DUANE ‘BANJO’ DAVIS: Flag desecration an intolerable act

I am appalled that the hierarchy at Valdosta State University has taken the path of least resistance in an attempt to solve the recent situation of disrespect to the flag of the United States of America on that university campus. I do not intend to visit the campus of Valdosta State University, although my mother is a graduate, but in the event that I do visit that institution, or any other institution, on which a group of ungrateful people are walking on, or in any way mistreating this flag, I commit to doing all I can to rescue Old Glory from the disrespect being shown her.

I understand about freedom of speech, and that freedom includes disrespect to the symbol of your country. I believe that there are some things that should be, must be exempt from disrespect, including the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, the Holy Bible and, yes, the Quran, too.

During my service to this great country in the United States Army, I saw and have seen the flag draped over way too many coffins. I have seen way too many tears of parents, widows, children and siblings at funerals of soldiers (Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force). I saw our flag over the U. S. Army’s Mortuary in Danang, Viet Nam, always at half- staff because there was always the remains of a soldier there in the spring of 1971. I saw and felt the tears of the widow of my dearest friend who died in Viet Nam, as I presented this flag to her.

I love the flag of the United States, the symbol of our great nation. I have seen the sacrifices of too many people for me to condone any disrespect the this flag.

Shame on you, William McKinney.

DUANE “BANJO” DAVIS

Pelham