I too take exception to many many of the ways in which Old Glory is displayd in the Villages. My personal peeve is when it is flown from a small staff near the garage door and considered to be lit by the pole light. That doesn't meet the criteria, again, in my opinion. Most of the solar lights are questionable at best, but an attempt is made in any vein to comply. I would like to address one other point you make, that of inclement wearher display. I mentioned my opinion earlier, that doesn't matter.
Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag. So, in regard to your displeasure regarding inclement wearher, I offer the following:
The Flag Code states:
The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed, as you suggest, however, the language of this section reflects the now-popular use of flags made of
synthetic fabrics that can withstand unfavorable weather conditions. It is not
considered disrespectful to fly such a flag even during prolonged periods of
inclement weather. However, since the section speaks in terms of “days when the weather is inclement,” it apparently does not contemplate that on an otherwise fair day, the flag should be lowered during brief periods of precipitation.
Most of the flags available for purchase are made out of a light nylon which I would consider all-weather. They don't last too long and I use 3-4 a year replacing them frequently. In my nearly 3 years in the villages I have replaced two different solar lights as I was displeased with how they lit the flag atop my 22ft pole. I am also on my second "electric" light and am satisfied with that finally. You are absolutely right, there are a large number that pay the flag lip service and the flag code may be the law but there are no provisions for any ramifications and I would consider anything beyond that a political discussion that would not see the light of day here on TOTV.
I may be a bit predjuice, but after 26 years in the military and 24 years as a civil servant working on a base it was always reassuring when I left the midnight shift of working in the command center to see Old Glory flying out front. It seemed to make my nights work all worthwhile and reenforced what I had accomplished that night.
Drive around your neighborhood on June 14th, during the day and see the flags displayed compared to the day before. Most do not know the significance of June 14th........
God Bless the USA.
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