Flag earns respect only after attacks

For the past three years I have been writing letters to The Exponent in an attempt to rally support for proper treatment of the flag during the pre-game ceremony at each home game. Prior to this year, the flag used on the field was laid out on the ground prior to the performance. For the last year I have also been sending e-mails to Mr. Leppla, the band director (currently on sabbatical), on the subject. Mr. Leppla's response indicated that the flag they use is very large and cumbersome and would require too much manpower to keep it from touching the ground. Since I seem to be the only one who cares, he felt there was no reason to change the ceremony.

I do not know what caused them to change the ceremony. I do not believe that it was just my complaints. It is more likely that, after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, disrespecting the flag seemed less acceptable than in previous years. Maybe the reason does not matter so much as the result, but it saddens me to think that our values could become so self-centered that it would ever be viewed as acceptable. To intentionally show such great disrespect for the symbol of this country as to allow it to lie in the dirt. Most students here probably do not realize it, but about 40 years ago that kind of disrespect would get you thrown in jail.

Again, I would like to say thank you to the band, not only for making a good decision, but also for helping me to believe that we are capable of adopting a better set of values.

Richard Hayward

Graduate Student

Students should respect cherished icons of freedom

Flag earns respect only after attacks

College-ruled paper ranks above others

Bomb threats waste assets, other's time

Sacrifices must come to prove our ideals

All American citizens need equal treatment

Student gives thanks to firemen, policemen

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