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How can members... BEST support H.J. Resolution 12 ?

Grant you free speech and constitutional rights, the ones who have earned that right to display this type of ‘art’ for interpretations are veterans. As a veteran myself witnessed my fellow friends killed defending this flag and what it represents, I can say that no veteran will tolerate this! If the college students want to step on this flag, let them fight to defend it first. After she put herself in harms’ way, hold her fellow servicemembers as they bleed to death, then we give her the choice to do as she pleases. Not until she has earned it and understands the full intention of this so-called ‘art’.

A lesson about the Flag Code!!!

On the 100th anniversary of their very first game, the Chicago Cubs were in Los Angeles to face the Dodgers. Before the Dodgers went to bat in the bottom of the fourth inning, two protesters ran onto the field and prepared to set fire to an American flag. That was when Cubs center fielder Rick Monday swooped in and picked up the flag, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

"If he's going to burn a flag, he better not do it in front of somebody who doesn't appreciate it," said Monday, who spent six years in the Marines.
"I've visited enough veterans' hospitals and seen enough guys with their legs blown off defending that flag."

The flag rescue put Rick Monday on the map. May 4th was declared "Rick Monday Day" in Illinois, and he was suddenly relevant to the population outside the sports world. The image of him swiping the flag was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and is still recognizable more than thirty years later. Major League Baseball declared it one of the league's 100 greatest moments. In 2006, the U.S. Senate honored Monday for the thirtieth anniversary of the event.

It's too bad Rick Monday wasn't there that day,to give a 40-year-old an education about the Flag Code...

A proud member of "The American Legion Auxiliary"

John,
The best way to support HJ Res 12 is to call and write your congressman. Encourage him or her to insist that Judiciary Chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., hold a hearing and a vote for it. Encourage your Senators to introduce a flag protection amendment (not law, they have already been deemed "unconstitutional"). Write letters to the editors of your local newspapers. Tell like-minded friends to the same. Action will only be taken if our voices are heard!

Thanks Everyone , I did what any other Veteran would do to protect our flag .

I am a Vet and proud of it. I came across this site by accident, it made me feel ashamed that our country's educational system would allow this to happen. This is not what I pay taxes for and certainly not what I gave 4 1/2 yeas of my life for.
HOW CAN I HELP STOP THIS from ever happening again.
Dale Bruton, Longview, Washington

What a shock to see the stars and stripes displayed in such a disrespectful fashion and catorgorized as an "art project". To see young students standing on a flag like a door mat was totally uncalled for. I salute Commander Bennett for standing up for the American flag and what it represents. I emailed my disapproval to the two persons that were in the video and who were against Commander Bennett. Here's thier names and email addresses

Theo Kalikow, President
kalikow@maine.edu

Allen Berger, VP Academic Affairs
aberger@maine.edu

Let them know your disapproval for displaying the flag on the floor and having students standing and walking on top of them.

Thank you Charles Bennett for your ongoing service to our country and flag. I would be honored to stand with you any day.

Lee A. Heavener
Army Veteran
Patriot Guard Riders

This is just one of the reasons we do what we do.
Commander Bennett, You Sir, are a HERO,and I,for one, salute you, and the young man who so proudly stood by your side to protect this symbol of our nation, but also everything that you and all of our veterans and military have fought for so that all may be free.

Thank you for standing up for our Flag,our men and women in uniform and our Country. I would have loved to have been there standing with you. ((SALUTE)).

Wanda Conley Frye
U.S. ARMY VET
PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS

Charles Bennett
Thank you for your standing against this insane educational system madness.
I too would be honored to stand with you any day with my "piece of cloth"!

Gene Goss
Patriot Guard Riders Florida

Mr. Bennett,

I salute you and your stand against the disrepect shown Old Glory. What a sad day when this is what passes for art and education. My thanks also to the young man standing next to you.

Sincerely,

Terry Hanifin
Patriot Guard Rider---Florida

You know i couldn't even watch the entire clip without tears rolling down my face. I spent 15 yrs in the army. And currently am an officer of the American legion post #519 Kinmundy Illinois. I would like to see them try displaying there so called art here. I would be in jail! And so would all of the members of our legion post. They should be taken out and horse whipped for even thinking of doing such horrible things to our flag. I commend that commander for standing up and fighting for our flag and what it stands for. Obviously they have never served in our armed forces.

