As direct descendants of John Alden (a passenger aboard the Mayflower, and founder of Plymouth Colony), my ancestors were among those who fought in the American Revolution and have served their country with dignity since. I currently have a son serving in the U.S. Navy and am a Blue Star Mother. Like most American mothers, I have done my best to rear my children to be upstanding citizens and patriots of America, and to contribute to our American society.

I am disheartened and even frustrated when in an assembly or ceremony I notice the U.S. flag is not properly displayed, or revered. I am heartbroken as the U.S. flag is marched before audiences, and the attendees do not stand, do not place their hands on their hearts, and do not show any reverence for the U.S. flag.

At nearly every event I attend in Brentwood, other than for the Boy Scouts of America or retired veterans, the U.S. flag is improperly displayed. Almost weekly, I find myself attending a function where I have to go to the front of the room and correct the placement of the U.S. flag.

I was appalled at the Liberty Union High School graduation services this past Friday, when our own LUHSD officials had improperly displayed the U.S. flag. (I actually pulled out my cell phone and tried calling the district persons for whom I had cell numbers.) The disrespect continued as the color guard marched across the field presenting the colors, and less than half of the audience stood and placed their hands on their hearts.

Were my pleas ignored so as to not “interrupt” the ceremony at hand? In an organization that should be about teaching – what a shame to lose such a teaching moment with our young adults, who are about to enter the adult world.

What a profound message could have been sent to these students, to have someone stop such a meaningful ceremony to make such an important correction in the overall ceremony as to place the U.S. flag on the right of the stage, and to the right of the state flag.

When our own public education system does not teach nor exemplify patriotism and respect, how can we expect the coming generations to know anything of patriotism or respect for the U.S. flag and country?

All you need to know about the long-forgotten official United States Code regarding the respect and treatment of the U.S. flag can be found at www.usflag.org. I know thousands of Boy Scouts, veterans and current U.S. military service men and women who would be willing to spend a minute to teach you anything you want to know about the U.S. flag.

The majority of you are Americans, whether by lawful immigration or by birth. Those of you who are not, are still bound by the United States Code to honor and respect the U.S. flag when on our soil. There are no excuses for what is happening in our country.

I hope for change. Perhaps the parents can work with the public schools to reinstate compliance with the United States Code regarding our U.S. flag at home, in our schools and in our communities.

Flag Day is this Sunday. To learn more on its history and proper flag etiquette, go to www.usflag.org.