I'm writing, wondering where respect has gone. More so, I wonder where our flag went.
Here in Ashland I have taken notice of a few buildings and businesses that have not been lowering their flags to half-mast during either holidays or under presidential orders for tragedies. Being a disabled combat veteran, I pay attention to the flag every time I see it; our flag is why I joined the Army to begin with.
It wasn't my duty to call or inform businesses and buildings about protocol; yet, out of respect, I have done just that. Some places I would assume to know -- like the post office and police station -- lowered their flags right away after I called.
A large hotel in town, on the other hand, has not once lowered its flag, even after assuring me it would. So I called the local newspaper, thinking if the media called it would get the attention of workers and I would see the flag where it should be. I haven't seen the flag since. Ten minutes after my phone call to the paper I observed someone walk across the parking lot to the flag poles, I assumed to follow suit with everyone else. Instead, that evening, while I was out, I noticed two other flags outside the hotel still flying high while the United States flag was gone. I've seen the condition of that flag; it wasn't in need of replacement. I could only begin to guess why anyone would have taken down that flag and then not put it back up.
With the disappearance of the flag, love and a lot of respect also have disappeared -- mine for the hotel; the hotel's for all of us.
ADVERTISEMENT
Thomas Tarvid
Ashland
