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Saturday, June 30, 2007

LETTER TO EDITOR: MISUSE OF UNITED STATES FLAG?

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Editor:
It's an unfortunate reality that almost every news source, including the DESERET NEWS, does a very poor job of reporting news, frequently omitting important facts, which can lead to misunderstanding.
Such may be the case now, as what I'm writing about is based on the facts (or possibly, the lack of them) reported in the DESERET NEWS, as I perceived them.
Was Sergeant Stephen Anderson a military veteran?
If not, his casket should have been draped with a State of Utah flag, and not a United States flag.
I also noticed in the photograph that his son, Shawn Anderson, wore a United States flag on the right breast of his uniform.
Although that is common practice for many law enforcement agencies, it is a misuse of the United States flag.
Also, back when I worked at the Utah State Prison, our job title was "Correctional Supervisor", not "Corrections Officer".
But, I realize that things do change, for when I worked there, we wore three-piece vested suits and ties, not police uniforms, and the Department of Corrections hadn't even been created.
Now, why is it a misuse of the United States flag when it is worn on a police uniform, or used to drape a slain police officer's casket?
Are you familiar with the old saying, "Familiarity breeds contempt"?
The United States flag is used too often, in too many places, with no thought given to the effect of overuse or misuse.
Displaying the United States flag at STATE functions, such as the funeral of a slain police officer, detracts from the sovereignty and recognition of the State of Utah, to whom Sergeant Anderson and his son have sworn their allegiance, and from whom they obtained their certification.
Only if a police officer is actually a military veteran, should their casket be draped with a United States flag.
Otherwise, it should be draped with a State of Utah flag.
Likewise, the United States flag should NOT be displayed on the uniforms of police who are certified by the State of Utah.
(As a side observation, Utah's public safety officers should be barred from service in the National Guard or Army Reserve, lest they be called away from their job.)
Public schools and other state office buildings should display the State of Utah flag, and not the United States flag.
Only federal office buildings and federal military installations should display the United States flag.
This may seem to be a petty matter, but it is an essential step in reasserting the sovereignty of the State of Utah. 
Thank you.
John Robert Mallernee 
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Sunday, June 24, 2007

Celtic Festival Report

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

Yesterday, I attended the CELTIC FLING AND HIGHLAND GATHERING in Pennsylvania.

In past years, I have attended the CELTIC FESTIVAL OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND and the NATIONAL TARTAN DAY celebration in Alexandria, Virginia, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I went with two other residents from the Soldiers' Home, "Gunny", a retired United States Marine Corps master gunnery sergeant, and "Chief", a retired United States Navy chief petty officer.

All three of us wore our tartan kilts, with short-sleeve khaki shirts, and with our military ribbons pinned to our shirts.

"Gunny" and "Chief" wore pith helmets, while I wore my beret.

"Chief" drove us in his car, and because "Gunny" and "Chief" had never seen one used, and both were considering whether to purchase one, I brought along my Tom Tom Go 510 portable GPS device.

The only difficulty in the drive was a massive traffic jam in Maryland, due to highway construction.

Since the "Chief" is new to the Soldiers' Home, I explained that this type of thing is normal for the District of Columbia megalopolis, and that he should always carry plenty of food and water in his car, because some Washington, D.C. traffic jams can leave you stranded, unable to move, for many hours.

As we drove through Pennsylvania, both "Gunny" and "Chief" commented on the healthy appearance of the corn fields we were passing, and we all were impressed by the well maintained Amish and Mennonite farms, homes, and communities.

With the guidance from my portable GPS device, we eventually arrived at the Celtic Fling and Highland Games.

Prior to obtaining our tickets, we were screened by security guards, who were checking the contents of all bags.

It was at that point, that I commented, "I think we should leave.", which prompted a reaction from the female security guard, but "Gunny" and "Chief" had their backs to me and could not hear what I was saying.

Yes, others think this indignity is justified by the violence in our world, but I emphatically hold the opposite opinion.

This is still supposed to be the United States of America, and you do NOT acquire safety and security by compromising on individual liberty.

Security did let us keep our sgian dubhs, but wrapped duct tape around them.

As far as I'm concerned, that alone, is sufficient reason to never attend the Celtic Fling and Highland Games in Pennsylvania.

But, it gets worse.

The entrance fee at the Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland was fifteen dollars ($15.00), and the ceilidh was free, but the entrance fee to attend the Celtic Fling and Highland Games was twenty-five dollars ($25.00), and admission to the ceilidh costs extra.

Very few clans were represented, and the location of clan tents was not listed in any information, event programs, or signs.

