- November 19, 2024
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Wounded Warrior flag issue just a symptom
Dear Editor:
I could not help but admire those who spoke up about the Wounded Warrior flag issue in Grand Haven. I applaud them for speaking out. Unfortunately, this issue is just a symptom of the bigger issue: respect for veterans in Flagler County. Oh yes, I’m sure that this will raise the hair on a lot of folks’ necks, but the truth will hurt more.
Flagler County, Palm Coast and Flagler Beach all conduct ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day each year. Guess who attends these ceremonies? Politicians, veterans and a few other participants — generally less than a couple hundred people. Thanks, Flagler County and the city governments, for what you do — it’s politically correct!
In Flagler County, slightly over 10% of the population is veterans. Most all honor their brothers in arms twice a year — Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The other 90% are at work, having a cookout, or just enjoying a day off. Most of that 90% don’t have a clue what the difference in these two days is.
Yes, some of our businesses honor veterans with free meals or discounts, and we are very appreciative of that, but do they allow their employees time off to celebrate Memorial Day or Veterans Day? Most don’t.
So, when silly codes and ordinances and community rules such as the Wounded Warrior flag issue in Grand Haven arise, remember they are just another symptom. Grow up. Good people have died, suffered through severe pain and agony, or otherwise paid the price so the other 90% in this county can do anything but honor the 10% that gave them that privilege!
Gary DeKay
Palm Coast
Shame on Grand Haven for not allowing the Wounded Warrior flag
Dear Editor:
I read recently in the newspaper (and heard on the local news) that a resident of Grand Haven was told he could not fly a Wounded Warriors flag in his backyard.
What in the world is the Grand Haven Association thinking? The man should have the right to fly that particular flag, just as much as his neighbors have the right to fly the POW/MIA flag in the front of their homes.
I understand that residents also fly other types of flags, such as military, sports, etc. The next thing you will be taking away from this man is his right to display the stars and stripes. Where in the world do you get this power? It is obscene.
These wounded warriors fight for your freedom each and every day, and this is the way you treat their flag? I believe your association has crossed the line. Your exclusion makes no sense whatsoever. You should be ashamed of yourselves for treating the military in this fashion.
Please do the readers a favor and print your rules and regulations concerning displaying flags in your gated community. I cannot believe displaying a POW/MIA flag should be any different than a Wounded Warrior flag. Think about it!
I realize, that in a gated community, there should be rules and regulations, but your flag rule is very, very unpatriotic.
I hope you have a change of heart and make me (a Navy and Army veteran) and many other veterans rethink our negative opinion of your community.
Ron DeCosta
Palm Coast
