Letter to the Editor

American flags are refreshing

Recent headlines have focused on people -- most of them young -- failing to honor and respect our American flag when it is presented at public, especially at sporting events. Happily, honor and respect for our flag is still in vogue in Siloam Springs, as evidenced by the proudly waving row of flags along U.S. Highway 412 from city limit-to-city-limit.

It is always refreshing and uplifting to drive into town and be greeted by a wonderful row of flags; I always feel as if I am being escorted through Siloam Springs by these symbols of America. What better statement of allegiance to the nation's ideals could our city leaders make than this constant display of the stars and stripes on the city's utility poles?

We are most fortunate that the Siloam Springs Lions Club personally handles this patriotic project. They buy and maintain the flags -- with financial help from the city -- and they put them up and replace them when they get tattered and worn, according to proper flag etiquette. I salute this civic club for their dedication and consistent maintenance of the flags. I know they respond quickly and efficiently when advised of a flag in need of replacement. And the city's use of public funds to support this project is efficient and entirely justifiable, since the flags enhance our city's image and project the welcoming image we desire to the more than 25,000 travelers who pass through every day.

Our thanks to our city government and the Lions Club for making us proud, and for reminding us of the freedoms we enjoy and those who fought and gave their lives that we may enjoy those freedoms. May we never take the flag or those freedoms for granted.

Wayne Mays

Siloam Springs

Editorial on 02/15/2017