Apology for flag presentation

On behalf of the Marion American Legion Post 298 color guard, I apologize to those in attendance at the Praise in the Park concert Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium. We, along with three other Legion posts, were to present the colors before the singing of the national anthem.

We were supposed to be cued, by the people who organized the event, to march to our positions before the anthem started. However, we got no cue, and the anthem started while we were gathered at home plate.

We take great pride in what we do and were quite embarrassed because of circumstances beyond our control. I think that I am speaking for all of the Legion posts involved when I say that if we are invited to present the colors again at this event, we be allowed to make our own plan, rather than relying on others who may not understand flag etiquette.

The young lady who sang the anthem did a wonderful job. I wish that we could have had the opportunity to make a proper flag presentation.

Ron Dirks

Marion