More importantly, we need to reduce the frequency of usage of the Pledge and
the national anthem. Constant repetition in purely routine and even trivial
circumstances cheapens them.

One of the worst feelings concerning the flag that I have had was when I saw a
Cub Scout troop erode the practice of saying the pledge to little more than a
joke. They used my flag, I taught them how to fold it, etc., but after a year
or so, the pack leader said we could 'forego the usual ceremony' which he
reduced to a quick pledge, while he held one of those ridiculous little
hand-sized flags (3"x5" on a tiny stick). To him, it made more sense than
"dragging out the big flag every time". I felt more than a little disgusted
that this former Eagle Scout thought we were wasting time teaching the basics
of respecting the symbol of our nation.

v/r
Gordon
====(A+C====
USN SAR Aircrew

"Got anything on your radar, SENSO?"
"Nothing but my forehead, sir."