Riding around today from amelia to springdale it was nice to see so many flags flying in remembrance of the 10th anniversary of 9-11.There was something that bothered me though and maybe it's just me.Tell me what you all think.Seeing all the flags lining properties is nice but with them be so low alot of them were actually touching the ground.Now i always thought that at no time should an American flag touch the ground.Also when you fly the American flag it's supposed to be the highest flying flag on your property.I saw many decorative flags on houses with the american flag staked into the ground! Last but not least I also believe that if you are flying a flag at night it needs to be illuminated or brought in at night.I'm sure that all the folks that are flying the flags in the way mentioned above don't intentionally intend to disrespect our flag but that's precisely what's happening.Thanks for allowing me to vent my concerns .Please someone tell me if I'm wrong.

[Pturner]

Hi Bosoxfan,

People display the flags at the edge of their yards on Memorial Day, Vets. Day, etc. also; and I've always found it heart warming.

The issues you raised had not occurred to me. Other than taking care that the flag doesn't droop and touch the ground though, I'm inclined to think that the display is fine and that the paper flags are not "real" flags. I was in NY City three weeks after 911 when every single building and shop from 5th Ave. to So Ho, China Town and all parts in between had such flags displayed in the windows. It was an act of love and solidarity. It broke my heart.

I am curious now that you mention it how others see this. I could be wrong... but it seems so right.

Originally Posted by Pturner

Hi Bosoxfan,

People display the flags at the edge of their yards on Memorial Day, Vets. Day, etc. also; and I've always found it heart warming.

The issues you raised had not occurred to me. Other than taking care that the flag doesn't droop and touch the ground though, I'm inclined to think that the display is fine and that the paper flags are not "real" flags. I was in NY City three weeks after 911 when every single building and shop from 5th Ave. to So Ho, China Town and all parts in between had such flags displayed in the windows. It was an act of love and solidarity. It broke my heart.

I am curious now that you mention it how others see this. I could be wrong... but it seems so right.

I'm with you .My main concern is the flag touching the ground.

[mgjim]

I drove past Providence Academy in Plymouth Minnesota yesterday. They have 2997 flags on display. One of the most incredible sights I've seen. Here's the video: http://www.providenceacademy.org/pa-...flv&volume=100

[pooh]

Our neighborhood is one of those with flags lining the streets. 5 streets adorned with flags.... it's a beautiful sight and makes me feel great. Flags touching the ground can't be helped in these instances....some start out high, taller stakes, but wind, rain, sometimes knock the flags over. Other times the stakes are indeed shorter and the flag does touch the ground. This is improper flag etiquette, yes, but the intent is to show solidarity, patriotism, love of country. It takes lots of time and effort to get those flags set up. Honestly, I can't imagine that they should be removed and reset each day. Personally, I'd rather see them there, than to not have them on display. Does anyone have a suggestion as to how this could or should be handled?

I found this link on the proper code of flying & displaying the American flag.Not only should a flag not touch the ground but this code says a flag should not touch anything beneath it.In other words it needs to be allowed to fly freely.

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagcode.htm

[pooh]

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan

I found this link on the proper code of flying & displaying the American flag.Not only should a flag not touch the ground but this code says a flag should not touch anything beneath it.In other words it needs to be allowed to fly freely.

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagcode.htm

I know this and do understand...but again, I can't imagine having these flags removed each and every night. It takes lots of time and effort to set up these displays. Am I to assume that you would rather NOT have them out?

[whartonjelly]

Not everyone knows the rules. Be proud that so many of the neighbors care enough to try to fly the flag. In fact it might be neighborly to help them fix their flags. Thanking them for support. A new way to socialize.

I don't mean to be unkind.

[sandybill2]

I love seeing the flags--- I am fortunate enough to live in a neighborhood where two streets--(I live on one of them) are always lined with flags on every memorial/patriotic occasion. We have a schedule--someone takes them down and is the next one to put them up. We repair and replace those that are worn. I am proud that my neighbors care enough to participate in this and I am proud to be a part of it.

Originally Posted by pooh

I know this and do understand...but again, I can't imagine having these flags removed each and every night. It takes lots of time and effort to set up these displays. Am I to assume that you would rather NOT have them out?

No no I'd rather they not be touching the ground.I love the display I just think that if you're going to do this you should do it in a way that doesn't disrespect the flag.

[pooh]

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan

No no I'd rather they not be touching the ground.I love the display I just think that if you're going to do this you should do it in a way that doesn't disrespect the flag.

I understand and for a few years, we were among the ones putting out the flags (our social club purchased flags years ago)...and trying to make sure the flags didn't touch grass. Didn't always happen. Now others in the group are in charge of the flags, new ones purchased are much taller and the flags fly high enough not to touch the grass. Older ones have been kept to fill in. Some of the older ones are shorter, sadly, but as they are replaced, I'm sure taller ones will be ordered.

One of my complaints is that some of the flags have sort of been "mowed" down, literally. Every once in a while, there have been lawn care people that either drive over the flags or weed wack them. With the mowers, the flags might not be seen, with the weed wackers, that isn't the case. Have replaced a number of flags over the years because of this.

Originally Posted by whartonjelly

Not everyone knows the rules. Be proud that so many of the neighbors care enough to try to fly the flag. In fact it might be neighborly to help them fix their flags. Thanking them for support. A new way to socialize.

I don't mean to be unkind.

You know Wharton you are right .If I see a flag touching the ground I should stop & fix it.I never feel right going on someone's property without being invited.Any suggestions for the flags that have short sticks & can't be raised high enough to not touch the ground?

[Doodlegirl]

Sadly, most of the in ground ones are made in China, the wood is not strong
enough to deal with the heavy rains, lawn machines,, etc. Just getting them up is the key. As for me, I think 9/11 should be a national day of mourning with nothing, nothing open...no white sales or grills for sale. That's just me in
the deep sadness of friends and family lost that day. And, we had no
Paul Revere.

[GeorgeT]

Originally Posted by Doodlegirl

Sadly, most of the in ground ones are made in China, the wood is not strong
enough to deal with the heavy rains, lawn machines,, etc. Just getting them up is the key. As for me, I think 9/11 should be a national day of mourning with nothing, nothing open...no white sales or grills for sale. That's just me in
the deep sadness of friends and family lost that day. And, we had no
Paul Revere.

No one should EVER buy an American flag made in China. Walmart sells flags made by Annin. I'm not 100% sure but I think Annin is the only flag maker in the USA.
I agree that things should shut down on 9/11 instead of companies making money off of the tragedy. When I say shutdown i mean like it used to be on Sundays back in the day.