A local resident, who is a veteran, called to express his concern that the American flag is often used by businesses as an advertising tool. Such is the case of the Exxon station in East Norwich.

He said on Monday, June 26, the Senate was voting on a possible change to the constitution regarding flags.

As a veteran, he said he has been offended by seeing ladies walk across an American flag in a beauty contest. He has also seen the flag spread out on a football field. "It is never to be horizontal and much less on the ground," he said.

Our veteran said last weekend Newsday wrote about a book by Kenneth Davis called, Don't Know Much About History: Everything you Need to Know About American History.

He said it talked about the issue of the federal flag code and that it says the flag should never be used for advertising purposes. Our veteran said, that means flags used at your barbecues and picnics.

So fly the grand old flag, he said, "But remember it is a living thing."

We respect our reader, but gosh, the sight of the American flag gives us a lift, in whatever guise we see it. Long may it wave! We aren't fooled by its uses - we are always reassured by its beauty.

- DFK