I watched this in total disgust. How can our Universities support this crap. This woman susan crane and the so called educaters should be FLOGGED!! I dare them to do this in my presence or try it at any of the War Memorials. I Dare You...

As an American and as a Veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, I found this to be very disrespectful. Many men and women have died to give people like this the right to do things like this with no accountability. Perhaps this woman needs to go sit her ass in a foxhole for hours on end, through rain, sun, bugs and other unimaginable things for hours on end without being able to go anywhere. Would this have been myself there instead of the gentleman who was there, I WOULD HAVE PROUDLY WENT TO JAIL to pick up as many of those flags as I could. My hat is off to the this veteran for standing his ground, and to the young man who came and stood by his side.

Commander Bennett: I thank you once again for being a "hero" and defending the Colors of the USA. I am a proud American citizen and 40-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Massachusetts, and would stand with you anytime. I am disgusted by what is being allowed in the name of 'free speech' and art. We need to band together like our forefathers did and stop this CRAP! God Bless You & God Bless America.

As a former Maine resident Dover-Foxcroft)and a strong backer of the University of Maine, Orano; I am totally appalled that the president(small p intended)of Farmington, did not step up to the plate and have this so called student project shut down. A 40 year old student's project. This in it self states a lot.

Thank you Commander Bennett and IF veteran Travis Hill. I'm just now reading about this incident in this month's The American Legion. You both are to be commended for your stance and patriotism. Thank you for representing my feelings and for all those that feel the same.

William Sewell
USAF, Retired

What a disgrace to the USA as we call it, I about fell over when I read the articl in the American Legion magazine,I can't believe that there are even people that come up with these stupid ideas,they have got to be animals! not humans these have got to be people that hate america. we have Got to get stronger as a nation and defend our believes if we are going to stay in the path of the United States
we have got to teach the american people why we respect the flag as we do and WHY it is so important,and punish the ones that do not believe in our flag as the way I gather BO does??/ send them into harms way and see first hand why we so dearly hold Old Glory so dear to our hearts.... I was asked by my brother who is a minister why Do we salute the flag and not the bible,UNBELEIVEABLE this guy is 73 years old and has no idea why the flag is so imporatant,why we would salute the flag and not the bible. I told him this is why we fought for our freedom so that he could salute the bible if he chooses to I said go ahead and salute! and I told him the reason for our flag and one of the main reasons we respect and hold our flags so sacred is that it is a reminder from the beginning that we fought for our freedom and we are remembering the ones who have put their lives on the line for us and lost their lives for us, everytime we see the flag we are reminded of all the men and women that Did gave their lives in all the battles that we have fought to protect our great nation
Yes We have got to do a better job of explaining as members of the Legion VFW the Dav

To Commander Charles Bennett and Veteran Travis Hill. Thank you for taking care of our Flags. When these kids learn what the colors red white and blue stand for and the real price that has been payed.Will the question of respect be known.
Thank You,
Welcome Home Brothers....
Vietnam Vet
American Leigon Riders
Post #150
Maine

I received my copy of The American Legion on the morning of 25 June 2008 and, after reading the article about Charles Bennett and Travis Hill and viewing the video on the American Legion website, I sent emails to both Theodora J. Kalikow and Allen Berger chastising them for desecrating Old Glory and being a disgrace to the beautiful state and country I live in and served. (Be sure to note Kalikow's arrogant nod to the camera at 2:07 proclaiming victory over our American hero Charles Bennett.)

Kalikow and Berger are being paid with state and federal tax dollars as state employees. Please join me in having both Kalikow and Berger removed from their positions. Contact information for Governor John Baldacci and the Maine state legislature is on the internet.

As noted in a previous email on this page:

Theo Kalikow, President
kalikow@maine.edu

Allen Berger, VP Academic Affairs
aberger@maine.edu

This isn't about politics - it's about the survival of our nation. These two "freedom leeches" on our college campus represent the enemy within our country.

