Woman Shot By Dart Gun

2 Injured Drivers Cited Following Collision

Sunday, January 05, 1997 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 





The first order of business for 1997 is one of extreme importance,
especially to the veteran. The reason a veteran is called a veteran is because
he has served in the military of his country whether in peace time or during
conflicts. Every branch of the services had its own identifications, but one
identification unified them all -- The FlagThat was the symbol of the country
for which they were willing to die for. That red, white and blue banner with
its 50 stars, perhaps not that many during their military stints, was their
inspiration, their pride. It was raised in triumph over conquered enemy
territory and was also the cover of the coffin that contained one of America's
veterans. Last year, that Constitutional amendment that passed the U.S. House
of Representatives by an overwhelming vote fell to defeat in the U.S. Senate
by a mere three votes. It is hard to understand how or why those who voted
against this bill did so. Oh sure, we have heard time and again that the flag
is simply a piece of cloth and freedom of expression is guaranteed by the
Constitution thereby allowing a dissident to burn or show discourtesy toward
it. The U.S. Supreme Court says it is okay and to get around that decision,
the alternative is a Constitutional amendment. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Veterans Organizations. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They all banded together and formed a solid front and all produced
harshly-worded resolutions at their state and national conventions and made
flag protection one of their main objectives. I don't believe that any
organization member had the remotest idea that there were those in the U.S.
Congress who would not offer their vote for its protection. When the vote in
the U.S. Senate defeated the flag protection objective, a gasp, a disbelief,
and then again the veterans joined together with their pledge to sanctify that
flag as something sacred, something that earned and demands sanctity. I have
no idea when this resolution will be reintroduced in both Houses, but this
much I do know. It will be reintroduced and the various legislative chairmen
of the veterans organizations will start early in their quest to have Old
Glory protected from being disgraced by those who demand attention by such
doings. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Senator Specter. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 If all goes according to Senate procedure, Pennsylvania's Senator Arlen
Specter will become chairman of the Senate veterans committee when the U.S.
Congress reconvenes in 1997. Senator Specter cast an "aye" vote for the
Constitutional amendment, but I do believe he was undecided until the very
last. I received a phone call the day of the vote informing me, through his
Washington office, that Specter will vote in favor of the flag amendment. My
hope is Specter, when he becomes senate chairman of the veterans committee,
will use his influence to persuade at least a few the negative U.S. Senate
voters to follow the wishes of their constituents and when brought to a vote
again, grant the American Flag the dignity it has earned. Get a letter or
phone call to U.S. Senators Specter and Santorum and strongly urge them to
utilize the influences of their Senate offices to guaranty passage of this
amendment. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 You've Heard It Before. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "There is no need for such an amendment for flag burnings are now a rare
incident." This may be true, but even one such incident is one too many. The
guys, who raised that flag atop Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima, carried a flag
for that very occasion, raise it on their conquered enemy stronghold and
proclaim it is now in possession of the United States. Even though referred to
as "nothing more than a piece of cloth" it meant much more to those guys. It
signified it was the symbol of America and wherever it was flown, it
proclaimed freedom. Again, there isn't a veteran who didn't salute that
standard of their country. It is also still in wonderment why those voting
against the legislation didn't grant that protection. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Remember Me? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Even though the author remains unknown, this flag recitation says it all.
Although not knowing exactly when it was first printed, probably some time
ago, it certainly fits in with the hopes for a flag amendment to protect it. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Remember Me? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Some people call me Old Glory, others call me the Star Spangled Banner, but
whatever they call me, I am your Flag of the United States of America. I
remember some time ago people lined up on both sides of the street to watch me
as I led the parade, proudly waving in the breeze. When your daddy saw me
coming he immediately removed his hat and placed it against his left shoulder
so that his hand was directly over his heart. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Remember? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 And I remember you. Standing there straight as a soldier. You didn't have a
hat, but you were giving the right salute. Remember your little sister? Not to
be outdone, she was saluting the same as you, with her right hand over
heart... &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Remember? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 What happened? I'm still the same old flag. Oh, I have a few more stars
than I used to. A lot more blood has been shed since those parades of long
ago. But now, I don't feel as proud as I used to. When I come down your
street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets and I may get a
small glance and then you look away. Then I see the children running and
shouting...they don't seem to know who I am... &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 I saw one man take his hat off then quickly look around. He didn't see
anybody else with their hat off so he quickly put his back on. Is it wrong to
be patriotic anymore? Have you forgotten what I stand for and where I've been?
Anzio, Guadalcanal, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. Take a look at the
memorial honor rolls sometimes, of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to
keep this Republic free...One Nation Under God. When you salute me, you are
actually saluting them. Well, it won't be long until I'll be coming down your
street again. So, when you see me, stand straight, place your right hand over
your heart..and I'll salute you, by waving back...and I'll know that YOU
REMEMBER. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The Vote... &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 It would be most remembered, if, according to the words of the above, if
those in Washington who will be voting on this important piece of legislation,
would search their consciences and admit if only to themselves, that the red,
white and blue of the American Flag are really, from colonial times to the
present, the symbol of America. While it is still in the forefront, now is the
opportune time to contact the U.S. Senators and yes, even U.S. Congressmen,
and tell them in no uncertain terms that as a veteran you believe the American
Flag is well worth protecting. In this case, its dignity would be guaranteed
by a law of the land that would protect it while in the case of the veteran he
protected it by offering the ultimate sacrifice. I don't believe that this is
asking for a lot. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Veterans Solicitations. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 From time to time a knock at the door comes about and there stands some
one, male or female, wearing sometimes an authentic veterans organization cap,
who say they are soliciting funds for a veterans group for a particular
project. Be wary of these solicitations, because they are not authorized by
the organization whose cap the solicitor wears. A check with the local
veterans organization will in all probability substantiate your suspicions. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 A New Year. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 There's a lot to be thankful for during the past year. There are things and
events we would prefer to forget. I suppose the first thanks should be that we
made it for another year. Sure we've grown a bit older, walk a bit slower,
consume pills and medications by the pound because the doctor says they will
prolong our longevity, but one of those pills among the many consumed daily,
must have an effect on that longevity premise. The clothes they sell today
must be sized wrong for that waist that measured 32 or 34 has blossomed to a
snug 42 probably depending on the material from which it is manufactured. If
this be the case for the 1997 year so be it. I'll settle for those pluses in
1997 so that in 1998, I can say "Happy New Year." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Bill Smith is a Times Leader columnist who writes for and about veterans.
His column appears Sundays. To publish items in VIEWS ON VETERANS, write to
Bill Smith, care of IN YOUR TOWN, The Times Leader, 15 N. Main St.,
Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18711-0250, or contact Patti Pandya, community liaison
director, at 829-7211. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The First Order Of Business For 1997 Is One Of Extreme Importance, Especially 
To The Veteran. The Reason A Veteran Is Called A Veteran Is Because He Has 
Served In The Military Of His Country Whether In Peace Time Or During 
Conflicts. Every Branch Of The Services Had Its Own Identifications, But One 
Identification Unified Them All -- The Flag.