Creation of a national veterans flag

[dehelsel]

We are asking American's everywhere to please write there
Congressman in support of the bill currently in congress to
create a national veterans flag as the symbol of the Nation's
admiration, respect, and appreciation for the veterans of service
in the Armed Forces of the United States.

David Watkins of Canton Ohio has submitted his design to the
U.S. Congress for consideration.

"I have designed a flag for the veterans because I think that
Americans have been taking veterans for granted," said Watkins,
a Vietnam veteran who served in the 101st Airborne Division.
"While sitting on my front porch in Canton, Ohio, on July 4,1997, I
noticed all the American flags flying from the neighborhood homes
I soon became aware that there was no flag strictly representing
all veterans. I began then and there thinking of an appropriate
design to honor all branches of the service in war and peacetime."

The Flag, 30 by 42 inches is silk screened on heavy weight white
polyester. "I chose a background of white representing freedom
upon which I placed fifty blue stars representing each state. The
red band represents the ultimate sacrifice made to keep our
Country free. The black silhouettes represent all the servicemen
and women and each branch of the armed services. In the center
stands the symbol of our freedom, the American Flag. Below is
placed a gold banner with the words LET US NEVER FORGET
THEM" Watkins said. "It is my hope that Americans everywhere
will fly this flag to show support for the men and women of the
U.S. Armed Services and to show that we have not forgotten
the sacrifice that the veterans and their families have given to
keep this country free.

You can see a photo of this flag at:
www.bloomfield-gifts.com/veteransflag

So I am asking American's everywhere to please write their
congressman today in support of this flag as the national
veterans flag, or you may send a letter of support to:

David Watkins
U.S. Veterans Memorial Flag
P.O. Box 004
Louisville, Ohio 44641

Thank you,

[colmurph]

I don't particularly like the design and I won't support your efforts in making a million dollars selling it to Veterans.

[Tamaroa]

The flag is not exactly awe inspiring. The intent may be there but the silhouettes appear cartoonish to me, not to mention the fact that the coastie silhoutte is wearing the wrong hat. Enlisted coasties wear a visored cover now. The dixie cup is history. Perhaps the background of the flag should be sky blue rather than white and maybe an eagle in the center clutching in its talons, the service ensigns of each of the 5 services. AND please do not forget that the Merchant mariners of WW2 are considered by act of law bonafide veterans as well.

In other words, nice idea but it needs a lot of work.

Regards,

Bill

[Packo]

But I was less than inspired when I saw the flag.

A simpler idea would be the old "stars" they hung in windows during WWII and Korea. White stars on blue backing were for those serving. Gold star meant the service member was KIA.

A simple blue flag with one Gold Star representing all that were killed and a simple white star symbolizing all that lived would be better, in my simple mind.

Actually, I don't think we need a flag. We got one....The Stars and Stripes. It will be on my coffin when planting season comes.

Some of us are lucky enough to have 2 flags.

Packo
USA
CSA