I honestly cannot believe we are actually discussing this issue here in America.

Have you heard about 13-year old Cody Alicea?

The California teen flies the American flag on the back of his bike. It’s his way of expressing patriotism … to honor his grandfather, a Vietnam Veteran.

Earlier this month, just a few days before Veterans Day, a supervisor with the Denair Middle School ordered the kid to stop flying the flag.  WHY? School officials say Old Glory might be offensive to some students.

School Superintendent Edward Parraz says they banned all national flags because of tensions following a Cinco De Mayo incident.

Cody Alicea refused and school officials now admit they made a mistake. 

“Apologies to all the veterans, all the Americans,” Parazz said.  “This is all on me.  I didn’t want this to happen to the community, the veterans, the whole country.”

But the apology came only after the incident drew national attention and criticism.

The district, now facing a lawsuit from a civil liberties group, says it will make sure no other student is told they can’t fly the American flag.

On Monday, hundreds of supporters swarmed the small town to escort Cody Alicea to school.  The boy, with his flag proudly waving on the back of his bike, led hundreds of bikers who supported his right to fly the red-white-and-blue.

Video Courtesy KOVR

Here’s what bothers me.  The school did not address the issue.  The problem has nothing to do with a kid wanting to fly the American flag.  The problem lies with those students making threats.  School officials should have removed the bullies … NOT the flag!

I’ll be honest.  I’m not very sympathetic to anyone who is offended by our flag. 

I’m more concerned about offending the families of those brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice and died in battle, the countless others who were injured, crippled and maimed fighting to protect our freedoms and our flag.  We owe it to them ... to honor their sacrifice … to honor our flag … and to fight to protect our freedoms here at home.

Cody Alieca may only be 13-years old, but we can all learn from his example to stand for what is right … and what is just.  That is what this country was founded upon.

I welcome your thoughts.

God Bless America!

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

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God Bless America!
 
Neil Middleton <><
WYMT Mountain News
Appreciate Freedom – Thank a Vet!

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