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Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake

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Jacob | 9:58 a.m. July 10, 2009

It doesn't matter that the flag was not actually burned, it was still honored. Would you rather have had toxic fumes wafting through the croud? I think they did the right thing given the circumstances.

Anonymous | 9:58 a.m. July 10, 2009

A phony ceremony intended to manipulate the feelings of the audience. What a disgrace! I mean, really!

Anonymous | 10:00 a.m. July 10, 2009

Patriotism is NOT a religious acitivity. This was just over the top.

Comments continue below

Stadium of Misfire | 10:04 a.m. July 10, 2009

I hope a lesson was learned from this deception.

That's Entertainment | 10:06 a.m. July 10, 2009

I wish I could have been there. It sounds like it was a great show.

joan | 10:17 a.m. July 10, 2009

I was at SOF for the first time ever, reluctantly, but we went to see the JoBros with my daughter. We were given free tickets. I thought the flag burning initially was quite nice, but it just got way too corny, and over the top, with the Glen Beck tears, etc. Now to hear the whole thing was a fake?? How stupid! Just don't retire the flag at all. The rest of the show would have been great, fantastic concert, fireworks were spectacular!! I think from now on I will continue my policy of staying out of Utah County...

Sad truth | 10:18 a.m. July 10, 2009

The Sad truth is many people do not know how to properly display the flag, retire the flag and in todays world respect the flag. As a vet and an individual who loves and respects this country and our way of life. Simulated or not it is moving ceremony governed by law if it was conducted properly I say Amen! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND HER FIGHTING MEN AND WOMEN!!!

David Copperfield | 10:24 a.m. July 10, 2009

Maybe David Copperfield should be Master of Ceremonies next year.

Ann | 10:27 a.m. July 10, 2009

Phoebe:

Good points. We probably all agree that the Stadium of Fire should have let the audience know what was really going on.

Have any of you ever planned a big event? I have, and it's easy to think the audience will respond one way and then find out later that they responded completely opposite. What they thought "wasn't a big deal" was to a lot of people. It wasn't to me, but I can see it being that way to a lot of other people.

Does this mistake deserve such comments as: "piggery" "dishonest" "deceit" "appalling" "theater not patriotism", etc? My point is, it's easy to show hatred towards another party (the Stadium of Fire, the guy in the car in front of you, etc) but it really does nothing to help the situation.

A real solution is to let the representatives of the Stadium of Fire know how you feel as rationally and reasonable as possible. Posting hateful comments on a news forum is just an easy way to start a hate fest.

A. C. | 10:37 a.m. July 10, 2009

Where was all this controversy when the phony bho was worshiped in a multi-million dollar fantasy celebration in a state that is paying their debts with 'IOUS'? I like the "CHANGE", I just hope my mortgage company doesn't mind getting an iou!

Did not hear any objection to his absurdly arrogant multi-million dollar inauguration celebration in a state that has to release 10,000 prisoners to fix their budget woes.

To all you who live in Utah and whine and moan about Utah, Thank you for exposing your membership in the 'divided socialist states of america', by making a controversy (Stadium of Fire, Flag Retirement) out of nothing in an attempt to rescind ammendment 1 of the Constitution. This is how 'your' pres. is working to change the Constitution.

I thought he was going to be a uniter? Mission Accomplished!

Anonymous | 10:50 a.m. July 10, 2009

A few years ago, I spoke with a producer of the Stadium of Fire show and asked about the singers, if there was lip-syncing. He laughed and said, like I was stupid for asking, "Of course." It is all contrived.

Alvin Toffler | 11:31 a.m. July 10, 2009

"Theater not Patriotism" offered us the most important message of all: we really don't understand much about what "patriotism" really means. SOF has been a commercial endeavor since its inception; it was never any more than that. It exists to promote and reinforce the beliefs of the true-believer conservatives of this county. It lost any credibility it may have had when it began inviting the right-wing propagandists and tearful fawners like Hannity and Beck to emcee. It is a perfect fit for all those who need to keep convincing themselves once a year how great our country is.

