To everyone who displays an American Flag.

[Ralphy]

As you all probably know, from the sales and the stick flags around the community, Monday in Memorial Day.

On this day, we honor the men and woman who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

To honor them, all American flags should be displayed at half-staff only until noon and then raised to the top of the staff.

[outlaw]

My flag doesn't do half staff. Sorry.

[Investment Painting Contractors]

As you all probably know, from the sales and the stick flags around the community, Monday in Memorial Day.

On this day, we honor the men and woman who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

To honor them, all American flags should be displayed at half-staff only until noon and then raised to the top of the staff.

Ralphy in my 70 plus yrs I was taught a flag has to be lit if flown after dark. I noticed hundreds of flags in the front of homes last night after dark. Am I wrong or are the hundreds of people who seem to have forgotten proper flag display.

[Bogie Shooter]

I am glad the flags are on peoples lawns................day or night!
What about the thousands placed in cemeteries, they stay most of the weekend.

[graciegirl]

Today I saw some cub scouts on the news placing flags on graves and one boy was dragging his flag on the ground.

I know he was little, but someone should have told them the basics and showed them what to do first OR stopped him. Funny how things that are taught to us early, and in a serious way, stay with us. It upset me. I am not ashamed it did.

[dbussone]

Today I saw some cub scouts on the news placing flags on graves and one boy was dragging his flag on the ground.



I know he was little, but someone should have told them the basics and showed them what to do first OR stopped him. Funny how things that are taught to us early, and in a serious way, stay with us. It upset me. I am not ashamed it did.



I agree with you Gracie. It may be the thought that counts, but flag etiquette is more important. As a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (The Villages Chapter) we provide information on this topic.


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[Investment Painting Contractors]

Today I saw some cub scouts on the news placing flags on graves and one boy was dragging his flag on the ground.

I know he was little, but someone should have told them the basics and showed them what to do first OR stopped him. Funny how things that are taught to us early, and in a serious way, stay with us. It upset me. I am not ashamed it did.

Gracie I agree with you. We always took the flags down in Vietnam every evening.

[dbussone]

Gracie I agree with you. We always took the flags down in Vietnam every evening.



If they are properly lighted they may fly at night. I make it a point to check out the flags in my neighborhood, and our Rec center to be certain they are flown properly.

If you have questions you might want to check out this summary:
USFlag.org: A website dedicated to the Flag of the United States of America - Flag Etiquette (http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html)



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[villagetinker]

As you all probably know, from the sales and the stick flags around the community, Monday in Memorial Day.

On this day, we honor the men and woman who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

To honor them, all American flags should be displayed at half-staff only until noon and then raised to the top of the staff.

Ralphy,
I agree with you completely, and in an ideal world we would be able to do that. However, all of my flags are fixed design, and these are so hard to get in the ground that removing them each night and replacing each morning would be very demanding. Even my large flag does not have provisions for lowering to half-mast.
If in the future we install a real flag pole, then I will do my best to have it lit, and lower the flag at the appropriate time and the appropriate reasons.

I have chosen to display the flags in this manner to honor the people who have served this country so well. They would do no good in the closet.

[Investment Painting Contractors]

If they are properly lighted they may fly at night. I make it a point to check out the flags in my neighborhood, and our Rec center to be certain they are flown properly.

If you have questions you might want to check out this summary:
USFlag.org: A website dedicated to the Flag of the United States of America - Flag Etiquette (http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html)



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All the flags I saw were unlit and stuck in the ground by the curb. I will put out my flags on Monday, I think some people think they're holiday decorations.

[Ecuadog]

If they are properly lighted they may fly at night. I make it a point to check out the flags in my neighborhood, and our Rec center to be certain they are flown properly.

If you have questions you might want to check out this summary:
USFlag.org: A website dedicated to the Flag of the United States of America - Flag Etiquette (http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html)

Someone should contact that web site and have that page updated regarding "The Salute" (Last Updated 10 February 2005).

"The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag." (emphasis mine)

[dbussone]

Someone should contact that web site and have that page updated regarding "The Salute" (Last Updated 10 February 2005).



"The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag." (emphasis mine)



You are correct. I did not notice that error. Thank you.


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[Boomer]

I wish people would, at least once in a while, LOOK UP at the flags they are flying on the flagpoles in their yards. Most of those flags are beautiful. BUT.........

Some of those flags, that I know are flown with pride and the best of intentions, are tattered and torn and faded.

When I walk around our village, I cannot help but check the flags. (I know. I know. Who do I think I am? Betsy Ross?)

But, honestly, I can't help it. It's automatic with me. I was brought up to be very respectful of the flag.....and I know those people flying those ragged flags were, too. They know better. They just are not paying attention.

