It is in sorrow that I write. The lack of respect by the Westbrook U.S. Post Office and Westbrook Housing by not lowering their flags during the period of remembering for Fire Capt. Joel Barnes during the week of March 4-10, ordered by the governor, demonstrates how far we have fallen from the honors established by our nation in generations before.

I hope this letter will serve as a wake-up call to think beyond ourselves, honor those people who’ve gone way beyond the call of duty in their service. Barnes died  in taking action to save a fellow firefighter, sacrificing himself. It is such a simple gesture to lower the flag of our land.

May we all become better.

Elizabeth (Betty) Dyer
Westbrook