Exclamation, explanations

A NEEDED REMINDER!

Lewis Hayes, who lives at 801 West Fifth Street in McCook, provided a valuable public service Friday when he called city and state officials to alert them about a congressional mandate concerning flag etiquette.

Lew notified the news media and political leaders about a legislative resolution, passed in 1994 and signed into law by then President Clinton, which requires the American flag be flown at half-staff each December 7 on the anniversary of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

While extremely important and appropriate, the flag protocol was not widely known. Thanks, Lew, for reminding us. As the years go forward, may we never forget the sacrifices for freedom which Americans made after the devastating assault on Pearl Harbor.

WAY TO GO, ERIC!

The state of Nebraska and Cornhusker football fans around the world owe a huge debt of gratitude to Eric Crouch, a home state product who has earned national notice for his achievements on the gridiron.

As his days as a Husker draw to a close, it is gratifying to see that Eric's outstanding athletic accomplishments are being rewarded.

Thursday night, he collected the prestigious Walter Camp and Davey O'Brien awards. Sunday, we will learn whether he also receives the most coveted individual college football prize, the Heisman Trophy.

Crouch deserves that honor, too, but whether he wins it or not, he will maintain hero status in the minds of Cornhusker football fans everywhere.

FLUSH THE TP DECISION!

The Nebraska State School Activities Association rule-makers are a bunch of fuddy-duddies!

Granted, they have to watch out for the safety of young athletes, fans and referees, but they went too far when they banned the tradition of throwing toilet paper at the beginning of Alliance High School's basketball season.

We agree with Rich Barnett, the sports voice of KICX and KBRL, when he says, "Come on, NSAA, get a life." The Alliance tradition is all in good fun, raises money for sports programs and garners national publicity for Nebraska sports. Enough's enough. Wipe away the toilet paper ban!

THE LIGHT FANTASTIC!

Each year, the entries in McCook's Christmas Light Parade get better and better. More and more businesses, school groups and organizations are contributing time and talent to creating floats which bring the Christmas season alive in the McCook area.

Thanks to the Chamber and KFNF for sponsoring the event, and thanks to all those who make the parade a success with their participation.