Whitney Houston was laid to rest this past weekend amid a series of celebrations and accolades of her life which (in some opinions) ended way too soon.  But there were other people who decided that her send off was over the top.  Take John Burri of Wyoming, Michigan.  When he heard that the Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, wanted to honor Houston by lowering the flag to half staff, Burri decided that something had to be done. In an ABC reportage Burri said that the flag is a symbol of freedom and it should be used to honor those who've served and gave it all.

"They're watering down the term of what a true hero is these days," John Burri told ABC News. "I thought it was offensive to every family's fallen solider out there, and it cheapens the meaning of lowering the flag."

Granted it was not the United States Flag, which I personally would have had an issue with burning, unless it was being retired.  And the laws of our great land protect those who so desire to burn one.  But that does not make it right. 

Burri wanted to get a point across that his son gave it all and that even though Houston was a great pop icon and a superstar, she did not deserve the honor of having a flag flown at half staff.

This is an issue that will not go away any time soon. Christie, has a long track record of lowering the flag to honor celebrities. For example:  Morristown Coach Harry Shatel and E Street Band Saxophonist Clarence Clemons are two examples of the 42 people on that list.

Now this is MY opinion, but I believe there are other ways to honor such people.  If you are deserving, get the flag lowered.  If not, don't.  Too many people who have earned the right to do so have not been properly honored.  Let them have the first chance to be so.  Then let the rest fall into line.

If it was your son or daughter who died in a battle, would you do the same? Visit our Facebook to let us know!

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