Flying the flag

[tankdvr1950]

we recently visited TV on a lifestyle visit...our 3rd.....and again we noticed that in the villages we cruised in our golf cart...there were almost no homes with the "stars and stipes" flying on the homes....there were some we saw while we were cruising the cart paths (primarily along the mail roads...Morse, Buana Vista etc)...some homes had tall flag poles in their back yards with old glory flying proudly...but few if any flags flying on short poles attached to homes.

We asked our sales agent about this and he said there were no restrictions that he was aware of.

I have always been very proud to fly the flag on all the homes i have owned....and as a TV wannabe.....i ask.....is there some type of restriction to posting the colors on the front of your home???

[marianne237]

We had a short flag pole attached to the front of the house and finally had to take it down. The winds whip the flag against siding or lamps and tears up the flag. We also had have a piece of the siding replaced because the flagpole had torn the siding...and then there was the rust factor.

Hubby installed it originally and we've had plenty of flag poles in other homes. So I'm sure he installed it properly. I made a point today of looking at other homes on our street and no one else had one. Tall flag poles seem to be the way to go.

[dgammon6]

I proudly fly the American Flag on our golf cart.

[Cassie325]

We are frequent buyers at the Flag store on Route 25......we have one on the side of the house but as marianne stated, the wind whips through our villa neighborhood and the flag doesn't look too good....but we will keep replacing.

Semper Fi

God Bless our Troops

[chuckinca]

Good Observation!

GARRY OWEN



.

[Muncle]

Don't know where you were traveling or where you were looking, but from my yards I can see eight 20 foot poles with flags flying 24X7 on all but one. He doesn't have lights so he gets out at oh-dark-thirty to raise it every morning.




`

[Ooper]

I agree with some of the previous posters, the flags don't seem to last long and they are expensive to replace all the time. I have replaced ours numerous times but haven't put one up for a while now. Generally, I will display our flag on holidays and special occasions. But there are no restrictions on them in TV.

[dfn8tly]

I display my flag on any appropriate holiday. At least half a dozen of my neighbors do too. Unfortunately a couple appear not to be aware of the proper etiquette and leave them up at night without being lighted.

[swrinfla]

My original plan was to install a lighted pole in my yard, so I could fly Old Glory around the clock. Somehow or other, that grand scheme was put on hold, where it remains to this day.

I have some space issues, so may never do this.

But, I always fly my flag from my on-the-wall holder for appropriate holidays, and often the Saturday & Sunday preceeding them. In addition, I stick a half dozen smaller flags in the front yard on these occasions. So do most of my neighbors.

One neighbor has a lighted flag on their wall, so they have the flag up and waving all the time.

Lastly, my golf cart has two flags permanently affixed to it. I have to replace them about every year, as they get pretty tattered, but these are inexpensive ones, found at Ace Hardware.

SWR

:wave:

[billethkid]

of days it is flown is one heck of a lot less than buying wine!...Beer!...cigarettes!...going to the movies!...you name it....
the cost of replacement is not a reason to not fly the flag it is a mind consoling excuse.
I paid $500 for my pole and lighting. It costs me $24.95 for a 4X6 outdoor flag every 6 months.
A minor expense to proudly display ones pride...heritage...honor.

Enjoy the sight of them while you can as the coming generations certainly do not and will not have invested in this country what we have to make it what it is!!

You either fly it or ya don't....no excuses allowed!!!

BTK

[tankdvr1950]

thanks to all that responded

from what i read, wind seems to be an issue...as a "wannabe" i will trust the comments from resident Villagers in that regard

first, it good to know that there are not restrictions, as far as any of the responders know, to flying Old Glory on the outside of your home

i am also pleased to know that some understand the requirements to illuminate the flag at night....sooooooo many people don't know that

for those that are interested, on a recent lifestyle visit...we found a ground mounted flag pole (with 3 ground spikes....pole in the shape of an upside L) at the Mercantile in LSL. Not sure it it would stand up to the wind many posters describe...but...it was not that expensive and may be worth a try.

