Deseret News | Reader comments: Hundreds watch flags retired

Reader comments
Hundreds watch flags retired

Very Nice | 4:54 a.m. June 16, 2009

I've been a part of several of these ceremonies while attending scout camps and it is a very humbling experience.
I'm very proud of the Scoutmasters across the nation that teach the boys they lead about the significance of the flag.
I do hope each boy brought a small container to carry some of the ashes home with him to remind him daily of the ceremony he witnessed and to remember how his heart felt as the flag burnt before him.

Patriotism | 5:30 a.m. June 16, 2009

I love the patriotism in Utah. Even though there are many people outside of Utah who are patriotic, Utah has such a big desplay of patriotism. I live in Texas and on the fourth of July, I can only find small displays of patriotism - other than fireworks. There is something very spiritual about patriotism and I wish that we could display it like Utah does.

Thank You | 6:25 a.m. June 16, 2009

God Bless the U.S.A!!!!!!

Comments continue below

Thank You | 7:38 a.m. June 16, 2009

I'm proud to be an American,

Flagman | 8:51 a.m. June 16, 2009

Actually, the meaning of the flag colors are:

Red and White represents the wars between the Indians and the Whitemen (or the federal government).

Blue represent night and the representtion of night and darkness.

The stares represents the numbers of states, or lands, taken from the Indians

Overall, the flag is a symbolic and reminder of the killings and murderings of Indians for their lands, water and natural resources.

Fred | 9:02 a.m. June 16, 2009

Wow, for a moment I thought I was seeing some liberal flag burning protest. Good thing I read the caption.

I guess I can back off and not make my call to Senator Hatch about renewing his call to establish a flag burning amendment to the Constitution (which would prevent this ceremony).

Sorry Flagman | 9:04 a.m. June 16, 2009

Wrong place, wrong story. I am sorry for your hurt but know what, you are out of line here. Why not setup a celebration of your culture and invite others to attend. It would be nice to learn more. In the meantime, please find another forum. Thanks!

True Patriotism? | 9:25 a.m. June 16, 2009

I guess I'm a little confused about what real patriotism is. Love of America? One of my favorite writers had some thoughts on this subject. I've paraphrased a bit to make it fit:

We train a man in the art of war and call him a patriot, thus, in the manner of Satan's counterfeit of true patriotism, perverting the Savior's teaching to love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

not fooled | 9:34 a.m. June 16, 2009

A nation-state is just a nation-state. Honor those who died for the state, but remember that they often die because of the state as well.

re: Sorry Flagman: Why should they find another forum? Because you don't happen to agree? Tsk tsk, that isn't very patriotic.

Patriotism! | 9:35 a.m. June 16, 2009

I'm amazed that people think that God would favourably look upon a sentiment that causes some people to esteem their country. When I was in junior high, we loved our Jr. high and not the others. When I was in high school, we fought for our high school against all others. When I went to college, I was true, blue died-in-the wool, and I would fight for the death against any radical from the college up north. Yes, I'm exaggerating a little--but just a little.

Now that I'm all growed up, I'm amazed that the entity that people latch onto is our country (right behind their favorite sports team). Yes, America is great. I've lived in a number of countries, and can't wait to get back. But the misplaced "patriotism" that I see practiced in the Church--especially that in Utah (and yes, I'm a native)--is appalling.

Wake up, people. Let's give up our boundaries, have no more "ites" among us, and forget that we Americans are the "chosen" ones. Remember, the BOM says the chosen land is ALL of the American continent.

Re: not fooled | 10:22 a.m. June 16, 2009

Great comment. I wish I had said that.

sll | 12:47 p.m. June 16, 2009

So it's okay to burn a flag if you say alot of patriotic words first? This is so hypocritical.

re: sll | 1:10 p.m. June 16, 2009

Yes, if you do it respectfully; which clearly, you wouldn't understand.

Scouter WI | 1:39 p.m. June 16, 2009

A note of clarity, there is within our countries federal laws a statue relating to Flag ettiquette. It is often known as the "Flag Code." If you would like further information please do a search for Flag Etiquette and watch the many sites pop up. Many communities across the country held ceremonies the last few days to honor our flag and properly dispose of those flags which are no longer servicable. If you missed one, go check it out next year you will be amazed at what you missed. God Bless the USA.

sll | 1:43 p.m. June 16, 2009

I understand respect. I understand respect for freedom of speech--which for some may include flag burning. Apparently then it's the words that go along with the flag burning that matter, not the flag itself. As long as you're saying everything is wonderful and great and fine with America, then you can burn the flag. But if you say not everything is perfect, we could do better, you can't burn the flag. Interesting.

sll | 1:52 p.m. June 16, 2009

To Scouter WI: "God" bless everybody.

Go Home to Russia | 2:58 p.m. June 16, 2009

I think all of you fascist liberal America-haters should go to Russia or Iraq or Cuba or someplace where freedom isn't appreciated! Especially the person who posted under "True Patriotism" at 9:25! How dare you impune our true PATRIOTS!!

dbf | 3:04 p.m. June 16, 2009

Sll, You need to research how to care for a flag. Only a few groups are authorized to "retire" a US flag. One of those is the Boy Scouts of America. The correct was is to burn the flag as opposed to just putting it in the garbage.
There is no set program. But if you really respect the flag then some words as to it's meaning are suitable. Don't put down what you don't know or understand.

sll | 3:55 p.m. June 16, 2009

dbf, I don't need to research how to care for a flag. Just having a bit of fun because I find it ironic that the way to retire the flag is to burn it. There are many things I love and respect about this country and its government. I don't particularly respect the flag itself. It's a piece of cloth used as a symbol. If someone burns one--whether in retiring it or using it as a demonstration--it doesn't hurt or change one thing. The U.S. is a wonderful country in many ways, but is it perfect? No. Is it okay to say it's not perfect? Absolutely. And that doesn't make me a traitor or a fascist liberal American-hater.

RE: FRED | 11:35 p.m. June 16, 2009

You know what Fred!! The first comment is mine-- and may I say I have served this Nation both on active duty in the Army and in the Air Force Reserves-- I've seen men die for this Nation and OUR Flag as well as the Constitution of the United States.
My point?? I totally believe that we have too many laws ruling us and to take away the right to protest even and I cringe as I say this, to even remove the right to burn our sacred flag in protest should be a right.
Don't tell me its a liberal thing to do because it is a right-- I'm tired of the ultra left and the ultra right dictating what we can and can not do--
Wasn't it Patrick Henry that said, "GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH"
What branch of the military did you serve in Fred???

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6 photos

Tom Smart, Deseret News

Cub and Boy Scouts prepare flags to be retired during a flag retirement ceremony in the parking lot of Macey's Food & Drug Store on the corner of 1230 North and 500 West in Provo Monday.

Gallery (6 photos)