Show proper respect
Friday will be Flag Day, a national holiday that's not a three day weekend, isn't a day off for many except banks and government offices, but is a significant holiday in that it calls for displaying Old Glory.
Even though the September 11 tragedy brought forth a high response in America by people displaying the flag, unfortunately many who flew Old Glory weren't aware of how to do it properly.
Perhaps these guidelines, previously published in a veterans' newsletter will help:
Most people know that the blue part with stars should be at the top and to the left. A good rule to remember is "stars and stripes." When you look at the flag it should read "stars and stripes" to you, not "stripes and stars."
Flags become worn after long display and are faded or tattered. It is disrespectful to fly such flags. They should be replaced with dignity when they have completed their service. There is a proper ceremony to dispose of such flags. Contact any Boy Scout for information.
It is a mark of disrespect for the flag to be used as advertising. Tell the merchant who does so.
It also is a mark of gross disrespect to use the flag as a garment. A flag on a uniform or in a lapel is proper respect, but using the flag as material for shirt, shorts, or whatever is gross disrespect. It also is disrespectful to use flag material as seat cushions, tents, umbrellas, and other items.
Don't fly the colors at night without proper lighting. On Marion's Main Street flags may properly be flown at night under the light of street lamps. Each flag has its own lamp.
In the display of the flag, it should never touch the ground — nor water, the floor, or porch railing.
The flag is never dipped to honor a person or thing. It also should not be carried horizontally.
When flown at half staff ("half mast" is only aboard ship) the flag should first be raised to the peak. The same is true when lowering the flag from half staff — it must first be raised to the peak of the pole.
When in a procession with other flags, Old Glory should be on the march right (flag's own right) or at the front and center of a line of flags.
Remember, remove your hat and place hand over heart as the flag passes by.
No flag is to be flown higher than the American Flag.
If you become aware that your flag is being improperly displayed, have the courage to correct the situation with an appropriate degree of tact.
Proudly display Old Glory Friday, but do so properly to show respect.
— BILL MEYER
