Open Letter: Why So Few Flags at Montana Area Sporting Events?

A Marine veteran here in Montana asked a good question for us to throw out there. Why are there so few real flags being flown at so many sporting events in our area? Here's his full letter.

OPEN LETTER ABOUT LACK OF FLAGS AT SPORTING EVENTS
Good afternoon,

I have a question that hopefully you can shed some light on or possibly bring some attention to.

First off I’m a father of six daughters ages from 21 down to 9. My daughters have been very active in basketball and volleyball for some time in the Shepherd school. My wife and I have traveled near and far chasing our daughter’s sports activities.

To rewind and give you some background on me. Being a United States Marine and serving our great country in Iraq has been one of my great accomplishments in life. Making it home from a tour in Ramadi, Hit and Haditha in 2005 has left a lasting impression on my life.

To my point;
My 19 year old daughter is now playing basketball for Miles City Community College. We have traveled to colleges in and out of Montana and I’ve noticed the colleges will be flying other countries flags but not the American flag. Miles City always has our American flag up. At first I thought it to be a mistake. Mistakes happen, I get that. Then we had basketball in New Town, ND no flag present they just showed a picture on the big screen of the American flag. Then Great Falls.. same thing… then to top it all off we had state volleyball at the field house in Bozeman….. No real flag presented for the National Anthem.

One of the most emotional things I’ve ever had come over me was sitting in our high school gym in Shepherd listening to the national anthem, watching the presentation of the American flag. Feeling the presence of my wife and young daughters standing next to me and seeing my two daughters in the line up made it a full circle of emotions for me. One not easily explained. One of great pride just knowing how much sacrifice is made to be free.

My question is, why on earth do these Colleges not have a real American Flag present during the National Anthem? Why is this not mandatory?

Thank you for everything you do for our great state! God Bless you and God Bless America!

Sincerely,
Travis Dennison