TO THE EDITOR:

At a time when "Support Our Troops" signs stand in constant reminder and Minnesota combat veterans are returning home from war, the flagpole at the Fish Lake town hall lays on the ground in utter defeat and disgrace. Whether by wind or vandals, the United States flag, a proud symbol of our freedom and democracy, no longer flies outside the Fish Lake town hall.

Before its repair last year, the broken flagpole stood bare and desolate for over six months. It was briefly resurrected just prior to the March 2007 township elections, but was decimated again in June. While others celebrated their patriotism and allegiance on the fourth of July, our bruised and battered flagpole laid dead on the ground.

When World War II veteran Charles Lindberg recently passed away here in Minnesota, the local and national media outlets recounted his legendary story as one of the Marines who raised the first U.S. flag at Iwo Jima. The Minnesota legislature passed a resolution in 1995 to honor him as well. If he were still alive, what would Charles Lindberg say to Fish Lake township?

What could possibly explain the lack of a United States flag proudly displayed outside of a government building?

Fish Lake township supervisors Carter, Cupit, and O'Keefe, I implore you to permanently re-erect the United States flag outside the town hall as a lasting tribute and symbol for all patriotic Americans to proudly honor and respect.

God bless our troops.

God bless America.

Carla Heinke
Fish Lake Township