Editor's Note: The following is an exchange of letters between neighbors. The first letter was delivered anonymously to Schwob's mailbox on February 18. Her response appears second. Both are published here in full and without edits.
The Original Letter – Received Anonymously, Feb. 18
Hello Neighbor,
I'm so sorry that you hate our country so much that you feel the need to dishonor all Veterans and First Responders and their families by displaying your American flag at your home upside down. It is very disappointing to see.
Flying the flag in this manner is widely viewed as a sign of disrespect toward Veterans, Law Enforcement, and First Responders who have sacrificed significantly for our country. To those who have served and to the families of those who have lost loved ones, this display is deeply offensive and dishonors their contributions to all our freedoms.
I'm sure you have never sacrificed for your country, or you would understand what people who serve, have given up for people like you. Literally life and limb.
While I recognize you have the right to display signs and hang your flag as you choose, I hope you understand that doing so in this way conveys a message of hostility toward those who serve. Your silly signs displayed in your home's windows say “Love” but show no “Love” to the people that sacrifice so much for everyone else.
I encourage you to visit the local VFW for one of their weekend breakfasts, it is only a short walk away. Speaking with the veterans there might provide a different perspective on what the flag represents.
I hope you will consider how your decisions affect and hurt others in our community.
Regards,
Your Neighbors
(unsigned)
The Response – Signed and Delivered in Return
Dear “Anonymous Neighbors,”
You don't know me or you wouldn't have put this letter in my mailbox on Feb. 18. Let me tell you why that flag is a sign of distress for this country and my family.
My father joined the U.S. Army at age 17 and subsequently spent 21 years in the service of this country, including World War II. My brother joined the army (he was not drafted), he was sent to Vietnam in 1967 and was killed there at age 19. So yes, me and my family do, in the worst possible way, understand sacrifice for this country.
My father and brother were true patriots and would be appalled at the false patriotism exhibited by folks who wrap themselves in the flag while trying to destroy our democracy by working to suppress the vote, limit free speech by intimidation, and by the shameful spectacle of armed, masked, and unidentified thugs killing demonstrators in Minnesota.
The upside-down flag is a symbol of distress and is not a sign of disrespect for veterans, law enforcement, or first responders. It is protected by the First Amendment as free speech/protest. My so-called “silly sign” in the window clearly states what we stand for.
My regards to you as well,
Aline C. Schwob
(not anonymous)
P.S. I would be pleased to discuss this with you should you care to reveal your identity.
