Veterans and Flag Burning

“What do military veterans think about burning the flag?”

Pretty much the same as when the protests over the national anthem started:

Whatever.

Now, if you give me a better context, I can give you a better idea of my own perspectives.

“What do military veterans think about employed and tax-paying American citizens burning the flag?”

Meh. They may or may not have a legitimate reason to do so, but I would more than likely have less of an issue with these folks than others.

“What do military veterans think about unemployed and benefit-receiving American citizens burning the flag?”

Ha. You don’t like it? Get out. Simple as that. 
On any given day, there are countless others who are doing everything they can – either legally or illegally – to come here… While I cannot accurately describe the motives for each and every one in either category, I personally know several folks which fall under both categories that are far more proud of their new home than some natural-born citizens of the U.S. They came here because they sought opportunities to seek safety, opportunity, or both… and they are grateful for what that flag represents to them. Oddly enough, some of these folks are more than likely the ones to throw the first punch when it comes to seeing the flag ablaze.

“What do military veterans think about non-Americans burning the flag in the United States?”

Ha. Dude… why are you even here? Don’t like it, go home – and take some of the ungrateful citizens with you.

“What do military veterans think about non-Americans burning the flag in their country?”

Meh. Your country, your rules. Stay there.

Symbols and national pride can be tricky. Three times I have been fortunate enough to travel to Thailand; whenever the Thai national anthem started, pretty much every soldier I was with stopped and paid proper respects. I say pretty much only because you always have that one guy who needed special attention… and he got it – promptly.

Would I burn the Afghan flag in Afghanistan? Nope.

Would I desecrate currency bearing the images of royalty? Nope.

I cannot think of any overt insult I would willingly and knowingly perform for any reason, in any country because I am not that kind of guy and I know all too well what the possible repercussions may be.

People here burn the American flag because it means little to them; they can do so and get away with it (excluding the chance that they do so in the presence of someone who may react strongly).

I pick up, care for, and display the American flag because it means something to me; how others perceive this is up to them.

(I wrote more about this over the last two years: The Anthem, Football, and Observations. and The Anthem, Football, and Observations – Round Two…)