Show Respect For The Flag

To the Editor:

I was driving in your area last week, I think I was on Route 302, or Route 53, I’m sorry I don’t remember exactly, when I observed many small flags being flown on road sign supports, mailboxes, etc. I was dismayed at the disgraceful conditions of the flags. Many if not most were faded, ragged, and shredded to such an extent as to make them almost unrecognizable.

Your readers should know that flying a flag, no matter how small, in such condition, is a show of disrespect for the symbol of our country and by extension, our country itself.

US Flag Etiquette states: When the US flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably via flag disposal ceremonies held at your local VFW or American Legion Posts.

Also, traveling on I-84 eastbound, alongside the highway I saw another large flag, with its free edge attached to what looked like a board or something, forcing the flag to hang flat. Again, this is a show of disrespect.

US Flag Etiquette states: The US flag should never be carried horizontally, but it should always be aloft and free. Always allow the US flag to fall free. Never use the US flag as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery, festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds.

These points and many others can be learned by visiting the website: www.heritage-flag.com/heritage_etiquette.htm.

I hope your readers will school themselves on the proper methods of respectfully displaying our flag, and practice them in the future.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Lange

116 Marjorie Drive, Albany, NY                                      May 14, 2010