DEAR EDITOR:

The term “hijack” means to take over and use something for a different purpose. Have we done such with our sacred American flag?

Growing up in the 1950s-60s, I was taught the American flag must be handled, displayed and destroyed when damaged, in a very specific procedure. I was always told and showed a few basic guidelines:

l The American flag must never touch the ground or anything below it;

l Protect the American flag in inclement weather, unless it’s an all-weather flag;

l It must always be well lit after sunset;

l When you hang the flag vertically on a flat surface, make sure the union (blue section) is on the observer’s left.

Today, I’m not so sure those displaying the flag understand or even care about these well-established, adhered-to procedures. We see the flag displayed on overpasses, on fences and on the back of pickup trucks while flying down the highway. I’m sure some who display the flag do it with good intentions, but are they truly doing it in a patriotic manner?

It was obvious that during the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection that many carrying and waving the flag didn’t understand or care about the established protocols. If they did, then why would they use the flag to beat our Capitol police, break windows or break down Capitol doors?

I’ve seen the American flag flying below other politician or political-standing flags, which is not correct. We’ve even taken the American flag and changed its color and format — you can often see the stripes a different color.

Is this how some believe they are showing their patriotism? I think not.

The American flag has always stood for the “United States,” and its colors are symbolic. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. These qualities must be honored; we do so by following American flag protocol.

I’m not sure today’s society understands that, or even cares. God Bless America.

JOHN P. LESEGANICH

Canfield