Dear Sgt. Shaft:
The Citizens Flag Alliance (CFA) is nonpartisan, we have one mission and one mission only: to return to the people the right to protect their flag, a right taken away from us by the Supreme Court.

We are not here to harm the Constitution. The beauty of the flag amendment is that it does not change the constitution, it restores it. It takes the power over the flag back from the courts, who have declared the defecating on the flag is speech, and returns that power to the people.

The Constitution gives us the right to peacefully protest an action of our country. That is what we are doing. It does not give us the right to violently protest the foundation of our country. That is what the flag burners are doing.

Our concerns are not sentimental. Patriotism is our life blood, yet many fear we are bleeding to death. The great danger of becoming a less patriotic country is that it will result in the spawning of generations who will not care for their country and who will refuse to serve or to sacrifice for America. And, tragically, who will encourage the same behavior in their children.

This is a values issue and the entire debate over values is centered on what we teach our children. Most agree that flag burning is wrong, but what it teaches is worse. It teaches our children disrespect. It teaches that the outrageous acts of a minority are more important than the will of the majority. It teaches that our laws need not reflect our values.

In the movie about the greatest generation, "Saving Private Ryan", his simple, haunting, burning question was whether or not he was worth the sacrifices of Captain Miller and those who saved his life. Those opposed to he flag amendment tell us that the freedom to burn the flag, makes us worthy of their sacrifices.

If they could return they would be in the front lines in the battle to recapture their flag. Pvt. Ryan's saviors understood how precious free speech is, they died for it. What they would not understand is that defecating on the flag is speech. And neither did the authors of free speech, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson.

Captain Miller's dying words to Pvt. Ryan were: earn this. "Their flag wasn't earned to be burned".

We have been through one of the most divisive periods of American history. Many believe the greatest challenge facing the next Congress will be to prove that it is possible for both parties to come together on behalf of the people's well being.

What better proof of such resolve than to begin this Congress with the flag amendment, something that showcases unity, something that addresses our values and patriotic concerns, something near and dear to the people. And what better way to answer the pleas of those who for over a year have begged us to listen to the voice of 80 percent of the people.

On hundreds of battlefields our troops were united under Old Glory, they were inspired by the values it embodied and it brought them together for victory. It can do the same for a country and a Congress sadly divided.

It is time to stop wagging the dog and start waving the flag. It is time to save Pvt. Ryan's flag.

Maj. Gen. Patrick Brady (USA. Ret)
Chairman, Board of Directors
The Citizens flag Alliance, Inc.