Fred Warchol: City of Atwater fails to show respect to our flag
It’s Memorial Day in Atwater and once again, the flag at City hall flies without respect. It is especially disappointing because the price of freedom was paid for by those who carried flag into battle.
City officials have been repeatedly reminded of the proper display of the flag, yet they give little thought to properly lowering the flag as required by Title 4 of the United States Code.
A few years ago, the flag at City Hall was flying in tatters. Atwater officials neglected to replace it. So ladies representing the Daughters of the American Revolution presented a new flag to the city. Those gracious ladies were under the impression, Atwater could not afford a new flag.
Imagine the well deserved embarrassment of the city manager. Though nearly no city leader has worn a military uniform, except maybe to a Halloween party, they need to understand the American flag is not just cloth on a stick. Veterans, especially war veterans, have a deep reverence for the Stars and Stripes.
We believe it’s a symbol of the greatest country on earth, and giving it proper respect is a sacred obligation!
Fred Warchol, Atwater
This story was originally published May 31, 2016 at 6:36 PM with the headline "Fred Warchol: City of Atwater fails to show respect to our flag."