PARADE OUR COLORS - AN OPEN LETTER TO THE U. S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

PARADE OUR COLORS - AN OPEN LETTER TO THE U. S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
by Andy Weddington
Friday, 19 August 2016

Feedback is the breakfast of champions. Ken Blanchard

Last evening I watched American Ashton Eaton win his second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the decathlon. 

For his incredible prowess heaving, hurdling, hurling, jumping, putting, running, sprinting, and vaulting Mr. Eaton earned the title 'World's Greatest Athlete.'

Bravo!, Mr. Eaton, Bravo! How refreshing in contrast to the embarrassment caused by four of our swimmers. 

At the end of the final event - 1,500 meters - he graciously congratulated other competitors and then walked towards his support camp - coaches and family. 

He, emotional, hugged them. 

Then someone handed him a folded American flag.

Mr. Eaton, walked back to the track, unfolded our flag and draped it over his shoulders, as if a cape, for a "victory lap."

And he is not the only American to have so acted in victory. 

When this "tradition" - ongoing for decades - started moot.

It should end!

The practice is not classy. Nor is it in accordance with flag etiquette.

And though an understandable moment of great personal achievement and national pride, there's a proper way to duly demonstrate.

Simply, our champions should be handed our colors affixed to a lightweight staff.

At port or held high our countrymen, representing us all, should parade our colors so they can fly.

To the U. S. Olympic Committee, coaches, and athletes...

Fix this, please! 

In the spotlight on the world stage, ambassadors and representatives and most importantly examples are you. 

Children are watching. Some who aspire to such levels of greatness. There's duty to teach them, by example.  

For your convenience, the code on proper respect for our colors: 

http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title4-section8&num=0&edition=prelim

Alas, few circumstances permit our colors to be rightfully "worn" - one is covering the remains of a veteran. 

For veterans, freedom; for others to compete. 

Not a champion athlete but a Marine veteran, that's my feedback.

Time for breakfast.