Editor, The Beacon:

Remember this song by George M. Cohan?

“You’re a grand old flag

You’re a high-flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave

You’re the emblem of

The land I love

The home of the free and the brave

Ev’ry heart beats true

Under red, white and blue

Where there’s never a boast or brag

But should old acquaintance be forgot

Keep your eye on the grand old flag.”

Who doesn’t love our American flag? The classic Betsy Ross design, red and white stripes (not black, blue, purple, pink, red, green, orange, white) and our white stars (not black, purple, pink, red green, orange). Now, it’s hard to tell if it’s our “grand old flag.”

I know … these flags exist as a statement to emphasize support for different groups, such as firefighters or police. But there are those who use the flag to fracture us, to make it seem like they are more patriotic, as they drag them behind their huge vehicles across from expletive flags with our elected president’s name or, as a banner flying just above a Confederate battle flag, or just the same size as their candidate’s flag for 2024.

People decry burning the flag, but these flag displays burn in the hearts of hate and fear.

Let’s not forget “old acquaintances” and be united and loving Americans.

By the way, George M. Cohan was an Irish immigrant and appreciated the symbol, the American flag.

Suze Peace

DeLand