My Grandfather is retired from the Army. He fought in 2 wars...the Korean and Vietnam. He is now in his 80's and is a very abrasive and sometimes inconsiderate man. With that said, I love him despite all of his flaws. He's my Papa.

Well, my Aunt bought my Grandmother a little garden flag and she bought my Papa a large American flag. Now that would of been all fine and dandy, but the American flag that she had bought said in large letters across it, "We Support The Troops". Now before I go any further, my Grandparents are HUGE supporters of the men and women in any branch of the military. Or any troop fighting in any war. When my Papa walked out on his front porch, he looked at that flag that my aunt had flying there, turned around, stomped back inside and told her, "GET THAT PIECE OF S*IT OFF OF MY HOME RIGHT NOW". (Like I said, he's pretty abrasive.) He feels that the American flag should be left alone. Anything covering any part of the flag is desecrating it....he feels like it's a slap in the face.

smokenhotmamma . . . Given who you have said he is, what he has been through, what he has done . . . Yes! . . He is entitled and has earned that right - No Matter How abrasive he is.
Having been-there-done-that . . . Trust Me! There are things he harbors that he will never speak of and that you, nor anyone else, will ever know.
I mean no disrespect to what was done or the thought behind it. I just ask . . . Respect his history, respect what 'he' sees, respect what you will never know is hidden, and fly a flag he will feel pride in. Political agenda aside . . His years are waning. Give him the memory he remembers . . and, respect that . . . no matter how abrasive or obnoxious he may seem. IMHO.

Oh no...I hope that most post didn't come across as if I was thinking that he was mean or out of line. Wasn't my intention. For a while I had actually what wondered what older generations thought about this particular subject...the people that fought in the past wars. I have the largest amount of respect and gratitude for my grandparents. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be the person I am today. From the moment I was born, I was HIS "little girl" and he's always treated me as such. He's a great man, and in my opinion, I think that my aunt should of known him well enough to not hang that up....she could of at least asked his opinion of those types of flags.

I think he has a right to that opinion, though he is not so eloquent in expressing it. He's old, I think they get a pass most times He has fought for the flag so I'd have to agree w/ FLSandman.

. . I, in no way, meant to imply anything but respect for what you asked and the thoughts that were behind the family's intentions. I honor you, and the family, for your caring, your consideration, and what you tried to do.
Guess I'm (getting?!?!?!?!?) old and am losing my finesse and tact. (At least I ain't lost everything that counts - yet!

IMHO - to you, and to Anyone out there, who wants to do something, anything, to honor our Men and Women in uniform - You Go Gal, or Guy - just do it! Trust me, there's enough of us Ol' Coots still around to let you know if it just ain't right.
( Now . . I will not get off my soap box - get another beer - go watch Leno . . and come back later to see if I got my silly a** banned yet. If so, thank you for the coupons. )

Oh my gosh, if I have not been banned yet you're well in the clear!

I think your father fought for something very important and he has the right to think the way he does. I personally don't mind pictures with a american flag as long as it is showing support. My grandfather was there for D-Day and he was just like your dad. I loved him just the way he was. I think if we had any idea of what they went through and their struggles we would all feel the same way they do.