OLD GLORY: Our recent story on Mike Smith being cited for flying
flags at his East Main Street business – city officials said it
wafted into the street and created a hazard – has brought us a
steady stream of e-mail.

Air Force Master Sgt. Troy Ordiway of Felton, Del., writes to us
from Camp Bucca, Iraq: “Since when is the American flag considered
a ‘temporary sign’? Hopefully, to most Americans, the American flag
isn’t considered a sign or worse – temporary!”

“Maybe Bradford City Code Enforcement officer George Corignani
needs to cite a different city ordinance and, if one doesn’t exist,
drop it.

“There must be more important issues for Mr. Corignani to
address as a public official for the city of Bradford than
this.

“I salute you, Mr. Smith, for your 23 years of military service
and for standing up for what you believe in. And I thank you for
thinking of the troops by displaying your flags in front of your
business. Good luck at your hearing on Aug. 11. Hopefully, a little
common sense prevails.”

We also heard from Tech Sgt. Edward A. Chandler, Operation Iraqi
Freedom: “While speaking to my father today from a base in the
Middle East, he told me of the recent events involving Bradford
City Code Enforcement officer George Corignani and Veteran Mike
Smith. I salute Mr. Smith for his patriotism.”

“The flag is a symbol of the many freedoms we enjoy here in the
United States. The right of every American to display the flag was
borne from the sacrifice of every person, past and present, who
answered the call to serve their country.

“As one of those who answered the call, I find it troubling that
a city government would challenge the right of an individual to
show support for those of us serving this nation.

“The patriotism shown in the days following 9-11 helped unite
our nation to battle an unseen enemy. Being able to see such
patriotism is what drives us to persevere. While patriotism is
still in the hearts of all, it is seldom seen in such a way as it
was following that September morning.

“Mr. Smith continues to show his patriotism in that way, from
his heart and his store front. Thank you, Mr. Smith.”

We have a few more e-mails to share with readers tomorrow.