From the moment I first saw a thin blue line flag, I considered it to be a desecration of the American flag. I still do.
Today I bought one.
I try to fly Old Glory every day. I’m proud of the flag and what it stands for. I admit I’m surprised that it hasn’t been stolen or worse.
Why is today different. My opinion has not changed, and I doubt it ever will.
One of the first things I saw this morning was the news of the murder of Toledo Police Officer Anthony Dia. His last radio transmission: “Tell my family I love them.” The senseless killing of police officers is fast becoming a daily occurrence. I have been retired for decades, yet I still bleed Blue for my brothers and sisters wearing the badge.
I will fly the thin blue line below Old Glory with pride and love.
George Cramer #073
Sergeant (Retired)
San Leandro California Police Department
Good one, George.
Thanks
A very good way to put it. I fly Old Glory everyday with pride. I have a Blue Line Flag, but have not put it out. Our flag, represents liberty to me. Liberty: “the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views”
George, Not a problem.
Wait until football starts and they begin playing the black lives matter anthem before the National Anthem…………..
George:
I agree with you 100%, including originally thinking it was a desecration of the US Flag. I still have conflicting feelings about that, but to my mind the Blue Line Flag is a symbol very much needed by law enforcement in todays world. Then I began to notice that the death police officers, whether by accident, or murder were pretty much ignored by the public at large. There was a young Phoenix officer that was murdered out on I-10 about a year and a half ago, not far from my home. Killed by his cover officer’s gun stolen by a suspect who resisted arrest. Local media did cover the story and officers erected and maintained a road side memorial at the spot, but now I-10 has paved over the area.
Three days ago a Peoria PD motor officer died in a freak one vehicle while leaving a class of youngsters he had been teaching. There was a small, but informative article in the “Republic” paper, but that was it.
To the point, I try to fly both the American Flag and the Blue Stripe Flag, one on either side of my garage door. When assaulting police officers, and sometimes murdering them had become a sport, it is the least I can do.
You and I took an oath many years ago to “defend and support the constitution and the laws of the land”. As far as I know, that oath didn’t end with our retirement.
Semper Fidelis
JAK
Well said, George. Thank you for your years of sacrifice.
I stand with you on this, brother. Let’s keep them both flying.
I fly our country’s Flag, every day I am in residence, Only taking it down when we are out of town. I respect the blue line flag but never bought one even though I have lost friends and acquaintances over my career. Recently I bought one to replace my pirate flag on my golf cart (I was an Asset Forfeiture Sgt. when I worked Narcotics.) Now It will share time with my Blue Line Flag. Enough is enough and these officers deserve my respect.
San Oates #S91
Sergeant (Retired)
San Mateo County Sheriffs Office
I grew up in a small town where crime was almost nonexistent. Only after I moved to a big city did I see the hazards law enforcement officers face. They put themselves in danger every day, sometimes every hour, for people they don’t know. Yet, their wrongful deaths while on duty seldom receive more than brief mentions in the media. In reverse, when an LEO does something wrong, the media broadcasts it for weeks. People are demanding that all LEOs receive sensitivity training to avoid these situations. Perhaps it’s time to retrain the media in unbiased reporting instead.
I agree with all comments. I joined the SLPD in 1951 at 21 years of age and worked with a fantastic group of people who taught me what it was to a police officer. I took leave of the department in 1960 shortly after I married. I made lifelong friends that I stayed close too while they lasted. While I went on to a successful career in real estate and banking I still bleed blue and cannot believe the action of the City Councils, particularly San Leandro in defunding the police. I still have an opinion at 91 years and make it known. And yes, I am still married (61 years) to the wife that made me quit.