My job as a real estate agent here in Northeastern PA naturally takes me all over Wayne & Pike County – I see all sorts of adornments on homes across the Lake Wallenpaupack region, but I am increasingly bothered by the display of a worn, tattered, American Flag. Men and women have died to protect that flag, which is the symbol of our nation, and to see it treated with such disdain and disrespect is very upsetting. With Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day on the horizon, I thought this was a timely post.
A lot of people seem to be completely ignorant of the fact that there actually is a Flag Code and that if we are truly proud of our nation and Old Glory, we should treat her with the utmost respect and fly her according to proper flag etiquette.
The American Flag is the symbol of our nation and the freedom we have here. I know that some folks do not approve of all that The United States of America does, I know that some seem to hate the very flag that gives them the freedom to do so. I for one took the Pledge of Alegience seriously when I was a child, and I still do. If you consider yourself a patriot, and fly the flag because you love America and what she stands for, please, use proper etiquette.
In a nutshell:
- Dispose of worn, torn, and faded flags in a proper manner – the flag code states “a dignified manner, preferably by burning.” This does not mean to toss it in the campfire or put it in the burning barrel. Contact your local American Legion or Boy Scouts – they may have a regular ceremonial flag burning event specifically to dispose of retired flags.
- Do not leave the flag out at night unless it is lit.
- Do not leave the flag out in inclement weather unless it is designed for all weather use.
- Do not display the flag improperly. If it is not hanging from a flag pole, the flag is to be displayed vertically, with the stars in the upper left hand corner when facing it. Do not fasten the flag except at the top – the flag should be free-flowing, like our liberties.
In my opinion, if you can’t fly a bright, beautiful, and intact American Flag, don’t fly one at all. Give the flag to the VFW and/or Boy Scouts and let them retire it in dignity. And if you’re a flag hater and would like to disrespect the flag, please just burn it and get it over with.
For more on proper flag etiquette:
Photo of Tattered Flag by mockstar, courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons.
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Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Pocono Mountains. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania’s most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.
Filed under: The Rambling Realtor Misc. Category
Did you take this photo? I can’t believe they would still have this outside. Great post and very important. I remember the flag over my dad’s casket…let’s just say it must be cherished.
No, I got that photo off Flickr…the post was inspired though by similar (or worse) sightings around the area…
I think we all forget some of the “basics” of displaying the flag. I think your reminder is great!