Anonymous | 11:38 a.m. July 10, 2009

Love the David Copperfield comment. Brilliant!

Barney | 11:49 a.m. July 10, 2009

re: Fred | 4:23 a.m. July 10, 2009

//Perhaps they didn't burn it because Senator Orrin Hatch's proposed Constitutional Ammendment would ban flag burning...//

Touche

Only in Utah | 11:49 a.m. July 10, 2009

It would appear that most of the comments are from people who've never been to the movies, don't watch television or attend the local HS plays. A dramatic representation is all it was. No harm, no foul. Unless you truly believe that the Transformers are really here on earth, or that fish in the ocean do talk to one another and sound just like Ellen. The comments about Beck are rather funny. Would you really expect someone from CNN to be as patriotic? As a member of the media myself, I see the liberal agenda pushed constantly on every news channel ... EVERY NEWS CHANNEL. Only in Utah would a production for entertainment value be ripped for doing exactly what it is meant to do, entertain. I'm glad I moved away, Utahns are too stuck on themselves to have any real compassion for their fellow man.

Anonymous | 11:50 a.m. July 10, 2009

re: It was a beautiful ceremony | 11:27 p.m. July 9, 2009

Will someone please get Brother Glenn a slap chop or keep him away from the Onions.

Anonymous | 11:54 a.m. July 10, 2009

re: Pragmatist | 8:38 a.m. July 10, 2009

Isn't the old adage; Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear?

Fred | 12:12 p.m. July 10, 2009

Did Glenn know it was going to be a fake burning?

@11:31 a.m. | 12:15 p.m. July 10, 2009

It reminded me that you have the freedom to leave the United States of America anytime. Please do a yourself a favor and make it sooner rather than later. I hate to see one suffering so much. Spitting on the men and women who sacrificed all to afford us freedom is not going to be tolerated as long as I continue to have the freedom to raise my voice against those that would endeavor to silence this voice.

@11:49 a.m. It appears Utah is not missing much in your absence. Perhaps you would like to elaborate on your definition of "real compassion for their fellowmen"? and then take and live what you preach!!

David L. | 12:27 p.m. July 10, 2009

These comments never cease to amaze me. You have to remember that their original intent was to retire the flag by burning, but with safety/health issues, that wasn't possible. Could they have been a little more clear about it? Yes. Were they trying to be malicious? No.

I'm not sure how preventing toxic fumes from irritating peoples lungs is related to Obama, Bush, Glenn Beck, Socialism, Jonas Brothers, Money, etc.

Frustrated | 12:29 p.m. July 10, 2009

Thank you Deseret News for telling us the truth when the event failed to do so, but geez people, you need to give it a rest! They weren't trying to be malicious.

Just when I thought I had seen.. | 12:30 p.m. July 10, 2009

it all. The Neo-Con Republicans who wear their phony patriotism on their sleeves make another idiotic move.

No wonder the GOP is in such shambles. Mission Accomplished.

Pathetic | 12:57 p.m. July 10, 2009

Are you people being serious right now? I cannot believe that this is such an issue! The whole reason they didn't retire the actual flag is that it was a SAFETY hazard! I can't even begin to fathom the uproar of angry comments that would be on here if they actually did burn that flag and people got sick from it. What do you people want?? Stop playing the victim like you were all made a fool of, you got what you paid for!

Who owned the | 1:02 p.m. July 10, 2009

carbon credits to conduct the burning? Or was there a big pollution taxe paid to do this? The next thing the Democrats will do is ban fireworks. Too much pollution in the air. Won't matter what we are celebrating. You watch, it's coming.

Anonymous | 1:05 p.m. July 10, 2009

No flag buring ceremony, then there is no issue of safety. The whole thing was manipulation and unnecessary.

