Show proper respect when flag is passing

The 4th of July is a time to remember our birthday as a free nation. To commemorate this day, we share together fireworks displays and watch parades. While watching parades, it is expected that we show proper respect for our fellow countrymen and especially our flag.

As a Knight of Columbus in Holy Rosary Council #4483 and a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Assembly 2410 of the order's 4th Degree, I have had the privilege to march in the Frontier Days 4th of July parade.

I remember that during the 2002 parade after the 9/11/2001 event, as we marched down the street, one of our members was carrying a flag, and the spectators would rise like a moving wave on the street, clap and show great national pride and reverence for the symbol of our nation.

All police officers along the route would properly salute the flag.

At this past 4th of July parade, this respect and reverence for our flag had waned. Few stood and even the police officers along the route failed to salute.

Here is the proper etiquette for observing a parade: "At the moment the flag passes in a parade, all persons should show respect by standing at attention and facing the flag with their right hand over their heart. Military personnel or veterans should face the flag and render their formal salute. Men wearing a hat should remove it and hold it over their shoulder."

Yes, this is the proper etiquette that should be displayed for our flag because it represents the thousands of lives that have been given so we can freely watch a parade on the 4th of July. So next year why not add your name to those who are showing proper respect to our flag?

Allen Dean Sordyl

Mount Prospect