Memorial Day in Allentown

 

Today I was going through the messages that I have received from blog patrons. I do this often and look forward to feedback, both good and bad. Mixed among the overwhelming compliments for keeping it real and honest were a few comments that weren't the nicest probably out of fear of more truth (probably from the Administration). Anyways, I enjoy reading all the comments. 

I came across a message and a link to a Facebook post indicating that the mayor has chosen not to honor the brave military personnel that served our country and paid the ultimate price with their lives with any mention of Memorial Day or a ceremony to honor the fallen. Memorial Day is not an option, Pee Wee.    

Memorial Day isn’t a suggestion or a happy feeling holiday like Christmas or Thanksgiving. It is the one day set aside to honor the men and women who died wearing the uniform of the United States. And yet somehow, our mayor has managed to treat it like an optional day.

There will be no ceremony.

There will be no acknowledgment.

There will be no moment of silence.

And that’s the part that should bother every Allentownian. Because when our mayor can’t be bothered to honor our fallen veterans on Memorial Day, it tells you everything about his priorities. Clearly, symbolism only matters when it’s convenient. That tradition only matters when it can be turned into a photo-op. Sacrifice — real sacrifice — is something they remember only when it fits neatly into a press release.

This is about respect. Every community owes the people who never came home.

Adding insult to injury, it was also brought to my attention and forgive me I never noticed that the flags outside city hall are incorrectly displayed. The US Stars and Stripes are currently in the position of dishonor. 

 When you walk past city hall you expect at least one thing to be done right: the American flag should fly in a place of honor.

Does the flag appear as depicted on the left? US Flag code requires that when looking at it so that no flag is to “its own right”?

In the United States, no other flag should be placed above the American flag or, if they are to be placed on the same level, to the right (union (the blue field with stars) of the American flag.

Where is the City Hall flag? Hmmmmm?

City Hall will tell you it’s an oversight. A mistake. Something they’ll “look into.” But this flag has been intentionally placed by Tuerk in the position for several years despite being told several times, by individuals and groups that the flag is in the wrong place. He refuses to correct this issue and prefers to dishonor the flag.  

To make matters worse, the LGBTQ/Trans flag has been placed all the way to the far left — standing alone in the position of honor — while the American flag has been pushed to the end of the line. Is this really the new standard for the city? Why would anyone do this intentionally? The only reason that comes to mind is that they refuse to respect what it stands for and are not at all proud to be American. There can be no other acceptable reason. 

If they can’t honor the flag, what else aren’t they honoring?

Budgets? 

Residents? 

Transparency?

Take your pick – we know Tuerk and his Administration don’t respect the citizens of Allentown; their actions have proven this true time and time again.

And this guy wants to run for Congress?  No veteran, current service member, family of those who have lost a love one WILL EVER VOTE FOR YOUR CLOWN ASS!!