SAN ANTONIO – For many, there is no other symbol more sacred than the red, white and blue.
But one serviceman says the United States flag isn't being given the respect it deserves at the University of the Incarnate Word.
That's because the American flag, along with several other flags from other countries, is flying below the university's symbol.
"I served; people died," says Juan Alonzo. "I have given so much of my time. I just want a little bit of respect that's due to us."
Alonzo served three tours of duty in Iraq and has spent more than a decade of his life devoted to the United States.
It's especially important to him to give the U.S. the proper respect because he is an immigrant from Mexico.
His mother signed a special waiver for him to join the U.S. Marine Corps. Three days after he graduated high school he was shipped to boot camp.
"This country was founded on immigrants from other counties so therefore it's mine to give back to the country," he says.
Alonzo said he can't even drive by the corner of Highway 281 and Hildebrand anymore, because he can't stand to look at the corner where the flags fly and see the university's flag raised higher in the air.
"Like my wife said, 'why are you making such a big deal out of this?' I told her, 'it's not something small. It means a lot to a lot of people,'" he said.
A university spokeswoman said she contacted the appropriate people to determine the issue and says another person has also expressed concern over the matter.
The university maintains the symbol with the logo on it is not a flag, and instead a banner.
"A representative from the [United States Army] Institute of Heraldry confirmed that the placement of the flags on the corner of 281 and Hildebrand is correct," a UIW spokeswoman told KSAT 12. "The U.S. flag is in the prominent position with the other three flags following in alphabetical order."
"The tallest pole (fifth flag pole) is flying a UIW banner, not a UIW flag," the statement continued. "The UIW banner is vertical and measures 8' X 4' and it is the correct protocol. In addition, the square footage for the flags is greater than the UIW banner. The outdoor flags measure 5' x 8'."
Still, Alonzo said any flag or banner that flies above Old Glory is a blatant sign of disrespect for those who died protecting the freedom it represents.