The new Welcome to Simi Valley sign is indeed a beautiful sign, apparently sponsored by the Rotary Club, a very fine organization with a rich history of devotion to the community.

However, myself a veteran and also a patriot, I was deeply disturbed to find that the protocol and respect for our American flag had been overlooked by the implementation of two flagpoles of equal stature that displayed the American flag flying at the same level as the Rotary flag.

Understanding the Rotary Club to be a fine organization, this is inherently incorrect and disrespectful.

Dating back to the Civil War it was an honor for a man to carry the American flag into battle understanding that this meant almost certain death, since the enemy would zero in on the flag carrier.

However, even if one should fall, there was always someone else to take their place. I understand that some people may think I'm just being silly; however, to me our American flag stands for so much more, and out of respect for the many brave men and women who provided my freedom with their lives, I will always fight for respect of the flag. Robert A. Andrews Simi Valley