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To the editor:
I had the pleasure last Saturday morning of attending and watching a well-organized youth basketball league for player development in Salem. Coaches and parents were on hand providing encouragement and the basic fundamentals and skills for the game of basketball. A good crowd on hand to cheer on the young players.
About six , or seven older siblings, looking for things to do, started bouncing basketballs off of the huge American flag hanging on the wall in the corner of the gym. No one said anything, or did anything to stop the disrespect to our flag.
I made my way over to the other side of the gym, and explained to the group that respecting the flag as an American is a very important thing to do. We respect the flag to honor all the service men and women who are overseas, those who died in the line of duty, disabled veterans, or retired veterans. These men and women put their lives on the line protecting our country. The young people listened respectfully and moved their activity further down the wall away from "Old Glory."
We respect the flag not only for our generation, but to set an example for the generations to come. Patriotism starts with the parents, and is reinforced by teachers, relatives, older siblings, etc. We have to be role models, as we live in the greatest nation on earth.
Yes, you might have to get out of your comfort zone. It's easy to turn your head and look the other way.We have responsibilities as citizens to be active and involved. This is, "government for the people and by the people."
Our involvement is so important to our success as a nation. Maybe before the games start, we say the Pledge of Allegiance, play the Star Spangled Banner, plant some seeds of patriotism.
Bob Shilling,
Salem