I find it quite offensive that the driver of the Hartland fire truck, Brian Nielsen, taking part in the parade in the town of Albert Lea’s Fourth of July celebration, decided to fly a Confederate flag from the rear of his truck.

That flag is an insult to my father, and every other person who shed blood to defend this nation! It is nothing more than a symbol of treason, and a thinly veiled threat to every person of color who sees it. I am a white man who was raised in Texas, and I find it sickening that people still feel it is appropriate to blatantly display a banner that represents the horrible cruelty that was once accepted in certain parts of this nation.

That flag is nothing more than a celebration of treason and hatred!

In my opinion, Brian Nielsen should be reprimanded for insulting every person who fought for this nation in the past! My father lied about his age to join the Marine Corps, and fought in World War II and in Korea, where he was severely wounded and nearly died. The wounds he received defending this nation took 20 years off of his life, and I find it appalling for someone to offer such an insult to our veterans on this day, of all days! Brian Nielsen should be ashamed! The only flag to fly over the confederacy that mattered, was white!

 

Gregory S. Sisk

Canon City, Colorado