One day on my walk, I started doing flag math in my head -- percentages. Again, I could not help it. I was seeing so many flags that surely would have embarrassed the owner had they LOOKED at their flag.

I am sorry to have to say this, but more than 25% of the flags I saw should not have been flying. Those flags should have been dropped off at the American Legion or somewhere for a proper flag retirement ceremony.

Oh my goodness. This is quite a rant I am on here. Somebody probably will tell me to move if I cannot control my flag math and mind my own business.

But, hey, I don't knock on anybody's door and tell them to LOOK at their flag. I just keep on walking and, in my head, dividing the total number of flags I see into the number of those that should be respectfully retired. The big number into the little number......

There was one walk when 40% of the flags I saw were torn and faded. I had to keep walking and walking until I could bring the percentage down because it was driving me nuts! I so wanted to tell those people to PLEASE NOTICE their flags.

And now you know.........

Boomer

[dbussone]

And those whose flags need to be retired with respect are welcome to contact me. On behalf of The Villages Chapter, SAR, we would be honored to assist in properly disposing of your flags. PM me.


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[graciegirl]

I wish people would, at least once in a while, LOOK UP at the flags they are flying on the flagpoles in their yards. Most of those flags are beautiful. BUT.........

Some of those flags, that I know are flown with pride and the best of intentions, are tattered and torn and faded.

When I walk around our village, I cannot help but check the flags. (I know. I know. Who do I think I am? Betsy Ross?)

But, honestly, I can't help it. It's automatic with me. I was brought up to be very respectful of the flag.....and I know those people flying those ragged flags were, too. They know better. They just are not paying attention.

One day on my walk, I started doing flag math in my head -- percentages. Again, I could not help it. I was seeing so many flags that surely would have embarrassed the owner had they LOOKED at their flag.

I am sorry to have to say this, but more than 25% of the flags I saw should not have been flying. Those flags should have been dropped off at the American Legion or somewhere for a proper flag retirement ceremony.

Oh my goodness. This is quite a rant I am on here. Somebody probably will tell me to move if I cannot control my flag math and mind my own business.

But, hey, I don't knock on anybody's door and tell them to LOOK at their flag. I just keep on walking and, in my head, dividing the total number of flags I see into the number of those that should be respectfully retired. The big number into the little number......

There was one walk when 40% of the flags I saw were torn and faded. I had to keep walking and walking until I could bring the percentage down because it was driving me nuts! I so wanted to tell those people to PLEASE NOTICE their flags.

And now you know.........

Boomer


Excellent thoughts. When we left Ohio, the flag we were flying was worn. We had an Eagle Scout across the street who took it to dispose of it properly. Wonder if anyone knows who would do that here? Whoops. I see that DBussone is the person. I will remember that.

[xcaligirl]

Ours are also put in the ground and are didficult to remove them every noght. I guess I should NOT honor our military and just not fly the flags at all! When we lived in CA, we had a flagpole and our flag was flown every day and night ~ & it did have a light on it. Even though our yard is pretty well lit at night, Inqill let my husband know that we need to be politically correct in the future.

[Nucky]

The proper way to handle a flag that I am accustomed to is to bring it to the VFW and turn it over to them when it is getting tattered. My son showed me how to fold the flag properly as I was doing it wrong for years. Putting up a flagpole is one of the first things we do when we move. I will certainly get one that flies at half mast this time and without a doubt it will have proper lighting at night.

[xkeowner]

I would suggest a significant percentage of our neighbors knew at least one person who sacrificed their life for our freedom. With that in mind I offer a suggestion and a comment.

Before moving here, a resident in my neighborhood had a faded, tattered flag displayed. Rather than approach them and possibly embarrassing them I bought a new flag and left it along with disposal instructions for the old flag by their front door. The new flag was soon flying proudly and I hope the old flag was properly disposed of.

With respect to lighting at night, I suggest with the number of street lights and front pole lights we have here in TV it is not that much of a stretch to consider that the small flags our neighbors are displaying to honor our fallen warriors are, in fact, illuminated.

Retired military after 22+ years and DAMN proud to see ALL of the flags displayed.

[JoMar]

All the flags I saw were unlit and stuck in the ground by the curb. I will put out my flags on Monday, I think some people think they're holiday decorations.

I tend to disagree....this Community has a large population of Veterans, and a population that grew up in the generation where we were taught what the Flag means. We elect to display our flags for the entire weekend as we believe it helps the meaning of Memorial Day linger. I, like others, line our curb with flags, 3' apart. Our neighbor across the street does the same thing so when you come into our neighborhood you drive between rows of flags. Lots of thanks from our neighbors. While we don't conform to the code, the message is clearly heard.

[Sable99]

Ralphy in my 70 plus yrs I was taught a flag has to be lit if flown after dark. I noticed hundreds of flags in the front of homes last night after dark. Am I wrong or are the hundreds of people who seem to have forgotten proper flag display.