Having intelligence means knowing when something shouldn't be done even if it is legal. Charles Bennett and Travis Hill are the intelligent people standing in that hallway.

Way to go! I asked my 8 and 9 year old what would they do if the US flag was on the ground in their school. First response was pick it up. Then I said what if it was painted and they said that they would gaurd it. I and my wife are vets and I am a member of The American Legion. Many people take for granite the freedoms they have and do not realize what other people do in order for them to enjoy their freedoms.

As veteran of the Korean War, and An AIR POLICEMAN in the AIR FORCE,I have raised and lowered OLD GLORY many times. I got so mad when I read this article,I wanted to punch those so-called educators out.
THANK YOU MR BENNETTE AND THE YOUNG MAN THERE WITH YOU.

Mr. Bennett,

Thank you so very much for having the pride to stand in defense of our nation's symbol. You, sir, are a Veteran who's heart has remained with the service and shall forever remember the sacrifices made in the defense of that "piece of cloth" which is "just a symbol". I am currently serving in the U.S. Army, year 3 of 8, and wish so very much that I could have been there standing by your side. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

As for the two university representatives, I will be sure to e-mail them a rather unhappy letter fully outlining the Exact rules for use and display of the flag (36 U.S.C. 173-178) and where this section of the U.S. Code was fully disregarded and the flag desecrated.

Proud to serve, proud to be free, proud to be...AMERICAN!

I said I would, and I did:

Theo Kalikow and Allen Berger,

First off, let it be known that I am a proud defender of the freedoms and liberties granted to all citizens of the United States of America. Let it also be known, that I am a proud prosecutor of any and all who shall show any degree of disrespect to the symbol of our Nation, the symbol of the sacrifices made by the men and women before my time to defend it and the freedoms it represents, the symbol that you referred to as “just a piece of cloth”. I ask you this, and I do expect an HONEST answer, do you truly believe that the student who did this was not disrespecting the flag, the symbol of our Nation? Before you answer, consider this, what this student did was in full and complete VIOLATION of 36 U.S.C. Section 176 Respect for the Flag. Notice the title of that particular section, RESPECT for the flag. 36 U.S.C. Section 176 states, and I quote, “(b) the flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.” and “(e) the flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled or damaged in any way.” As defined by 36 U.S.C. Section 176, the student fully disrespected the flag. By you supporting this disrespect, both you, and the student, have effectively disrespected the flag, and all who have giving service and sacrifice to defend it, some at the cost of their lives. You may as well go through every cemetery, to the grave of every sacrificed service member, and spit on their grave. Then proceed to do likewise to all living service members, active and veteran alike. Then, for you to THREATEN the veteran who stood in defense of the flag, THREATENING him with imprisonment, what are you thinking!?!? What you should have done is prevented this from even happening in the first place. And let me find out who that so called “officer of the law” is, let me find out his name. I’ll personally demand his removal from his service. To wear the flag in patch form on his uniform, and then even think to arrest the flag’s defendant? Your actions, and his, are completely unacceptable. You have all shown complete and utter disrespect for the Flag of the United States of America. Complete and utter disrespect for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the Flag of the United States of America.

Mr. Bennett is a hero and defender of America and all Her glory. You, you are despicable. How dare you permit the disgracing of our country and Her defenders.

This is the voice of a true and proud AMERICAN.

BRYAN M. TEMPLIN
SPC, USA
Section Sergeant, Early Warning System NCOIC, Orderly Room NCOIC

Current MOS:
14J10 (Q3)
Air Defense Artillery Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence Early Warning System Enhanced Operator / Maintainer (ADA C4I EWS EO/M)

