That story is actually rather disturbing...

It would have been a lot better if the veteran hadn't threatened to murder whoever would burn the flag.
But I imagine if the image of a soldier pointing a gun at a boy and threatening to kill him is what you want to go with, that's your choice...

The fact that other people have died to make this country safe does not make an argument for why people should not be able to burn the flag. I served in the military myself, and I would be appalled if somebody tried to use my military service as an excuse for why people's rights should be limited...