Father of Fallen Soldier Burns NJ Flag Over Houston Tribute
A father of a fallen soldier took offense to flags being flown at half-staff after the death of Whitney Houston, and burned a New Jersey state flag to protest.
A Michigan man who is the father of a soldier who died in Iraq burned a New Jersey state flag in protest recently. The move by John Burri was a protest of New Jersey governor Chris Christie’s decision to fly the flags at half-staff to honor recently deceased singer and New Jersey native Whitney Houston. Burri felt that the tribute was a slap in the face to men and women who have died serving their country, and took matters into his own hands to protest.
Burri, who is 60, burned the New Jersey flag on the patio grill at his home. Said Burri, "My intention was not to hurt anyone, especially the residents of New Jersey. My intention was to show Governor Christie how offensive it was." Christie countered, "Her accomplishments in her life were a source of great pride for many people in this state and for the state as a whole, and so on that basis I think she's entitled to have that recognition."
Burri’s son, Eric, died in Iraq in 2005 when an IED exploded near the Humvee he was in. Of the replica flag he bought and burned, Burri noted, "Best $12.95 I’ve ever spent." He added, "Sometimes, you have to do something drastic and extreme for people to listen. I just hope it made a point that may be someone will pick this up and get a new law made for flag etiquette. I have some peace now. This is done. The word is out there. I hope and pray something is done to prevent this from ever happening again."
Burri, who is 60, burned the New Jersey flag on the patio grill at his home. Said Burri, "My intention was not to hurt anyone, especially the residents of New Jersey. My intention was to show Governor Christie how offensive it was." Christie countered, "Her accomplishments in her life were a source of great pride for many people in this state and for the state as a whole, and so on that basis I think she's entitled to have that recognition."
Burri’s son, Eric, died in Iraq in 2005 when an IED exploded near the Humvee he was in. Of the replica flag he bought and burned, Burri noted, "Best $12.95 I’ve ever spent." He added, "Sometimes, you have to do something drastic and extreme for people to listen. I just hope it made a point that may be someone will pick this up and get a new law made for flag etiquette. I have some peace now. This is done. The word is out there. I hope and pray something is done to prevent this from ever happening again."
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