Since taking over as superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in June, Vice Adm. Jeffrey L. Fowler has not been shy about making changes. He has demanded that midshipmen spend more time studying. He has required Mids to attend more meals. He even changed the color of seniors' uniforms.
And, to his credit, Admiral Fowler also suspended the peculiar practice of dipping an American flag in front of a cross during Sunday services at chapel - peculiar not just because the act appears to give governmental sanction to a particular religion, but also because it is "not practiced anywhere [else] in the Fleet," according to an academy spokesman.
Unfortunately, Admiral Fowler has now reversed that decision, apparently bowing to those who little understand how important it is that the military not seem to favor certain religious beliefs. At a time when the U.S. is struggling to convince Muslims worldwide that it is not fighting a Christian crusade against Islam, such small gestures are important. It should be remembered that the flag is a symbol that represents all Americans. Let's leave religion out of it.
