Mr. Flag gets flack

Veteran's Day is a time when we can honor many of our servicemen and women who served our country when they were called upon and to show our appreciation for their efforts. Though, I wish all our schools would still require all their students stand for the national anthem or the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

But, I wouldn't blame the students if they aren't required to honor our nation and its heroes at least once a day, I blame the administrators, teachers, and support staff who choose not to stand or not make this a requirement from everyone on a school campus.

Recently, I was approached by a teacher in a building I was working at for the day because I choose to stand for the national anthem while leaning against the faculty lounge door and keeping it open. I was shocked to hear this unpatriotic teacher ask why I was standing with the door open and as he put it, "you know we like to sit and talk during this time and you could have stood inside the lounge as there is a flag in there."

I told the teacher I couldn't hear the anthem inside the lounge because the people in there turn up the television when the anthem is played and I can't hear it." The teacher then muttered something obscene and stormed away. After this experience, I vowed to continue standing for the national anthem in the same place in the same fashion when given the opportunity. Though, this teacher and the rest of the people now call me "Mr. Flag", something I can deal with to show my appreciation for the people who had the guts and determination to serve this nation in times of need.

Walter Brzeski

Chicago