American Legion national commander calls act ‘horrifying,’ encourages future demonstrators to show proper respect for flag.
American Legion National Commander Daniel Seehafer condemned the burning of American flags during demonstrations this week in Washington, D.C.
“It was horrifying to see our American flag burned in a display of hatred in our nation’s capital,” Seehafer said. “All of my brothers and sisters swore on their lives to protect the flag and all it stands for, including the right to assemble and protest peacefully. We hope that future protesters will express their sentiments with passion but with the proper respect for the American flag.”
The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans service organization, has a long history of promoting flag advocacy, etiquette and respect. In fact, in the 1920s, the Legion coordinated a flag conference which led to the U.S. Flag Code, a set of standard protocols still in use today. Learn more about flag etiquette, history and more at legion.org/flag.
On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress. In response, thousands of pro-Palestinians demonstrated outside the U.S. Capitol. And about a mile away, others hoisted Palestinian flags and burned American ones.
- Commander