TO THE EDITOR:

President Carter is being Short Changed. Historical etiquette states that the American Flag should be flown at half-staff after the death of a president or a former president for 30 days. The level of respect attached to the symbolism associated with the lowering of the flag to half-staff today pales in comparison to when these actions were taken in years past.  In Minnesota the American Flag has been flown at half-staff dozens of times since 2019, for reasons not outlined by historical flag etiquette.  While it is sad every time a policeman, firefighter or EMT loses their life, or when there’s a school shooting, or similar event, the lowering of the “American” flag is meant to commemorate the death of a current or former members of the federal, state or territorial government or judiciary. Lowering the flag to half-staff for individuals not originally outlined demeans the meaning behind the gesture and demotes its significance to that of a participation trophy. I feel sorry for former President Carter and his family, for what was once a solemn showing of respect has been cheapened by current practices.

Bret R. Collier 

Big Lake, MN

TO THE EDITOR:

I want to express thanks for publishing the article, “Team effort behind Becker Christmas Eve meal” written by Mark Kolbinger published on January 2. The support provided by the Patriot, Becker Township Board, and the entire community for this Christmas Eve Dinner and the activities done through the Becker Legion, Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion (SAL), are very much appreciated! The mission of the American Legion is stated within our Constitution Preamble: FOR GOD AND COUNTRY WE ASSOCIATE OURSELVES TOGETHER FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; To maintain law and order; To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars; To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; To make right the master of might; To promote peace and goodwill on earth; To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

In this time of political and social divisiveness, it was a pleasure to live out this mission and we hope for continued support for our activities in the future. Kind regards,

Mark Swanson

Becker, MN