On the negative side, i am somewhat surprised at the (low) number of posts in respone to my original post. What has happend to us....after 9/11 everyone posted the colors...and now......well..................

thanks to all that responded.....your comments were very helpful to this wannabe

where there is a will there is a way....FLY THE FLAG......be proud...be respectful of the symbol of your country....think about it...where would you be/what would you have if u lived somewhere else

[faithfulfrank]

I have a related question.

I have seen ads for a solar powered flag light called "The Liberty light" that attaches to the flagpole itself. Does anyone have one, and if so, are you happy with it?

I have read mixed reviews on them.

Frank D.

[billethkid]

less tha $10....you can also but a very good outdoor timer/dusk to dawn controller for $10.....the all weather bulbs run about $7, but two and ALWAYS have one for replacement.
I don't know how much the liberty light is, the above is too easy to do and does the job reliably.
A couple of flags per year....a couple of bulbs per year...very inexpensive to keep Old Glory flying.
The stitched outdoor all weather flags are the best. They last at least 6 months...I replace mine twice per year and always have bright colors waving.

The printed or dyed flags are cheaper...don't last as long and don't fly as well.

To each his/her own, but keep her flying.....

BTK

[Muncle]

I ran wires from my lamppost to a floodlight I mounted at the foot of the pole. It runs in the same sensor that controls the lamp. Plenty of power and the shovel marks healed in two weeks.

[starflyte1]

We want to have a flag pole installed in our yard. Would you mind telling us where you bought yours? If you got a permit, where did you apply and did you get a one piece of telescoping pole? Thanks for any information. Pat

[beartrack]

BTK, Well said !!!!! My flag will, as always, fly 24/7 as long as I live. As far as the next generation is concerned, it is up to us to set an example. I have five adult children all with their own homes and they all fly our American flag. Some things in this life are important no matter the bother or the cost. Thousands of Americans paid the ultimate price. My family and I fly our flags in their honor. Not just on Holidays, every single day.

[Taj44]

thanks to all that responded

....

On the negative side, i am somewhat surprised at the (low) number of posts in respone to my original post. What has happend to us....after 9/11 everyone posted the colors...and now......well.....................
where there is a will there is a way....FLY THE FLAG......be proud...be respectful of the symbol of your country....think about it...where would you be/what would you have if u lived somewhere else

You seem to be implying that there is something wrong if you don't fly the flag. I disagree. Americans are a divisive bunch, fanatical bunch, whether it be issues of politics, nationalism, race, etc. I think it is great if people fly the flag for patriotic reasons. They love their country and they want to express that. But just because you don't fly the flag doesn't mean you don't love your country. That's false logic. Flags are just symbols. I see no reason to "worship" the flag.

After 9/11, many of us flew the flag or displayed flag symbols in our car, etc., to display our love of country and express our solidarity with victims of the 9/11 attack. It was an emotional, inspirational response. Once 9/11 passed, we went back to everyday life. We love our country and we express that in our everyday actions by being involved and informed politically, doing charity work to help our fellow citizens, and so on. Flying a flag is well and good, but it is just a symbol. In my opinion the real patriotism is the act of being a good citizen. I don't feel the need to wave a flag to show I'm a patriotic American.

[Russ_Boston]

Flying a flag is well and good, but it is just a symbol. In my opinion the real patriotism is the act of being a good citizen. I don't feel the need to wave a flag to show I'm a patriotic American.

I agree. It is kind of like people who go to worship every weekend but are dirtbags in real life. Kind of meaningless if your actions don't speak louder than your symbols.

[jblum8156]

I agree with Russ. I see no need to prove that I'm a patriotic American.

[beartrack]

I agree with Russ. I see no need to prove that I'm a patriotic American.

Just a Symbol???? Sorry but I feel very differently about our flag. As I said before, I do not fly it so that other people can think of me as a Patriot. I fly it for all the Americans that can no longer see it. Like those brave soldiers at Arlington National Cemetary and other burial places here in America and in Europe and around the world. I fly it to show respect for all that are gone or M.I.A. I especially fly it for myself, so I will never forget the sacrifices made for us by so many. But, like all things American (Thank God) We can all choose how we give thanks and to mourn. Im my generation we were always taught to salute and to honor our flag. We did it at home, at school and during our military service. I believe those were good things, compared to what goes on today. 9/11 was a very sad day but, 9/12 we all came together. We should keep that spirit alive.

