To everyone who displays an American Flag.
 

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.

My flag doesn't do half staff. Sorry.

American Flag
 

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

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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American Flag
 

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



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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.

American Flag
 

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.

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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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

To everyone who displays an American Flag.
 

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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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.