Lois | 1:22 p.m. July 10, 2009

If you go to the Daily Universe story, you will also learn that the air force pilots were not actually "live."

So when China, during the Olympics opening ceremony had the little girl lip sync....it's okay that we get outraged. But, when it's Stadium of Fire, and things we hold sacred as a country are faked, we should just shrug it off?

Hmmmm.....

Have seen it all!!! | 1:24 p.m. July 10, 2009

The progressive stalin/socialists are not going to get away with 8 years of US/Bush bashing, especially when they, s/s, preach unity and then every time something happens the s/s disagree with they hurry to the media to make their displeasure known and then the s/s start crying when an individual dares come from behind the curtain and voice a contrary opinion.

This hateful rhetoric about the Freedom Festival/Stadium of Fire started way before any of us knew they were going to "symbolically" retire a flag that has done more than it's share to propagate freedom, and keep the hopes and dreams burning that are endlessly and tirelessly trying to be doused by the tear drenched faces of the stalin/socialists.

Cougar Blue | 1:34 p.m. July 10, 2009

It is way past time to retire this lame 4th of July event. I am embarassed by the whole charade.

To Alvin Toffler | 1:39 p.m. July 10, 2009

"It is a perfect fit for all those who need to keep convincing themselves once a year how great our country is."

So you don't think this is a great country? I guess that attitude shouldn't shock me anymore. It is amazing the hate that comes out against anything that is patriotic these days.

Wow | 1:40 p.m. July 10, 2009

Our very own Milli Vanilli. I heard that what you thought was Glenn Beck was just a gaseous mass. Oh wait that one is true.

Kent | 1:40 p.m. July 10, 2009

This is why I avoid Utah County. A bunch of right-wing freaks defending a fake flag retirement and telling everyone who didn't weep they should move to another country. BYU has always been about appearance rather than truth. I'm a graduate of the school so it feels like business as usual. As long as it looks right it doesn't matter if it is right.

Anonymous | 1:51 p.m. July 10, 2009

Well, I was in Africa, but I thought it was a great show...this is ridiculous.

@1:40 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. July 10, 2009

So who's the fool? You obviously went to BYU 'pretending' to be something you weren't. Are you proud of that?

How Easy | 2:08 p.m. July 10, 2009

How easy and appropriate would it have been to announce before the flag was brought in that the burning was symbolistic and that they were protecting the attendees from smoke toxins by not actually incinerating the flag there in the semi-closed stadium? Also announce that the flag would be "retired" in a safe location after the event. I am glad the fire marshal took the correct path by telling them not to burn the flag in there.

Where was he when they had the Million firecrackers go off at once and fried several rows of spectators faces?

Don't shut down the Stadium of Fire event because in reality it is a good and patriotic event enjoyed by 60,000 people. If you don't like it or BYU don't use a fake flag retirement as hate against the tradition or organization.

In the same breath... the organizer who made the decision to proceed the way they did after the fire marshal gave him the information probably ought to be re-evaluated regarding his decision making process and abilities.

I was there | 2:10 p.m. July 10, 2009

It was a very touching ceremony. Glenn Beck also touched the crowd. It made me very humbled to be an American and to be in the presence of so many people who felt the same way I did. It doesn't matter whether or not it really occurred, because the intent was there. We all know what they meant, and that is enough for me.

So, Kent... | 2:10 p.m. July 10, 2009

re: Kent | 1:40 p.m. July 10, 2009

What you are saying having been in the belly of the beast that Happy Valley is the capital of Shallow, superficial, & pay no attention to the man behind the curtain?

To Kent | 2:22 p.m. July 10, 2009

Gotta have some opposition to all the left wing freaks in Salt Lake County.

Janet | 2:58 p.m. July 10, 2009

Who cares if it was real or not? It got people to cry. Great manipulation of emotion, guys! We need your services for the Ministry of Truth!

Bill in Payson | 3:35 p.m. July 10, 2009

Monday morning quarterbacking is great fun. But, honesty would have been the best policy.

