We as parents and members of the school system and society have failed terribly when our kids question why they have to stand to show respect and honor for their flag.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case, I tend to agree. But I would invite a wounded veteran to speak and explain why standing to respect and honor their flag is important.

We all have or had family members serving in war. So when you look at these veterans (men and women) on the streets, we can’t help but show compassion and respect for their loss. So, any time you’re asked to pledge to the flag, you are honoring these people and that’s why you should stand and face the flag and show respect to veterans and their families. The flag represents the ultimate price veterans and their families had paid.

Whenever I hear children question the flag and why should they have to stand and show respect, I know these kids are not aware of the meaning of the flag.

Somehow parents, the school system, community or society have not done a proper job explaining the flag’s importance. We should all stop and take time to enlighten these kids on the history and importance of the flag.

Until children become adults, they will always have questions, and as parents, you need to have proper answers.

The flag is probably one of the most important issues you will need to explain and it’s so important to stand and show respect.

As a veteran, I really feel hurt when kids disrespect the flag. I feel they are disrespecting my cousin’s death. He was 18 and was killed in Vietnam.

What’s worse is that I know it’s not the kids fault. The parents, school systems, communities and society have not stopped to explain the flag’s importance.

Terry Belanger, Biddeford