As two retired naval officers folded up the American flag at my father's funeral, solemnly presenting it to my mother, I was filled with disgust having seen earlier in the day our former president (Donald Trump) standing in front of two American flags.

This is an individual who received five deferments to avoid Vietnam. The individual who criticized Senator John McCain's service, saying, “I like people who weren’t captured.” McCain, a veteran who served in Vietnam, spent over five years in captivity, enduring torture, and lived the rest of his life with disabilities sustained as a result of his service.

This is the same former president who chose to not visit Aisne-Marne American cemetery, where he is quoted as saying, “Why would I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers.”

I seem to remember, at Charlottesville, the Confederate flag was proudly waved. Remember, this is when Trump said, “Very fine people, on both sides.” And yes, Confederate flags and Trump banners dominated the Jan. 6 insurrection of our United States Capitol. Seven people dead, a building that represents every tenet of democracy our veterans gave their lives defending.

I would respectfully ask our former president that, if he is going to be seen in public, please consider using Confederate flags and Trump banners in the background. Be respectful of the millions of veterans who fought and died for the United States.

Barry Thomas

Slippery Rock