He's the Commander in Chief of the Armed Services - and in matters of war, to be deferred to as the highest ranking military officer. But he can't get up and show some respect while on HIS job and actually physically present on a military reservation as the flag he waves is being retired for the day - in a ceremony that is taken so seriously that all outside activity, including traffic comes to a halt and everyone faces towards that flag? His joke seems to imply he thought it was taps being played but he should have known that happens late at night. 

This is one Vietnam era vet who is calling hypocrisy of the highest order. He has no place stating citizens should be punished for respectfully exercising their right to protest that flag no longer represents liberty and justice for all. They've done nothing to disrespect my fallen brethren.