Both my wife and I are honorably discharged United States Navy veterans. We love God, this country, our flag and what it represents, dearly. When a child faces expulsion from school for being honest, and government officials continue to receive our tax dollars for alleged continual lies and deception, we have come to realize our beloved nation has been thrown into a state of distress by our so-called leaders. This Saturday, June 14, is National Flag Day. A day that serves deep within my soul to give honor to the banner I love, and stand to believe represents truth, liberty, and justice. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be moved to do or even say this; on Saturday, June 14, 2014, and for that day only, I will be presenting Old Glory, upside down, as a distress call to my fellow countrymen as to how I understand the current direction of our country, the United States of America, under it’s current ‘leadership’ to be traveling. This will be a somber event for me to perform as I strive to adhere to flag etiquette as much as possible. May God Bless the United States of America, land that I love. On June 15 I will return my United States flag to proper display status. (Sent June 12, 2014.)

The Press was unable to print the above in the Friday, June 13, Opinion page because I sent it in late Thursday afternoon. I accept and understand their deadline.

I did invert my U.S. Flag on Flag day, June 14, which rendered its appearance odd and very ominous. Did anyone notice? Did anyone care? Did anyone know it was National Flag day, proclaimed as such by the President?

This Friday is July 4, Independence Day; the national holiday commemorating the adoption and signing of the Declaration of Independence of The United States of America 238 years ago.

And while a U.S. Marine sits mistakenly inside a Mexican jail, and an alleged deserter is rewarded with ransom, it is with great sorrow and concern I again choose to make this arduous statement. Friday, July 4, 2014, I will be presenting Old Glory upside down to display as a distress signal for my fellow countrymen; to take notice of what we believe to be the ‘State of the Union’ in its current governance. On Monday, July 7, 2014, I will return the Stars and Stripes to proper flying display. If you share these concerns, perhaps you may pause to contemplate this action, for “united we stand.”

My wife and I love this land with all our heart. We feel the need to speak ... now! ... What say you? May God bless and protect the United States of America.

GERALD AND JEANINE BAUERLE

Coeur d’Alene