Date: Fri 05-Jul-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

Bussmann-Independence-Day

Full Text:

with cut: Independence Day: One Veteran's Perspective

B Y A NDREA Z IMMERMANN

The flag is the symbol of freedom, and with independence comes responsibility,

according to Richard Bussmann, whose US Navy career spanned 23 years.

"Patriotism to me is not just waving the flag," said the former lieutenant.

"It's contributing to a free society and improving the life we have.

"It means leaving the country a little bit better than you found it, and

supporting the country and policies. If you think they're wrong, make an

attempt to correct them through the system."

Mr Bussmann believes respect for the flag should be taught at home and in the

schools. "Treat the flag just like you'd like to be treated - you don't want

to be sworn at, stomped on, or set on fire," he said.

Although the veteran, who served in World War II as well as the Korean and

Vietnam wars, realizes the flag is simply a symbol , he thinks it is a misuse

of the flag to be used as clothing unless it is an entire flag patch on a

uniform. And burning the flag is "abhorrent behavior," he said. "It's a total

lack of respect for what the flag stands for, and the price it has cost to

maintain that freedom."

Independence Day was the opportunity for the colonists to separate themselves

from the domination of the King of England, George III, and form a country

where they could worship and express themselves freely, said Mr Bussmann. "The

Revolutionary War was the establishment of freedom. Since then, the military

has been called upon to defend it," he said.

But serving in the military is not he only way to contribute to freedom,

according to Mr Bussmann.

"Have respect for the people who left you this place to live - which is pretty

decent - and leave something for those who follow," he said. "This country's

been here 220 years now. Just take a couple of minutes to think how it got

here and how it's been maintained."