I definitely feel this is a bit of a stronger photo than your other one. I'm not 100% about what to change here though so here's a couple of ideas
Add more depth of field and blur the background even more, there's a a lot going on and it might be detracting from the focus that is the soldier.
I think it would the better if the soldier didn't have his hand on the flag and instead down by his side (or maybe saluting)
Make everything but the soldier and the flag he's holding B&W, it might add some interesting contrast to the photo

Other than that I'm not sure what I'd do - I'm not at all familiar with this scene so I can't really say anything about the composition, which I personally think is what's letting this down - there's not just not much to keep your eyes on the photo, unless you're very interested in it's subject - so I guess I'm saying the subject need to be more intriguing.
Sorry I can't be as much of a help on this one