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发帖数: 901 | 1 A Michigan man whose son died in Iraq has burned the state flag of New
Jersey after New Jersey flew its flags at half-staff in memory of Whitney
Houston last week.
"They're watering down the term of what a true hero is these days," John
Burri told ABC News. "I thought it was offensive to every family's fallen
solider out there, and it cheapens the meaning of lowering the flag."
The 60-year-old's decision to torch the New Jersey flag on his Wyoming, Mich
., patio grill came after New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie ordered flags flown
at half-staff to honor the singer Whitney Houston, a Garden State native
who was buried in her home state on Sunday.
Burri believes flags should only be lowered for those who died serving their
country.
"My intention was not to hurt anyone, especially the residents of New Jersey
," said Burri. "My intention was to show Gov. Christie how offensive it was.
"
The governor has defended his decision, calling Houston a "cultural icon."
"Her accomplishments in her life were a source of great pride for many
people in this state and for the state as a whole, and so on that basis I
think she's entitled to have that recognition," Christie told reporters last
week.
After seeing Christie's comments on the local news, Burri said he set out on
a mission to honor his son, Army Spc. Eric Burri, who died in 2005 when an
explosive device detonated near the Humvee in which he was patrolling.
Burri bought a replica New Jersey flag, tied it to the back of his car and
drove around two veteran memorials in Grand Rapids, Mich. He then stopped at
his son's burial site before going home and burning the flag.
"Best $12.95 I've ever spent," said Burri.
"Sometimes, you have to do something drastic and extreme for people to
listen," Burri said. "I just hope it made a point that maybe someone will
pick this up and get a new law made for flag etiquette."
Federal law gives governors of American states power to have flags lowered
for residents or state officials. |
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