The Caledonian-record. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1920-current, 1921-09-23
VETERANS PROTEST
DISRESPECT SHOWN
AMERICAN FLAG
Adjutant Bailey of New
port Post Writes Letter
to CaledOnian-RecOrd

The question OF proper delef-
ence being shown the American
flag, becomes poignant, whenever
the national emblem is carried in
a procession. Last spring mlli-
taly funeral was held, and in the
entire line of march extending
from Glen Road through Main st.
in Newport, up Third and Pros.
pect, and after the services in the
Catholic church, to the cemetery,
but three of the several score
people along the way, pair the
proper respect to the flag as II
passed One of the three was d
World War veteran another the
brother of an ex-soldier and the
third, though not service MAJ,
was sufficiently well informed to
pay the proper respects.
Another military funeral was
held Monday, and the same fla
grant lack of proper Difference to
the colors and to the body Of n
World War veteran "a native of
Newport, who gave his life in
France, was evident along the
arch to the cemetery.
In an effort to correct this mat
ter, the Veterans of Foreign Wars
have written a letter to the Gale
donian-ltecord protesting against
the malpractice as follows:
Newport, W., Sept. 20, 1921
To the Editor:
A matter of very great import
ancc TO US as veterans of the late
war has been forcibly brought to
our attention, and should be
brought to the attention Of every
red blooded American in this COM
munity.
We do not have the idea that
the people Of this city are any
worse than those of any other, and
We want them to be better.
But, we who did our bit in the
late war were recently very much
hurt, Inundated and we consider
that we and the flag we fought
for were even insulted when re-
Gently we took part in military
funeral and, as the flag drapcd
caSket followed by the colors Of
the United States passed along
the streets some Of the men along
the streets gazed at the procession
curiously but made no movement
TO take off their hats in Difference
20 the flag which protects them,
and TO the body of one who gave
his life for that flag and for
them
Much has been said about COM
pensation for ex-seiNicc men and
bonuses, etc, and, by the way,
those who fought especially can
never possibly be repaid, although
it might be possible for the ra-
ton TO show her gratitude, but
laying all this aside, people can
at least show their gratitude By q
proper display Of respect for the
flag and those who gave their all
for it.
Some may excuse themselves
for not uncOveiing because they
did not know that it was custo-
mary but surely a man who does
not know that he should uncover
at such a time does not know
enough to exercise his right to
vote. Others may say that they
are not citizens of this country,
and, therefore, do not know why
they should uncover, but if they
are willing to gain their living
here, and therefore accept the pro-
lection of that flag. they should
show it the respect due it, OF get
out.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars
is going to take it upon itself as
an organization TO investigate in
the future all eases Of disrespect
to The flag or the country.
1t has already taken up the case
OF one ignolamus who maliciously
or otherwise persisted in raising
the flag of another country before
that Of the United States ami
when this was brought 10 his ~
tention replied with very bad
grace, but however enough -nres-
sure was brought to bear upon
him so that he changed his tactics,
and is now doing the correct
thing.
Such things mean much to Us.
and we thank you for giving this
publication, so that such a thing
may not occur again.
Very truly yours,
Wilfled Bailey, Adjutant,
Veterans of Foreign Wars.