text: why does flag desecration have to be protected by free speech? when so many have died to defend the flag that gave them the rite to free speech flag burning, while despicable, is free speech. i heard a senator say something along the lines of "men and women gave their lives to protect this flag, the least we can do is protect it ourselves." while that is a noble sentiment, the truth is that no one ever gave their lives to protect the flag, they gave their lives to protect what that flag stands for, and for better or for worse, part of what that flag stands for is the right to burn it if you please. please do not interpret what i am saying as supporting flag burning, just supporting free speech.