To The Editor:

The signal of the inverted American flag means "Distress, assistance needed." That is official flag etiquette. It is not flown upside-down to dishonor our present and past military personnel. From my son's serving in Iraq and Afghanistan to a distant direct relative's award of Medal of Honor, there have been, in my family, Purple Hearts and many near deaths. As a veteran I speak out in honor of all active and inactive military personnel and do not see the inverted flag as a symbol dishonoring them. I see it as a sure sign of the distress in which our country has become embroiled. Flying the inverted American flag is considered an exercise of the First Amendment right. I commend Keith and The Valley Reporter for publishing the sketch.

Ned Kelley

Fayston