Flag Burning
In March 2010, IVAW Board member Matthis publicly burned the American Flag while acting as event speaker at a protest. The event at Lafayette Park was captured on video and photos. The reaction from IVAW members ranged from resigning to producing their own flag burning videos. IVAW’s Executive Director, Jose Vasquez issued a statement in response to the event.
The message Matthis chose to convey represents his views and those of some other members in IVAW. It does not, however represent the position of all members nor the official position of the organization. While we endorsed the ANSWER march, there was no official endorsement of the message Matthis conveyed. Nor was official endorsement sought. Matthis represented his personal views which resonate with some but not all members. Our messaging is important and in the future we should all make an effort to reach consensus with those we organize with in an open way about how we represent IVAW.
In September 2010 Matthis resigned from the Board of Directors.
Read more about this topic: Iraq Veterans Against The War
Famous quotes containing the words flag and/or burning:
“What is Americanism? Every one has a different answer. Some people say it is never to submit to the dictation of a King. Others say Americanism is the pride of liberty and the defence of an insult to the flag with their gore. When some half-developed person tramples on that flag, we should be ready to pour out the blood of the nation, they say. But do we not sit in silence when that flag waves over living conditions which should be an insult to all patriotism?”
—Anna Howard Shaw (1847–1919)
“Tyger! Tyger! burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?”
—William Blake (1757–1827)