I've never been in this situation before, please advise on proper course of action

SFC Richard M. — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 08:12:44 -0500

Not too long ago, a friend and I saw an older gentleman walking around with a baseball cap on that had the velcro up front to put a flag on it. This guy's flag was upside down. Because he was an older guy, we addressed him as well as we could and told him his flag was upside down, to which he replied angrily, it was on purpose because he felt that our nation is in a state of emergency. Turns out this guy is a retired CSM who fought in Vietnam and had lost not one, but two sons to the war on terror. I could see that any argument we made would have fallen on deaf ears, and I can't honestly say I wouldn't have done the same thing if I were in his shoes. We offered condolences and went our separate ways.

I'm conflicted and disturbed because I think his flying the flag upside down disrespects everything that we all have fought for, that he fought for, and that his sons died for.

What would you have done?? Could anything else have been done?

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 12 at 2015 8:21 AM

SGT Jim Z. — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 08:21:20 -0500

Although flying the flag upside down is the sign for dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. He is entitled to his opinion as you know he defended his right to express his opinion and his sons paid the ultimate price. I believe you that you SFC Richard M. and your friend did exactly the right thing.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Feb 12 at 2015 8:26 AM

MAJ Jim Steven — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 08:26:51 -0500

There isnt much you can do in this situation...You could befriend and try and convince him otherwise, I bet he would be a very interesting person to talk to.

There is a little bit of "freedom of speech" in this...even though you may not like what he is saying, he still in entitled to that right.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 8:36 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 08:36:28 -0500

I think if he is flying it as a sign of distress than he knows that is proper and not as a sign of disrespect. I can certainly see how many others could think it is improper and therefore disrespectful though.

Response by SFC Douglas Davis made Apr 8 at 2015 8:49 AM

SFC Douglas Davis — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 08:49:20 -0400

He is one of those people who believe that the country is on the wrong path. They can be as hard to talk to as a rabid environmentalists. Unless you were to befriend him and have many long discussions your chances of changing his mind are nil. There are times when things bother us that we have to walk away if not it becomes a confrontation shown on the nightly news.