I think I could count the total number of clan tents on the fingers of one hand, and those were VERY hard to find, being hidden way at the back of the festival grounds.

The biggest disappointment was that my own Clan Henderson did not have a tent there.

But, as the day went on, I could see why.

Unlike the Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland, which is very spread out, the Celtic Fling and Highland Games is far more concentrated, which means you're continually listening to amplified rock music, no matter where you are.

When I'm attending a Celtic or Highland event, I prefer traditional music.

I didn't hear even one single Scottish pipe band the entire day.

We did encounter a few isolated pipe band members wandering around, but never saw or heard them perform.

I did enjoy watching some Irish step dancing competition, but never saw any Highland dancers.

I also enjoyed seeing all the pretty ladies, some of whom weren't wearing a whole lot, making my view even more pleasurable!

There were (I think) only three (03) dogs at the festival, and I like seeing the furry critters, so I wish more critters were allowed in.

When folks can bring their pets (as long as they have friendly dispositions and are properly controlled), it improves everything.

One of the sad things about all three festivals, is that you never see any display of the Confederate battle flag, which in years past, was always part of the ceremonies.

Because we were wearing military attire, we encountered numerous other veterans and active duty personnel, who came up to greet us.

Thus, we three were visibly prominent ambassadors for the Soldiers' Home.

We were surprised to meet one of the staff from the Soldiers' Home, Gregory Moore.

The day was sunny and hot, and "Gunny" and "Chief" were enjoying their pints, revelling in all the attention, and smooching with the ladies.

But, since I don't imbibe, and knowing the effects of alcohol, I was rather uncomfortable observing all this.

Later, as we wandered down the hill to see a performance, "Chief" had a bad fall, tumbling over some benches.

Since he is about to turn eighty-one years old, this really concerned me.

He insisted he was alright, but as we walked along, a lady came up and pointed out that the chief was bleeding.

He had badly scraped his arm, but refused to seek medical care.

It got worse, as the chief staggered backwards, nearly falling again.

He needed assistance, but kept refusing it.

Fortunately, an Emergency Medical Technician approached, and he was able to persuade the chief to go to the First Aid Station.

They bandaged him and kept him for observation for a while, then came out to talk to me.

The chief had low blood pressure and needed to eat.

They persuaded him to hand over his car keys to me, and told me I would be permitted to drive to the First Aid Station to pick up "Gunny" (who by now, had also fallen) and "Chief".

I had an awful time finding my way out of the festival, because I was unfamiliar with the area, and didn't know how to get to the gate where we first entered.

Then, I had to hunt for the car, which because of it's Oklahoma license plates and large "NAVY" bumper sticker, was more easily located.

Then came the worst part.

The medics had said a parking lot attendant could tell me how to drive to the First Aid Station.

But, the day being mostly over, there were no evident parking lot attendants, as I drove around and around and around, getting more and more frustrated and worried.

Finally, I saw a speck of orange way off in the distance, and headed for it, knowing it was the orange safety vest worn by the parking lot attendants.

He pointed out which direction I should go, and spoke with someone on the two way radio.

Even with his directions, I still got lost, but it became easier to eventually find the correct route.

I picked up "Gunny" and "Chief", and we began our return journey, guided by my portable GPS device.

We stopped at a restaurant, and "Chief" treated us to supper.

But first, I had to go to the restroom and wash up, having gotten "Chief's" blood all over my hands.

"Gunny" and "Chief" both ate breakfasts of eggs, hash browns, bacon, and ham, while I ate spaghetti and meatballs.

It was a restaurant where I had to ASK (twice!) for a glass of water with my meal.

During the meal, because "Chief" is new to this area, and I was driving his car, I suggested we top off his fuel tank before we got back to the Soldiers' Home, and in fact, I suggested he should top it off before entering Washington, D.C., because the city is so dangerous, that I prefer not to ever stop for any reason.

We talked about the new resident's safety manual that had recently been distributed, with its advice that Soldiers' Home residents store food, drinking water, and medication in their individual rooms.

"Chief" had difficulty understanding why that was necessary, but I told him of my own previous experiences with water being unavailable at the Soldiers' Home, or both water and air being contaminated, and of the major riots that had happened, one of which I personally witnessed.

We all three wished the Soldiers' Home was located in a safer area.

As we drove along, I talked about my firm belief in the benefits of defensive driving, including a survival tactic of always having enough room between myself and the nearest vehicle, that I could pull out and escape in a life or death emergency.

That literally can make a huge difference in the District of Columbia, especially if someone starts shooting.

