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I thought I was far enough away not to disturb the ritual, but obviously not.
I went back into the mess tent and a few minutes later the officer of the day came in wanting to know who that soldier was who was outside and didn't come to attention and salute during the ceremony.
I told the officer it was me and he then let me have it. He gave me a good chewing out, and I can assure you I haven't forgotten the lesson taught to me that day.
In fact, I'm sure if a proctologist were to examine that part of my anatomy, I'm sure he or she would be able to still see the teeth marks of that chewing out.
Now, I moved here in Washington approximately 15 years ago.
One particular store displayed the flag up close to the ceiling. Common sense tells you that the flag should be displayed correctly so those customers entering the main entrance will see the flag correctly displayed.
It was not, but you really can't complain because if you walk to the other side of the flag, it will be properly displayed.
So I didn't say anything to anyone then, after a couple of years they changed the display and put it on the wall. They were wrong, and over the years, I would stop an employee and mention that the flag was displayed wrong.
I don't generally go into that store unless I have to and over the years, at least, nine, they continued to have it wrong, and in exasperation, the last few times I mentioned it to someone, I told them, if you think I'm wrong, go check it at the library. Obviously, nobody did.
The business moved, and by that time I felt that if the flag was not displayed correctly, I was going to contact Mr. Miller, the editor of The Missourian, and ask him to contact someone, in the know, to contact this company.
Lo and behold, I visited the opening day in the new building, checked the flag and to my surprise it was correct.
I did see the manager and a "suit" from probably the home office and I mentioned that I've been telling the employees over the years they had the flag displayed wrong.
His answer, "No one ever brought the subject up to me." I do believe him, and therefore I'm not gong to name the company.
Today I walked into the Lowe's store and walking to the correct aisle I was looking for I noticed the flag displayed correctly.
Walking back, I noticed the flag and it was correct on both sides. They had put the flags back to back so wherever and whenever you saw the flag, it was correct.
I made it a point to get a manager and let him know I thought that the display was unique, and as a rule only one flag is used, and that displaying the flag that way was refreshing.
To those who have a question in regard to displaying the flag, I wish they would go to the library and ask someone there to help, and I know the librarians will assist you. They help me all the time.
Editor's Note: Name withheld per request.
