I admit it.

I am the woman who caused the scene at the Speckled Perch Festival Parade.

I went to the parade, as I have gone to nearly every Speckled Perch Festival parade since 1987, expecting to take a few photos, wave to people I know and in general enjoy a pleasant morning.

Most of the parade was uneventful.

As I watched the parade entries go by, a few – not all – were tossing candy to the children on the parade route. Throwing treats from the floats has been controversial in the past because it encourages kids to run into the street. The parade organizers encourage those who want to share something to walk along the parade route and hand out the goodies.

Then it happened.

I was horrified to see people walking alongside the Republican Party of Okeechobee parade entry tossing handfuls of small American flags to the pavement to be picked up by those along the parade route.

I flashed back to my days in Girl Scouts, to pledging allegiance every morning in school, to my son’s Cub Scout meetings where he learned how to properly fold the flag. Since my childhood, it was drilled into my head: "Never let the American flag touch the ground."

 In my shock, I stopped taking photos.

“Don’t throw the flag on the ground!” I called.

I expected them to suddenly realize they had violated a major rule of flag etiquette.

 Instead they did it again.

“Don’t throw the American flag on the ground!” I shouted louder.

They didn’t stop.

“Shame on you!” I shouted. “Throwing the flag on the ground is disrespecting the United States!”

They didn’t stop.

One woman told me to “calm down” and they were "just having fun." They continued along the parade route.

I composed myself in time to take photos of the rest of the parade.

After the parade, I found the Republican Club booth in the park to voice my complaint. I expected them to be horrified as well.  I expected to be told it was all a terrible mistake and they would make sure it doesn’t happen again.

While club leader Jim Craig seemed sympathetic to my concerns, others in the group started making excuses. The kids picked up the flags quickly so there was no harm, they claimed. They didn’t have enough people to walk the parade route and hand the flags directly to the spectators. If they handed out flags from the vehicle, kids might run into the street and be hit, one man argued. (No one suggested they hand out anything from their vehicle.)

When I continued to argue that under no circumstance is it OK to throw the Stars and Stripes on the pavement, I was told to shut up and keep my opinions to myself.

I did not comply.

Instead, I loudly responded that I have Freedom of Speech and I will NOT stay quiet when someone disrespects the symbol of my country.

They physically blocked me from the booth and turned their backs to me.

It’s not against the law for a flag to touch the ground.  Still, in my opinion, that doesn’t make it right.

To me, the Stars & Stripes is not just another party favor to toss out at a parade.

 I know not everyone feels that way, and they are entitled to their opinions. But if you disrespect the flag in front of me, I will speak up. Freedom of Speech is one of the freedoms that flag represents.

This is not about political parties. Had any other group tossed flags on the ground, my response would have been the same.  If you check with the Supervisor of Elections Office, you’ll find I’m registered as Republican.

Personally, I would not hand out flags to little kids at a parade. Small children are easily distracted at parades and may drop flags, often in their excitement to grab some candy thrown their way.  Too often, sadly, I have seen flags discarded on the ground along parade routes. (And yes, I do pick them up when I see them. And I take damaged or worn flags to the American Legion for proper disposal.)

I think if you are going to give a flag to a child, you should first teach them about the history and importance of that symbol of our country. Many organizations in our community do this. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts hold flag ceremonies. Organizations such as Sons of the American Revolution do programs in schools. Former County Judge Jerry Bryant has given memorable programs about the flag at community events. The Cowtown Rodeo included an inspiring tribute to the flag on Saturday. The stands were packed and everyone stood and showed respect.

OKEECHOBEE -- The Cowtown Rodeo included an inspiring tribute to the flag on Saturday.

Even if you intend no disrespect, throwing flags on the pavement is not a good example to set for children. Please don’t do that again.

Note: Speckled Perch Festival Parade rules state: "No throwing or handing out candy and/or promotional items."