RE: Oppose S.J. Res. 4, the Flag Desecration Constitutional Amendment
Dear Senator:
My name is Bob Cordes, and I am writing to you today as a veteran and member of the group called Veterans Defending the Bill of Rights to urge you to oppose S.J. Res. 4, the flag desecration constitutional amendment. I know you hear from many veterans who support this amendment, but you should also know that there are many veterans that have faithfully served our nation who strongly believe that amending the Constitution to ban flag desecration is the antithesis of what they fought to preserve.
I served in the Air Force for 22 years from 1956 to 1978 while stationed in Europe, Africa, Vietnam, Thailand, as well as the United States. As a fighter pilot, I was shot down in Vietnam and hospitalized for a year. I received a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, 21 Air Medals, and several Foreign Awards. When I regained flight status in 1972 I served a second tour of combat duty in Thailand. Today I live on my ranch in Mason, Texas.
I feel this country is unique because those in the minority, the unpopular, the dissident also have a voice. The freedom of expression, even when it hurts, is the true test of our dedication to the principles embodied in Stars and Stripes. It offends me that people would use this amendment to try to cast aspersions on the patriotism and valor of those who oppose it. The pride and honor I feel is not in the flag per se. It is in the principles that it stands for and the people who have defended them.
I am grateful for the many heroes of our country. The sacrifices of those who went before us would be for naught if an amendment were added to the Constitution that reduced our First Amendment rights for the first time in the history of our nation. I write to you today to attest to the fact that many veterans do not wish to exchange those fought-for freedoms or confuse it with protecting a simple piece of cloth.
For this reason, I urge you to oppose amending the US Constitution.
Sincerely
Robert A. Cordes
USAF Maj. Ret.