Love for our country and patriotism are great things and should be encouraged, despite the twisted views of certain university academics and fringe groups.

Affection for our country can be expressed in many ways: singing the anthem, symbols, flags, even tattoos if that’s your thing.

But the flag is our national symbol, representing our freedoms and institutions that protect those freedoms, our history and our place in the world.

The flag is sacred and should be treated with absolute dignity and respect.

I have no issue with printed

T-shirts and singlets bearing our flag.

But using the national flag as an item of clothing is, in my opinion, inappropriate.

You will rarely see this being done in other patriotic countries and if you did, you would probably attract some wrath.

It is wonderful to see young Australians express pride in their country, but there seems to be a simple lack of understanding about the protocols of how the flag should be used and displayed.

I would like to see this matter discussed and addressed before Australia Day next year.

Respect for our flag is the ultimate act of patriotism.

— DAVID RYNNE,

Albury