VOL. XIII, NO. 1
SEPTEMBER 24, 1971

Maryann Encourages Students To Respect American Flag
By MARYANN MARINO

Two hundred years ago our fathers won our independence. They gave us a symbol which we would always look up to and which we would always be proud of. It is a part of our heritage, a representation of our freedom. I'm speaking of the American flag.

Nowadays, with all of our riots, wars, and other problems, it is often hard to feel proud of Old Glory. She stands for something which is supposed to be the greatest country in the world, and yet, we have campus unrest, drug problems, and people living in slums and in the ghetto. There are many ugly phases of everyday life right in front of our faces.

Many times I have thought to myself and have been disappointed by the things I see around me, but my love for my country and her standard bearer outweighs anything else. If a persons doesn't like another person despite his faults, then he never really cared. It is the same with our flag. If you don't respect it, then you don't care.
 Whenever there is an assembly at this school, it seems that the majority of the attention is on something else entirely, when the pledge to the flag is being said. Others, who are respectful, are often distracted by other people. This is often the cause of chaos in the auditorium.

If a person isn't satisfied with this country, he shouldn't prohibit others from showing their respect. It really isn't too much trouble to show that you care. If you love your country it is easy. If you don't it may be a little difficult, especially if you are one of those who could care less.

Is it so much trouble to show respect for a country, which to me is the greatest country in the world? Think about it. If you haven't been putting your heart into it, get with it. Someday you may not have a chance, and you'll wish you did.