The flag of the United States of America is one of the oldest of the national standards of the world, older than the Union Jack of Great Britain or the Tricolor of France.

Over the past couple of decades, the respect attributed to the American flag seems to have decreased. It is one thing to have our flag desecrated by other countries but it is impossible to understand when your own senators and representatives in Congress want to permit its desecration.

One of the missions of the American Legion is to promote respect for and increase the display of the flag. Williston Park's American Legion Post 144 is beginning a campaign to increase the display of the flag in the Village of Williston Park. On June 9, the Williston Park Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a fair for the merchants on Willis Avenue. Williston Post 144 will have a table at Jack Zweibel Park, which is located on Willis Avenue off the corner of Fordham Street. Flag kits will be available for $12. Flags can also be ordered from Paul Petrillo at 747-4377 or John Lawless at 294-6989.