If only this much indignation could be generated in postings to news items of genuine tragedy. Humans are being butchered and raped by the hundreds in the Congo and the Sudan. But, SOF is what is really important.

Sad Valley | 4:16 p.m. July 10, 2009

"Who cares if it was real or not? It got people to cry."

Kind of like testimony meeting *rimshot*

Frank Castle | 5:49 p.m. July 10, 2009

re: To Kent | 2:22 p.m. July 10, 2009

//Gotta have some opposition to all the left wing freaks in Salt Lake County.//

The 2nd district (the most liberal in the state) still had around 67% of people vote for Dubya in 2004.... Hardly the liberal lunatic fringe.

Its nowhere close to being balanced. Remember, kids! Bald Eagles need both a left wing and right wing to soar majestically.

Former Production crew member | 5:58 p.m. July 10, 2009

I am sad that I posted a comment earlier on here that was censored by DesNews. As I mentioned earlier, I have worked side by side with Brad Pelo, as well as the other producers Chuck Gayton and Wayne Burch.

These are the most anti-American men I have worked with in my life. I saw the way they treated the military personnel who were on staff for the event, as well as their families.

Last year, I even saw the entire crew and producers eat in front of the full time military guy assigned to the show, without offering him some food.

There are a lot of skeletons in the closet of Stadium of Fire, and I wish the Freedom Festival would realize that and make some changes.

SOF was so much better in years past, and the thing that made so good, was not the JBro's or Miley, but it was a sincere event with true patriotism.

I am glad that the story got out about the ceremony being a fake, I voiced my concern about that many times, but was told to be quiet about it!

Way to go Daily Universe! | 8:26 p.m. July 10, 2009

Great job Daily Universe - this is uncovering truth at its finest. And this article should have attributed the DU breaking the story.

But those who are criticizing BYU for being behind this, it's not true. The stadium belongs to BYU but the whole SOF and other events are not run by BYU but by the Freedom Festival committee.

rightascension | 9:35 p.m. July 10, 2009

The whole business of retiring a flag by burning it is superstitiousness at its most perverse. Flags are cloth, period. Burning flags at the end of their usefulness makes sense only if flags have magical properties.

To rightascension | 9:35 | 9:23 a.m. July 11, 2009

Our flag does have magical properties. Every time I returned to the US compound during me recent mideast tour, it gave me a thrill to see Old Glory flying in whatever small breeze may have kicked up.

To reverently retire a worn out flag is symbolic of so many good things in our Nation.

Too bad it's all lost on you.

Re: Kent | 11:39 a.m. July 11, 2009

Hey Kent-

First of all, the Stadium of Fire is NOT a BYU production.

Two, it in fact was the BYU Daily Universe that broke the story of the faked ceremony.

Anonymous | 11:43 a.m. July 11, 2009

Of course it was fake. Most things in Utah are fake: the people, the religion...

it was WRONG. | 11:43 a.m. July 11, 2009

The fact that there was no "malicious intent" is no justification.

Seriously, didn't the producers learn anything from the Paul Dunn scandal?

I guess not.

Anonymous | 12:12 p.m. July 11, 2009

Fake. What would be a better symbol of a conservative patriotic event? These are people who wave flags and avoid servicing America. Conservative patriotism is as hollow as a chocolate Easter bunny.

Re: Anon 11:43 | 6:40 p.m. July 11, 2009

"Most things in Utah are fake: the people, the religion..."

I've lived all over the world and can honestly tell you the people in Utah are among the most hospitable and friendly I've encountered. I do not live in Utah, but would give anything to find suitable employment to make this my home. It is clear that you don't appreciate what you have.

As far as the religion, again, I have done extensive research. The religion is anything but fake - even if you do not agree with the doctrine, it's difficult to deny the devotion the members have to their religion.

In either case, the solution is simple. If you don't like it, leave it. There are lots of other places and religions out there. You would be happier.

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