Rumor has it the American Legion will oppose the flag bill I wrote about here, as the House of Representatives tries to pass it on suspension, usually reserved for non-controversial bills.

The House version (HR 2061) is sponsored by Rep Richard Hanna (R-NY-24), and has the support of some 20-odd congressmen. An opponent to the bill points me to this blog post, asking if there is an inherent difference between military and civil service, and noting how many diplomats refuse to work in Iraq, Africa, and other areas critical to U.S. diplomacy. The House Committee report references the honors we give soldiers and says this bill aims to make up for the lack of the same honors for bureaucrats. The State Department, however, gives numerous meritorious service certificates and other power point honors.

Soldiers’ sacrifices are among the greatest the United States demands. We should not demean them in an effort to raise civilian bureaucratic morale.