People either just don't know or just don't care. Proper displaying of our American flag, affectionately know as Old Glory seems to have been lost. Go by a cemetery that displays the flag. Is it torn and raveled? Is it taken down at night and raised the next morning? If left to fly 24/7, is it illuminated at night?
The post office in North Florence once was flying a flag that was worn out. It was like that for a while. A government agency flying our flag that way was a disgrace. This also includes flags mounted on residential housing. Is the flag illuminated at night? If not, take it down and put it back the next morning. I've driven by several cemeteries that display the flag. No lighting is to be found.
It saddens me that people have died, shed blood for our Stars and Stripes and people are ignorant as to the proper displaying technics.
There isn't a finer site than to see Old Glory waving in the wind. Knowing the history behind the red, white and blue. It just irks me to no end seeing people and places disrespecting the flag.
This is from the Veterans of Foreign Wars site,....
The American flag has a long history, and the members of our organization have spent nearly as long defending and honoring our nation's most iconic symbol of freedom. Whether you're looking for the historic details of how the U.S. flag came to be, or the rules and regulations that encompass her daily flight, we're here to ensure you can find the information you need.
Displaying the Flag
On Same Staff
U.S. flag at peak, above any other flag.
Grouped
U.S. flag goes to its own right. Flags of other nations are flown at same height.
Marching
U.S. flag to marchers right (observer's left).
On Speaker's Platform
When displayed with a speaker's platform, it must be above and behind the speaker. If mounted on a staff it is on the speaker's right.
Decoration
Never use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red.
Salute
All persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.
Over a Street Union (stars) face north or east depending on the direction of the street.
Half Staff
On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised.Special Rules
Do not let the flag touch the ground.
Do not fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
Do not carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
Do not use the flag as clothing.
Do not store the flag where it can get dirty.
Do not use it as a cover.
Do not fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free.
Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.Illumination Guidelines
Per Federal Flag Code, Section 2, paragraph (a), it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
