Know flag etiquette

I am writing in regard to the story in the Bangor Daily News, June 6, “Flap over flag irks state prison guard.”

Officer James Quarles was right in correcting the error of Warden Jeffrey Merrill in raising the American flag from half staff. Officer Quarles being a military veteran knows fully well the sacrifices of our flag, the men and women who gave their lives for the freedom that it represents.

This is a good example of the lack of knowledge about flag etiquette. Warden Merrill and his deputy, Al Barlow, are the ones who should be reprimanded. Gov. King should step forward and erase the reprimand on Quarles’ work record and educate his warden on flag etiquette.

Paul Shedd

Lincoln

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Jeff Merrill was wrong for what he did and should be taught proper flag etiquette. What I don’t understand is how this man can even think of laying the blame on someone who has served our country and took time to learn about the very color he defended. There was an article in the news about a young boy wanting to put the flag at half staff for his friend’s funeral. He went through the proper channels to find out what the proper etiquette was.

If someone in grade school knows enough to call the proper people then maybe Merrill should. If he has a problem with proper flag etiquette then maybe he should seek out our veterans organizations to help him. Our flag has a deep meaning to most Americans. Why should a guard be reprimanded for being right when Merrill was the one at fault?

Quarles is being reprimanded because Jeff Merrill was wrong. A veteran realizes what our flag really means.

Gloria Cowing

Brownville Junction