Seek compassionate solution on flag etiquette

I am writing in response to the McHenry County Board Meeting of Aug. 17 and the issue involving flag etiquette, and to respond to one of the public speakers who wanted to know what made the people behind the POW/MIA flag any more important than his son. I am sure your son is a fine young man, and, like you, I hope he returns to McHenry County after college to share his many talents. Fortunately, unlike the Gold Star Mothers and Fathers behind the POW/MIA flag, you were able to pick up the phone and speak with your son about issues of concern. Fortunately, unlike the families, friends, and comrades behind the POW/MIA Flag, you know where your son is and can anticipate a reunion. The POW/MIA Flag represents a promise to each service member lost in combat that we will never forget them and will work to reunite them with their grieving families.

The purposeful placement of the flagpoles at the entrance of the McHenry County Administration building was done to draw attention to a memorial listing the names of those men from McHenry County killed in Vietnam, a fact left out of the conversation. These young men were killed in the name of a country that continues to represent liberty and freedom around the world.

Board members who embraced the tactic of shaming others into silence bring the issue no closer to resolution but instead dehumanize and alienate those of our neighbors who were seeking a compassionate response to the question of proper flag etiquette. I challenge the McHenry County Board to prove how passing a motion to avoid the topic for 100 years serves to do anything other than divide our community.

Michael A. Iwanicki, Superintendent

Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County

Woodstock