Well, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it!!!!!

[TrudyM]

I have done stained glass pieces for people that have an american eagle with a flag waving in the backround. Should it also always be lighted?

[bluedog103]

I worship every Sunday. My wife, daughter and I started a food pantry 15 years ago which is busier now than ever. I perform in a nursing home every Friday. Am I a dirtbag?
How about those who work tirelessly beside me? Our work is endless and we do it with no expectation of thanks or reward.
I served in the U.S. Army in the most thankless conflict of our history. I surely didn't want to go but knew it was my duty. Complain? Sure I did, but I never even thought of ducking my duty. To this day I still serve, helping out in veterans hospitals and working through my American Legion Post to help my fellow beings, veterans or not.
Does that make people like me dirt bags and hypocrites? If so, I think we could use a few more like us. No, we can use a lot more like us.
It's easy to sit on the sidelines and criticize. How about showing your patriotism by helping those who actually did something for the country you call home.
How about actually working with those in need, without thanks or pay before you call those of us who do dirtbags.
Yes, I fly my U.S. flag. Illuminated, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. With pride.

[Hancle704]

We are frequent buyers at the Flag store on Route 25Semper Fi

God Bless our Troops

Update--The Flag Store has moved from CR 25 across from Lady Lake Post Office to new space on 27/441 in Lady Lake, the former Medicine Chest location.

God Bless America

[Russ_Boston]

I worship every Sunday. My wife, daughter and I started a food pantry 15 years ago which is busier now than ever. I perform in a nursing home every Friday. Am I a dirtbag?
How about those who work tirelessly beside me? Our work is endless and we do it with no expectation of thanks or reward.
I served in the U.S. Army in the most thankless conflict of our history. I surely didn't want to go but knew it was my duty. Complain? Sure I did, but I never even thought of ducking my duty. To this day I still serve, helping out in veterans hospitals and working through my American Legion Post to help my fellow beings, veterans or not.
Does that make people like me dirt bags and hypocrites? If so, I think we could use a few more like us. No, we can use a lot more like us.
It's easy to sit on the sidelines and criticize. How about showing your patriotism by helping those who actually did something for the country you call home.
How about actually working with those in need, without thanks or pay before you call those of us who do dirtbags.
Yes, I fly my U.S. flag. Illuminated, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. With pride.

I think you need to read my quote before you question it. I said it is LIKE those those worship on the weekend but are dirtbags in life. OBVIOUSLY not all (I'm sure not most) are dirtbags. Jeez - read the post.

No one, especially not me, is saying that you can't fly the flag if you want to or that you can't worship if you want to. But don't insinuate that those that don't aren't either patriotic or spiritual. I'm just saying that you don't need the symbols to be either/both.

But please, everyone, read and re-read a post before you criticize the content.

[BobKat1]

I think you need to read my quote before you question it. I said it is LIKE those those worship on the weekend but are dirtbags in life. OBVIOUSLY not all (I'm sure not most) are dirtbags. Jeez - read the post.

No one, especially not me, is saying that you can't fly the flag if you want to or that you can't worship if you want to. But don't insinuate that those that don't aren't either patriotic or spiritual. I'm just saying that you don't need the symbols to be either/both.

But please, everyone, read and re-read a post before you criticize the content.

FWIW I understood what you were saying.

[Russ_Boston]

Thank you - I know that most do get it but...

I will restate my original post in an easier to understand manner.

In my humble opinion:

Flying the flag doesn't make you patriotic. Not flying the flag doesn't make you unpatriotic.

Going to church/worship doesn't make you spiritual. Not going to church/worship doesn't make you non-spiritual.

[jebartle]

Russ, sooooo true....

[islandgal]

GET YOUR FLAG READY!

Please join us in this FLY THE FLAG campaign
THE PROGRAM:

On Saturday, September 11th, 2010, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store
in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this ninth anniversary of one
of our country's worst tragedies. We do this honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones
who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses
and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some
tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country
and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

Thank you for your participation.

God Bless You, and God Bless America !!!