Current Station:
Suwon Air Base, Republic of Korea

Military Mailing Address:
D-BTRY 3-2 ADA BN
Box Y
APO, AP 96275

To Commander Bennett and IF Veteran Travis Hill,
I'm a Proud Veteran. I have just received my July issue of The American Legion and was sickened at what I had read and the video I watched on youtube.com. As a veteran, from a family of Veterans, this was just one more slap in the face. Susan Crane and these so-called-educators have no idea what has been sacrificed to protect their freedoms, so they’re able to have freedom of speech (or expression of art). Ms. Crane, Theo Kalikow and Allen Berger should be held accountable for their actions in the desecration of the American Flag and the tax-payers of Farmington, Maine, should re-evaluate Kalikow and Berger’s position at University of Maine. To me, it is nothing short of dissention within our country, to even allow this desecration of our country’s flag. To Mr. Bennett and Mr. Hill, I would like to thank you both for your patriotism, standing up for the American Flag and for what it means to be a Veteran. You gentlemen are true Patriot’s and I would be proud to stand beside you anywhere.
Thank you,
Don Sanders
US Army Vet.

Commander Bennett
As a veteran and legion member,Sir,I salute you and the young veteran Travis Hill for your courage and determination to "PROTECT and DEFEND" that "PIECE of CLOTH".I only regret that I was not by your side.As a Conneticut Yankee,Just say the word, "Sir" and many of us will come to our Brothers aid.
God Bless you Commander Bennett and the Mighty Maine Veterans.

Sgt J.P.Guerrera
USMC
POST 165
Wolcott,Ct

Thank you commander Bennett for your actions and thank s to the student that stood beside you. USA SPC Bryan M. Templin is right on target with his very note worthy comments as well.

My question is, what is going to happen to the Dean of that college and the officer that
was going to arrest Commander Bennit? There aew laws, and teacher broke the law, and the Dean sanctioned her actions.
If their actions are any example of what and how they teach the students there, then the school and students are in serious trouble. The Dean, the teacher, and the police officer should be on the unemployed list. Thank you
very much again Commander Bennit.
Don Grannan Cmsgt USAF Ret.
Post 297 Benbrook, Texas

I agree with M. Grannan: "Thank you to commander Bennett for your actions and thanks to the student that stood beside you." I am an education student in NY and a member of the military support organization Soldiers' Angels. I hope you understand that not every future teacher would be so careless with the symbol of our country. The Flag is Not an art project, but the symbol of every hope and dream carried by our people since the inception of our country. I applaud your efforts to protect our flag, and assure you that, at least in one future classroom, the history of the flag will be treated with respect.

As a multiple tour veteran of Iraq, and an active duty Soldier, it really angers me to learn of people allowing the flag to be trampled in the name of "scientific experimentation"?! I find this distasteful and completely ignorant. I would like to extend my deepest thanks and kudos to District 4 CDR Bennett, and to Travis Hill, for whom patriotism and loyalty are not simply buzzwords spoken at parades and in speeches. Actions speak louder than words, and I believe these two Legionnaire’s actions can be and should be heard by all. Thanks for what you guys are doing, and continue to do.

Sir;

I salute you for what you did in protecting the flag. It is easy for others who have never served to say, "It is our right to do what we want with the flag!" However, what alot of these individuals forget is who gave and who protects their Free Speech today. It is the military, national guard and coast guard who pay the price and the least they could do is try to see the flag the way we do. Thank you for setting the example that all of us need to follow. As we were taught, "Lead by Example!" Thanks again and keep up the good work!!!

Please, everyone that is upset about this outrage...remember to vote Republican or we will see things alot worse than this!!!!

I join everyone in thanking you Mr. Bennett, along with the gentleman who stood by your side. I work at the National Headquarters of the American Legion. When we were shown this video in a meeting, I got tears in my eyes, and chills all over my body.
Obviously these idiots at this college fail to realize if if weren't for people like you, there would not be the freedom for them to go to college, or the college of their choice.
I was there Mr. Bennett when you were presented the flag from the National Commander, and I am VERY proud to have people like you representing the Legion and our country.
Thank you!

Mr. Bennett...Thank you for your service to this great nation. As a Viet Nam veteran myself, I know that I would be standing right alongside of you in that hallway. It is past time that our elected officials pass a Flag protection ammendment. I am proud to be a member of the American Legion and The Viet Nam Veterans of America. "FREEDOM ISN'T FREE" and its gentlemen like yourself that help to perserve that freedom. God Bless the USA. I would also like to thank the gentleman who stood with you for his courage!

