THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 10, 1995 TAG: 9512080023
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 30 lines
Regarding the Nov. 24 letter from Leon Punsalan concerning the display of a foreign allied flag in parades honoring veterans: I agree with much of what he said but still believe only the American flag should be carried in such events.
Mr. Punsalan says the Philippine Commonwealth army had its own flag when called into U.S. federal service in June 1941. What he failed to mention was that though they had their own flag, they fought under the American flag after induction and under American leaders and in most cases with American arms. I am sure they fought well and with patriotism for America, but they must understand that Veterans Day is an American tradition, and people want to see the Stars and Stripes flying high.
I would like to suggest that in the future all allies march under the American flag but with each allied group having the option of displaying a banner naming country or commonwealth and bearing these words: ``Allies in war and peace.''
ED SHERMAN
Suffolk, Nov. 24, 1995 by CNB