editor:

After many years of enjoying the annual Labor Day Parade I decided to participate this year with my brother Knights. Being a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Monroe upon seeing the request from the Knights in Newtown for assistance with the honor guard, I decided to help them out.

Being one of a few officers who attended in regalia I was asked to be part of the color guard and escort the flag during the parade. From this vantage point I was able to observe the reactions of the many hundreds of local residents as they lined the parade route. As we walked down Main Street we were in awe of the lack of respect shown to the flag. Not only did people fail to stand as the flag passed, they did not even have the decency to remove their hats.

The conduct of the average citizen was bad enough, but when the officers of the Newtown Police Department failed to salute the flag as it passed it was very disheartening. During the parade we passed at least five positions where the police were stationed with at least two officers, not one came to attention and saluted the flag. It is my understanding that when in uniform this is proper conduct for all officers, either police or fire.

I hope, along with my brother Knights, that things will be different as we march next year. Maybe the department can hold a class on proper flag etiquette for its officers. If the police department shows the proper respect maybe it will carry over to the people watching the parade.

Kevin Donovan

Knights of Columbus

Council 5987 Monroe

Monroe                                                                   September 8, 2006