To the Editor:
(Town of Sullivan, NY – April 2013) As I drive around town, and especially on a long drive yesterday, I notice American flags in many places. As an American, and especially as a veteran, I am disgusted by the number of flags that are displayed improperly and in utter disrepair.
And the folks with these flags don’t seem to care about the disrespect they are showing by trying (and failing) to show their patriotism. I wish I could afford to drive around with a trunk full of flags and just stop and drop one off at all of the residences and businesses (and government buildings) where the flag is just put out and forgotten.
Just in case people don’t know the Flag Code, I have highlighted some of the points salient to my position:
The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way. (The American Legion and many other organizations will take these flags and dispose of them properly).
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
The flag should be illuminated if displayed at night.
The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water or merchandise. (This also includes all the flags I see stuck in the branches of trees close to flag poles).
The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled or damaged in any way.
The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery.
And as parade season rapidly approaches:
In a parade, the flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle, railroad train or boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
To view The Flag Code in full, visit senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30243.pdf or for the shortened version, visit usflag.org/flagetiquette.html.
I am in no way affiliated to this company, but I tend to order flags at flagstuff.com/american/outdoor-american-flags?gclid=CKrttv-0yrYCFXSVMgod9zoApA because they are made in the USA, affordably priced, and the company describes the flags in a way that you will know the best type to buy for where you are flying your flag.
Shannon Emmons, Lakeport