Take better care of the stars and stripes

The American flags that fly across the nation eventually need some repair and mending. It is very disheartening to see some of them tattered or discolored and still being flown. It's even more disheartening, if driving by a school or any public building and seeing a torn flag flailing in the wind.

Remember that when we raise those stars and stripes, they honor what our great nation stands for: freedom, equality and justice, though none of them came without a price. Countless Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our flag flying.

So why let this great symbol of our nation be destroyed in a storm or fly tattered and worn? It is the least we can do as American citizens to make sure we mend and clean our flags when needed and to retire them in a proper and dignified manner when they reach the end of their life.

Jacob Studt

Marion