[zcaveman]

The flag should be flown at half staff on 9/11 (Patriot's day) For those of you with the flag pole on the side of the house that means that the flag should be in the slot that puts it on a perpendicular with the ground - not on the diagonal to the house.

This was mentioned in the Daily Sun in a letter to the editor the other day.

[Walt.]

Thank you - I know that most do get it but...

I will restate my original post in an easier to understand manner.

In my humble opinion:

Flying the flag doesn't make you patriotic. Not flying the flag doesn't make you unpatriotic.

Going to church/worship doesn't make you spiritual. Not going to church/worship doesn't make you non-spiritual.

What? You don't believe that auto dealerships are home to the greatest patriots in the U.S?

[swrinfla]

zcaveman:

Please clarify. "Perpendicular to the ground" means to me that the pole must be aimed straight up - I'm not sure my flag will work that way. On the other hand, I'm not sure it'll work parallel to the ground, either!

I've always wondered how to do half-staff on a stff that hasn't got enough room for that arrangement.

?????

SWR
:beer3:

[getdul981]

Caveman - Glad to hear about flag supposed to be at half mast on 9-11. I guess I'll just have to go out and lower mine.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj277/getdul981/DSCN0791.jpg

[zcaveman]

zcaveman:

Please clarify. "Perpendicular to the ground" means to me that the pole must be aimed straight up - I'm not sure my flag will work that way. On the other hand, I'm not sure it'll work parallel to the ground, either!

I've always wondered how to do half-staff on a stff that hasn't got enough room for that arrangement.

?????

SWR
:beer3:

Sorry. I meant parallel to the ground. I was thinking one thing and wrote the other. If you look at the flag holder there is one flange that goes straight out and one at a 45 degree angle. For half staff you should put the flag post in the one that goes straight out.

[getdul981]

Havin' one of those senior moments there, are you, Zman?

[zcaveman]

Havin' one of those senior moments there, are you, Zman?

And it is only September 3rd!!!!

[swrinfla]

Z:

Thanks. :BigApplause:

Not sure my holder will accommodate this, but now I know how to do half-staff!

SWR
:beer3:

[gary42651]

What is the proper way to dispose of an old tattered flag?

[larrydube]

The proper way to dispose of the flag is to burn it.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

What is the proper way to dispose of an old tattered flag?

If you take the old flag to th American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars they will destroy it with honor.

[Chopper]

otherbrudda, thanks for that suggestion. I don't think burning it my backyard would be an acceptable practice.

[uujudy]

The flag should be flown at half staff on 9/11 (Patriot's day) For those of you with the flag pole on the side of the house that means that the flag should be in the slot that puts it on a perpendicular with the ground - not on the diagonal to the house.

This was mentioned in the Daily Sun in a letter to the editor the other day.

Our condo was in a 24-story building, and after 9/11 quite a few folks were trying to figure out how to fly a "flag on a stick" at half mast in the hallways -- the kind of flag you'd have at a 4th of July parade, or stick in the ground outside your house. According to a US government flag website, the proper way to display a flag that can't be raised and lowered or flown parallel to the ground is to tie a black ribbon around the top as a sign of mourning. I can't find the website, so somebody please correct me if the rules have changed.

[zcaveman]

Our condo was in a 24-story building, and after 9/11 quite a few folks were trying to figure out how to fly a "flag on a stick" at half mast in the hallways -- the kind of flag you'd have at a 4th of July parade, or stick in the ground outside your house. According to a US government flag website, the proper way to display a flag that can't be raised and lowered or flown parallel to the ground is to tie a black ribbon around the top as a sign of mourning. I can't find the website, so somebody please correct me if the rules have changed.

That is correct:

•For flags that can't be lowered, such as those on many homes, the American Legion says that attaching a black ribbon or streamer to the top of the flag is an acceptable alternative. The ribbon should be the same width as a stripe on the flag and the same length as the flag.


http://www.gettysburgflag.com/flyflaghalfmast.php

Z

[zcaveman]

If you take the old flag to th American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars they will destroy it with honor.

Correct. American Legion Post 347 on rt 466 collects all tattered and worn flags and burns them during a ceremony on June 14.

I am sure the other AL posts do also.

I usually ask around the area and take them all down before June 14.