The Observation Deck

Okay, I'm on a roll This isn't one of the biggest issues facing our government today - But I wonder if the people that violate these basic rules even know that they are violating them.

We have rarely displayed a flag - because of the work involved and because we didn't want to violate Flag Protocol. But today in the rain, we saw flags flying and Don asked me if this was proper.

So I went and looked it up. Please feel free to chime in if your information differs from mine.


It is customary to fly the flag from sunrise to sunset. The U.S flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during hours of darkness I am surprised to see how many flags are flown at night without being lighted appropriately.

It is generally not desirable to fly the flag outdoors when the weather is particularly inclement because exposure to severe winds and rain may damage the flag or the pole on which it is displayed.

When the U.S. 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.

http://www.heritage-flag.com/heritage_etiquette.htm

There are several local Scout troops that are delighted to take old flags for disposal in a dignified and ceremonial manner. As well, our readers might be interested in knowing that there is an actual flag disposal protocol for those events.

I'm more annoyed by the SUV's with two flags flying from plastic attachments to their back windows, flag torn apart by the wind, flapping in pieces.

Our US flag is in good shape still. We get a few odd looks when we fly our Michigan Flag, but the only negative comment we ever got was when flying a Canadian flag on July 1st (Canada day). No one seems to know what our Nova Scotian flag represents, so it got no comments.