To the Editor:

I wrote this poem so that people will treat the American flag with respect.

The Flag

Folks, don’t let your flag beat itself

to death in the wind.

When it starts to get faded, tattered,

or torn, it’s time to bring it in.
 

The VFW holds a ceremony

once or twice a year

Where they honorably dispose of these

retired flags, these flags we hold so dear.
 

Give them your full respect as one

who has passed away,

Or one who has given their all

and has fallen to the fray.
 

As long as she flies on high,

this land ever will be free,

From shore to shore,

from sea to shining sea.
 

We pledge allegiance to the flag,

forever may freedom ring.

If we don’t stand for something,

we’ll fall for most anything.
 

So don’t let your flag beat itself

to death in the wind.

When it becomes faded, tattered,

or torn, it’s time to bring it in.

Rod Mattison

Berne