Mr. bennett your the man.. I salute you!

My compliments to Commander Bennett for stating his opinion and standing his ground to express his opinion. I would also state that I abhor and deplore the representation of the American Flag on this floor. However, I also abhor and deplore the commercialization of our Flag on every thing from the sale of used cars to beach towels. I see shirts, hats and bandanas (and sometimes pants, skirts and dresses) made to represent our Flag and I rarely hear anyone complaining about that. I see Kid Rock, supposedly a staunch American and supporter of the troops, wearing our
Flag as a poncho. If there is to be respect shown to the Flag, then be consistent and don't ever wear shirts or ties or hats or beach towels, take Flags off of used cars for sale and show respect in all aspects of Flag mis-presentation.
If you think that wearing a shirt that looks like it was made of the American Flag and it hangs outside your pants and you put your ass on it when you sit down or you wipe the sweat from your brow or your armpit with an American Flag bandana (tell me you haven't seen this) or sit upon an American Flag towel or blanket while watching a 4th of July parade or fireworks display is appropriate and yet are offended by this "art work" then you need to re-think where "Freedom of Speech" begins and ends.
Is it only when you agree with something or when you think that it's being displayed for the "right" reasons. I see Flags tattered and torn hanging from homes and cars and I am offended but they would say that they honestly believe that they are honoring the Flag.
Would any of you "horsewhip" or flog any of these people doing the things I've mentioned? Are these people also the result of an "insane educational system"? How many of us have unthinkingly done the same thing?
I proudly carried a Flag in our local parade over the weekend and as I walked back to the car I saw three small Flags on the ground. They were next to the bikes that some children in the parade had been riding while waving the Flags. The children were standing there, as were the parents and a large part of the crowd standing there or walking by. Yet not one of them had stooped to pick up the Flags and hand them back to the children and parents until I did so..telling the parents and children that I'm sure they did not intend to dishonor the Flag and would keep the Flags off the ground.
It happens all the time. I say, be consistent and if you stand up to speak your mind against this display, then stand up and speak your mind against any and all displays that mis-represent/commercialize the American Flag.

Sorry about the duplication. I received an error message for the first two postings and sent the 3rd.

Thank you for taking a principled stand, Commander Bennett. Our flag is not 'just a piece of cloth'.

George Reed
Patriot Guard Rider -- Connecticut

i am setting here in total awe,! that a citizen of the united states of america, would do something so low, as to put our flag on the floor and allow fellow students to walk over it, i am proud to see some of the great americans walk around the flag. i thank those who chose to walk around.i served our country in the united states marine corp. and proud of it please call the president of the university or e-mail him to let him know we americans will not tolerate such un-american acts like this. his phone number is 207-778-7526, his e-mail is kalikow@maine.edu. also contact the dean of arts ( this was a STUNT FOR THE ART DEPT TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES !! ) HIS NUMBER IS 207-778-7277 HIS E-MAIL IS LIVELY@MAINE.EDU god bless america and those men and women who gave thier lives and time to defend our country thank you. ken dixon noblesville indiana

It is also abhoring when a commercial, is allowed to put the American Flag BELOW flags of other countries on a flag pole.

If we the Veterans of this country, are not allowed to protect what we fought for, which represents the land we came from, the government needs to be made aware of our heritage and our beliefs.

One of the most disgraceful things I have ever heard of. The type of hate that some people from the far left have for this country is mind boggling. The military history of my family goes back to the Revolutionary War. I might be a 68 year-old veteran but there would have been some messed up faces if I witnessed the left wing radicals from Maine walking on our flag. To think that they live in freedom in our great democracy but revere our enemies and hate us is incomprehensible.

As an Englishman and a staunch supporter of the US, I wish to convey my disgust at the nauseating antics of these "art" students. They have no idea of the concept of service or respect for anything or anyone but themselves and their obnoxious poltics. I commend you Mr. Bennett and trust that this spirit of patriotism and courage to do what's right will stay alive in the US, which after all, is the last true bastion of freedom in the world.

LONG LIVE AMERICA!!