The nation’s largest wartime veteran’s organization is stepping up to support Donald Trump’s proposal Tuesday that there should be serious “consequences” for those who burn the American flag.
“Our brothers and sisters in arms have shed blood, even paid the ultimate sacrifice, in defense of our nation,” said Charles E. Schmidt, national commander of the 2.2 million-member American Legion. “The American flag represents their sacrifice and our nation’s way of freedom. No one should tolerate desecration of the American flag.”
The organization itself advocates for a constitutional ban on flag burning, and now calls on Mr. Trump to support such a ban. They already have the legislative language down, suggesting the phrase, “Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.”
The Legion emphasizes the symbolic nature of the flag.
“It’s time to protect Old Glory from being burned or otherwise desecrated by protesters,” Mr. Schmidt said. “We are not against civil protest or demonstrations. However, these protesters are not burning a piece of cloth. They are desecrating the sacrifice and honor of all past, present and future service members and their family members, who have given so much to this great nation.”
He also cites considerable support for a new law.
“Every state has passed memorializing resolutions to ratify a constitutional amendment prohibiting flag desecration,” Mr. Schmidt noted. “Additionally, the House of Representatives has passed an amendment six times by supermajorities, only to see it fall short in the Senate — by just one vote the last time it reached the floor.”
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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