LETTERS: SHOW YOUR COLORS THIS SUMMER

To the editor:

The flag of the United States is a national treasure. No other flag has a patriotic holiday in its honor. No other flag is an international symbol of freedom, justice and equality, the noblest aspirations of humankind. No other American symbol represents all of us, citizens of a uniquely free and blessed land.

In a nation and state that celebrate and draw strength from diversity, it's healthy for us from time to time to acknowledge our shared American heritage, to make a statement that we indeed belong to "one nation under God." The governor of our great state has issued a proclamation urging Missourians to participate in such a galvanizing gesture of patriotism.

On Flag Day, June 14, help unify the American people in a nationwide commemoration of our shared cultural values, the flag that represents those values and the more than 1 million American patriots who died defending freedom under the flag. Join with me, my comrades in the American Legion and our partners of the 126-group Citizens Flag Alliance in a nationwide, grass-roots campaign: Show Your Colors, America!

Gov. Mel Carnahan signed a proclamation declaring May through August as Show Your Colors, America! Months in Missouri. Fly the U.S. flag at home, at work and throughout your neighborhood. Encourage your friends and family to do the same. Fly your flag every day, at least through Veterans Day.

In the spirit of patriotism and devotion, millions of Americans today call for a restoration of the people's right to protect the U.S. flag from physical desecration. They write letters to their U.S. senators, urging their elected officials to vote in favor of Senate Joint Resolution 40, which would send a flag-protection constitutional amendment to the states for ratification. They write articles to encourage the American people to demonstrate their support for this values issues. Above all, Americans of all creeds, races and religions practice what they preach by showing their colors.

The American people want their flag protected. The will of the people is reflected in backing for the amendment by 49 state legislatures, including Missouri's that passed supportive resolutions. U.S. Sens. Christopher Bond and John Ashcroft of Missouri are among the cosponsors of SJR 40. I'm delighted Governor Carnahan stands with the people.

Show your colors on Flag Day. By showing our colors, we enrich our diverse society with a unity that the U.S. flag -- and only the U.S. flag -- can bestow. Additionally, we show the children and grandchildren of Missouri today that the American people must always cherish the patriotic bounty that is Old Glory.

DR. NORRIS W. PRESTON, National Vice Commander

The American Legion

Moberly