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Why no anthem?
Dear Editor,
On Tuesday night I attended the McCook-Holdrege football game. I was very impressed with the Junior varsity team and the teamwork they displayed. I was not pleased with myself or any of the fans in attendance at the game. Prior to the game starting I noticed that the American flag was not flying on the flag pole at the East end of the stadium. I thought at the time, the flag would be raised prior to the game starting. The flag was not raised prior to the game and the National Anthem was not played.
I left the ball game thinking that there must be a good reason why the flag was not raised and the National Anthem wasn't played. I was upset with myself for not finding out why. Today I found out when I read the national news that there is no excuse for why the American flag was not flying high over Weiland Field.
On the day of the game (Tuesday), three American soldiers were killed and two were wounded in Iraq after their Humvee hit an explosive formed penetrator. Today (Wednesday) two U.S. soldiers were killed in an eastern section of Baghdad during combat operations.
Two other Americans were mortally wounded Wednesday in a blast in Salahuddin province north of the capital.
I believe Mr. John Mesh, The Gazette Sports Editor said it best when he said " In light of scandals, wars and tragedies, we need sports." As a sports fan, I agree, we do need sports. But, we need to fly the American flag to show respect for this great country and a way to say thank you for the sacrifices our military forces are making.
Gene E. Morris,
McCook