Please pay attention to falg etiquette & the condition of your own flag

To The Daily Sun,

As I drive through the Lakes Region I am overwhelmed at the patriotism displayed by our residents. I am also made aware of the condition of some of the American flags that are displayed. Some are tattered and torn from the high winds. Others are very badly faded. If yours falls into this category I implore you to replace it with a new one, hopefully made in the U.S.A. It keeps people employed and no other country should be allowed to manufacture our flag just to save a few bucks. The old flag should be destroyed by burning, according to the U.S. flag code. The American Legion disposes of flags by burning on several occasions each year and will do so again on June 14th, which is Flag Day.

Incidentally, nowhere in the U.S. flag code is cutting up the flag for any purpose covered. When retired, it should be disposed of intact. Someone came up with the bright idea of cutting out the stars and presenting them to service members. Although they graciously accept the stars, many feel uncomfortable about "Old Glory" being cut up.

My last observation is the raising and lowering of the American Flag. The President of the United States and the governor of each state have the power through executive order to lower the flag on occasions other than holidays. He or she sets the dates and times that the flag will remain lowered. Mayors and other city/ town officials do not have the right or privilege to make this order. I noticed this year that city flags were at half mast since Friday for both the artificial Memorial Day and the real Memorial Day of May 30th for someone's convenience.

Please pay attention to flag etiquette and to the condition of your flag. Display it properly and replace it when it is worn out.

Earl Beale, Adjutant Post 1

The American Legion

Laconia