Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-06-06
OBSERVANCE OF FLAG DAY.
Request for Special Recognition h
Public School Authorities.

request Tor Special Recognition by
Public School Authorities.
General Thomas NJ. Vincent president of
the District of Columbia Society of Sons
OF the American revolution, and Mr.. Henry
w. Samson, secretary of the society's flag
committee, called upon Commissioner Mac
farland yesterday for the purpose of present.
ing a resolution adopted at a meeting of the
organization the 23d of last April relative
to the observance in the District public
schools of flag day, June H. This reso-
luton requested the officers of the society
to ask the Commissioners. the school board
and other school officials to recognize tie
day in some public manner
General Vincent and Mr.. Samson on be-
nan OF the society and Its officers, ex-
pressed the hope that the Commissioners
VIII exert their influence to the end that
nag day annually may meet with a wide
public sentiment in honor of the flag
colors on all public buildings, business
houses and private residences. and also
through patriotic observances, however
brief, by the public schools
Such action" Mr.. MacfarIand was as
sured, will second the efforts of the Amer
lean Flag Association, composed of the
several flag committees appointed by nu-
merous patriotic societies of the land in It's
OBJECT to coordinate the efforts of a.. the
nag committees in fostering public senti-
ment In favor of honoring the flag of our
country, as contemplated by a resolution
adopted by the Cleveland (Ohio) congress
OF the National Society of the Sons of the
American Revolution in April, 1897
Mr.. mcfarland replied that he is in full
sympathy with the object and purpose of
the society, and that he will take great
pleasure in laying the matter before the
school board. with the request that the
action desired be taken. Mr.. Macfarland
also stated that he favors having the flag
float every day from not only the school
houses. but also from every other building
of the District. and that he will be pleased
to take such steps as will secure the adop-
ton of such rule. Speaking for himself,
he added that he trusts the citizens of the
District will on flag day at least display the
stars and stripes from their places of bust
ness, and also from their residences. This
hope, he feels assured, is also that of his
associates. 1t was stated that last year
the observance of flag day in the public
schools Of the District was omitted for
some reason or other, but Mr.. mcfarland
proposes that far as he shall be able
to control. it shall hereafter be observed
by them.
General Miles and Admiral Dewey have
both commended the movement. The for
mer. in addressing General Breckenridge
under date of April 10, says:
1 have your letter of the 9th instant rela-
tive to the work Of the American Flag As
ISOLATION and cannot commend too highly
the object for which it was organized. /
have frequently noticed the vulgar desecra-
ton of our country's sacred emblem by
those who should hold 1t in highest esteem.
though l must say l believe this has come
more from commercial spirit than from
any lack of true patriotism.
In the army the flag is certainly receiv-
ing more outward respect, at least, than
ever before, and more is being made of the
ceremony, Escort of the colors,' which
to the soldier, especially to the young re-
cruit, ought to be rendered the most i'm
pressive Of all the functions in which he
Is required to take part.
Let the question of intoxicating love OF
the flag and country be taken Up more
seriously by our educators. and while pa
triotiSm should be spontaneous and cannot
be legislated into the hearts of people, I
believe that laws should be passed making
1t serious and punishable offense to desc
crate or pervert for any improper use the
sacred emblem of our glorious republic
Admiral Dewey, in letter dated Apri.
10. said to General Breckenridge:
Il am in receipt of your letter OF the 9th
instant, and beg to express my hearty SYM
pathy with the objects of the American
Flag Association. l have always been OPP
posed to dissertation of the flag in any
form whatever, and have seen during my
service in the navy great advances in the
respect shown 1t even by our sailors. In
the olden days it was not an uncommon
thing for flag to be folded and used as a
cushion in boat, but this would not he
thought of at the present time. Indeed,
the flag is now regarded as a most sacred
object In the navy, and on board ship,
whenever it is hoisted, all work stops, all
hands stand silent and every officer and
man salutes. 1 hope the day is not dis
or desecrate the flag of our beloved coun-
try."