I worked in DC on 911 and drove by a still smouldering Pentagon on my way home later that day. I lived in a high rise in northern Virginia and, after that day, many of us hung the American flag from our balcony railings. I was worried about the lighting and discussed flag etiquette with some of the Pentagon staff (some high ranking) that lived in my building. They all felt it was more important to display the flag and show our support for our country.

[DeanFL]

I consider myself very patriotic and love our country and what it stands for to the utmost. Never in the military but support them +100%. So respect our flag and what it stands for - and tear up thinking of all that so many sacrificed for it for our citizens today.
I had a nice little 3x5" embroidered US flag on the back of our previous golf cart. And days ago, along with almost every neighbor/home on Amherst Way here in Gilchrist, put out the US flags near the curb - hundreds now lining the street in our little community. It looks beautiful and tugs your heart. Every flag I placed had a special meaning in my mind. And I had that image of the WWII Iwa Jima Marines each time I pushed the stick in the earth.

Understand the letter of the law re our flag and how to place and care for it. Do I consider that our efforts to display our flag on Memorial Weekend to be callous and disrespectful? Of course not. Please...

[Walter123]

I consider myself very patriotic and love our country and what it stands for to the utmost. Never in the military but support them +100%. So respect our flag and what it stands for - and tear up thinking of all that so many sacrificed for it for our citizens today.
I had a nice little 3x5" embroidered US flag on the back of our previous golf cart. And days ago, along with almost every neighbor/home on Amherst Way here in Gilchrist, put out the US flags near the curb - hundreds now lining the street in our little community. It looks beautiful and tugs your heart. Every flag I placed had a special meaning in my mind. And I had that image of the WWII Iwa Jima Marines each time I pushed the stick in the earth.

Understand the letter of the law re our flag and how to place and care for it. Do I consider that our efforts to display our flag on Memorial Weekend to be callous and disrespectful? Of course not. Please...

I agree, let's not get bogged down with the flag rules. if you fly it proudly that's good enough for me. I'd rather see American flags flown incorrectly than not flown at all.

[goodtimesintv]

Yes. The 'the letter of the law' and the 'spirit of the law' should both be considered.

Below is a photo taken from the newspaper here a couple of years ago on Memorial Day or July 4th.

Does anyone really think this display of the flags violates the governmental rules on proper handling/display of the U.S. Flag?

(Proper flag handling is totally ingrained in me since kindergarten thru 12th grade, as we all were taught decisively and served flag duty in the morning and after school. So I'm not saying disrespect should be tolerated.)

And why does anyone want to dig in their heels about being more proper--feeding division among us--when we are honoring those who've died to keep our states a "UNITED" States of America??

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=60002&stc=1&d=1464545051

[Ecuadog]

Another great Ron Clark photo.

[CWGUY]

Yes. The 'the letter of the law' and the 'spirit of the law' should both be considered.

Below is a photo taken from the newspaper here a couple of years ago on Memorial Day or July 4th.

Does anyone really think this display of the flags violates the governmental rules on proper handling/display of the U.S. Flag?

(Proper flag handling is totally ingrained in me since kindergarten thru 12th grade, as we all were taught decisively and served flag duty in the morning and after school. So I'm not saying disrespect should be tolerated.)

And why does anyone want to dig in their heels about being more proper--feeding division among us--when we are honoring those who've died to keep our states a "UNITED" States of America??

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/attachments/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/60002d1464545051-everyone-who-displays-american-flag-flags-4-jpg

I think is was at a 9-11 ceremony at The Villages Fire Dept H.Q. several years ago.(I was there) I agree, there is no disrespect here. :ohdear: And to answer your question, some people try to make themselves look good by trying to make others look bad. IMHO.

[Ecuadog]

I am a one-large-flag, sunrise-to-sunset, by-the-rules kind of guy. You all do it your way. I'll do it mine.

Just no spitting on it or dragging it in the dirt and we'll get along just fine.

[CWGUY]

i am a one-large-flag, sunrise-to-sunset, by-the-rules kind of guy. You all do it your way. I'll do it mine.

Just no spitting on it or dragging it in the dirt and we'll get along just fine.

well said :)

[Taltarzac725]

I am a one-large-flag, sunrise-to-sunset, by-the-rules kind of guy. You all do it your way. I'll do it mine.

Just no spitting on it or dragging it in the dirt and we'll get along just fine.

I just put our small flags out on Friday and hope they do OK until Monday.

[Livingthedream]

There may be flag "lighting etiquette" that may not always be followed for various reasons, but I believe it's far more important that the flag be flown proudly and in rememberance of those who have served and sacrificed for our country. With or without a light our flag proudly waves 365 days a year! ����