Late that night, we arrived back at the Soldiers' Home, exhausted, but safe.

Having witnessed the demonstration of my Tom Tom GO 510, both "Gunny" and "Chief" were now convinced that purchasing a portable GPS device would be well worth the money.

I will never again attend the Celtic Fling and Highland Games in Pennsylvania.

As far as my own experience with Celtic festivals goes, the one in Pennsylvania is totally bogus.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

My New Video: "A SON OF SCOTLAND IS GONE"

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

I have just posted my second video on YOU TUBE and on MY SPACE.

It's a song I wrote in honor of the chief of Clan Henderson, who had passed away, and his eldest son, who became the new chief of our clan.

As you can see, I'm still learning how to do this correctly.

The first video I did, the image was blurry.

On this second video, there's too much light.

Anyway, please keep checking my videos at MY SPACE and at YOU TUBE, because I will be recording more of the songs I wrote.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

My Very FIRST Internet Video (Singing A Song I Wrote)!!!

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

I have just posted my very first video on YOU TUBE.

I filmed this with my KODAK Z-710 digital camera.

The picture is a little blurry, but the audio is better than I expected.

Maybe, in the future, I can figure out how to make the image sharper?

Now that I know how to do this, I can start recording all the other songs I've written.

Nifty, huh?

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Diamond Rio Music Video: "IN GOD WE STILL TRUST"

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

Here is a link to a music video by Diamond Rio, "IN GOD WE STILL TRUST", a song I had never heard until today.

I have read that this song has been pulled from air play, and at least one other web site (that I personally know of) with this song has been shut down.

No, I can't confirm that a nefarious conspiracy against this song exists.

But, like I said, I never heard this song until today.

Have you?

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Julius Victor "Funeral" SNAFU

Comrades in Arms:

On Monday 21 May 2007, I alerted you that JULIUS VICTOR, who served in Viet Nam with the 101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagles", had passed away.

Julius Victor was the only other resident here at the Soldiers' Home, beside myself, who was in the 501st Signal Battalion ("Vox Aquilae", or "Voice of the Eagle") in Viet Nam, and in that capacity, Julius Victor operated the Military Affiliate Radio System (i.e., "M.A.R.S.") for the 101st Airborne Division.

Julius Victor was born in 1931 on the Army's birthday, 14 June.

Like myself, he had also been adopted as a baby, and he asked me to use my computer to try and find out about his ancestors, which I did.

The "VICTOR" family originated in Holland.

Yesterday afternoon, I finally was notified of services to be held this morning, at 1000 Hours, Wednesday 06 June 2007 in the Rose Chapel at the Armed Forces Retirement Home.

This was not sufficient time for the National Capital Area Chapter of the 101st Airborne Division Association to organize and be in attendance at the services.

So, I dressed up in my Sunday best, wearing my medals, and went to the funeral.

It's a good thing the guys from the National Capital Area Chapter did not drive all the way over here to the Old Soldiers' Home.

It was NOT a funeral.

It was a memorial service.

There was no body and no casket.

After the service, I inquired of the Catholic priest, Chaplain Higgins, when was the funeral held, where was Julius Victor buried, and did he receive the military honors to which he was entitled?

Chaplain Higgins was unable to tell me what became of Julius Victor.

How can a body just disappear?

He wanted to know where the expected representatives were from the 101st Airborne, and I explained that no one was notified until it was too late.

I still do not know if old soldiers who die here at the Soldiers' Home receive the military honors, for I never see any uniformed military personnel at any of our funerals.

The Soldiers' Home used to have its own mortician and mortuary, but that has been closed down.

So now, bodies are sent to private funeral contractors, and no one knows what becomes of them, especially if they have no family or friends to ask questions.

When we had our own mortuary, we were able to visit and bid farewell to our comrades, and courtesy transportation was provided to and from the burial.

I do not know why the administrative staff here at the Soldiers' Home never put a notice in my mailbox, or came to my room.

I'm extremely reclusive and seldom leave my room for any reason.

I leave the ringer turned off on my telephones, but I can still receive voice messages on my computer, and I constantly check my e-mail.

Chaplain Higgins claimed he tried to call me, but he never left a message in my voice mail.

Chaplain Higgins claims he sent me an e-mail, but I never received it.

During our conversation, he kept trying to shift responsibility for the debacle on ME, as though this whole thing was MY fault!

Unfortunately, I do not know of any chain of command or accountability beyond this Soldiers' Home, so the administrators and staff can do just about anything they want.

Anyway, I reckon I've done all I can do.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan.