Musings: Ban the burn, and lose the respect

I am amazed that an executive order was signed in August banning the burning of American flags and jailing those who burn them. A simple Google search shows that burning a U.S. flag is the only way to retire one that is too tattered, ripped or frayed to display with dignity.

The exception has been battle flags of U.S. military units proudly flown showing how much they endured protecting our country. One can only imagine the condition at the end of the night of the flag flying over Fort McHenry after a British bombardment, inspiring our national anthem.

Retirement is done at a ceremony where these flags are honorably burned with dignity, usually by service members, veteran groups and/or local dignitaries.

The American Legion Wilson Ritch Post 432 of Port Jefferson Station, which sponsors my Boy Scout Troop 377 of East Setauket, had a special box made as an Eagle Scout project. The community can insert their flags to be retired into the box for such a ceremony.

If anyone performing this honorable and dignified ceremony can now be jailed, then I imagine the only recourse is for people to throw their tattered flags away with the kitchen trash. It’s a disgusting, dishonorable, and embarrassing way to deal with the symbol of our country. What would the rest of the world think of us if we treat our national symbol this poorly?

— Michael Connor, Setauket