Punish people who disrespect the flag

I challenge those who wish to disrespect the American flag and what it stands for to go on internet and look up “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Read the article about Francis Scott Key’s 1814 poem that he wrote after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships in Baltimore Harbor.

It tells of how the flag was still standing at dawn’s early light, because men were taking turns holding it upright through out the bombing of the fort. As one man died, another would step in and take over holding the flag. They did this for our freedom.

The poem was put to the tune of the “Star Spangled Banner” by John Stafford Smith. In 1931, the “Star Spangled Banner” was proclaimed by Congress to be the U.S. national anthem.

If you have respect for our flag and our country, this story will bring tears to your eyes. People who show disrespect for the flag that represents freedom for them should be punished.

By allowing these actions of disrespect to continue, it will only open the door for anyone who thinks they are being mistreated. Ask veterans, they know. God bless America.

This story was originally published September 10, 2016 at 11:07 AM with the headline "Punish people who disrespect the flag."