Old glory is starting to show her age.
The way the U.S. flag is flown in certain parts of town has some residents upset and in some cases, these flags are in violation of the U.S. Flag Code.
For example, the flag in the Mitchell Shopping Center is frayed and badly tattered due to weather and being left out in the elements. As of Jan. 21, the flag had split along one of its strips, nearly rendering the flag in twain.
Eric Drew, one of the property managers for the complex, said the owners were not aware the flag had fallen into such a state. After a canvas of business owners in the complex on Jan. 21, owners expressed shock at the condition of the flag and several agreed the property owner was likely unaware of the issue, otherwise it would have been fixed.
“We want to get this taken care of immediately,” Drew said.
A lock on the pole prevented any instant action but the flag was still taken down the next day, Jan. 22, to be replaced with new stars and stripes.
According to the code, flags in poor states should not be flown and should be disposed of respectfully. In addition, only all-weather flags should be flown during inclement weather.
Other flags at local businesses have also been flown at night without proper illumination. The code states that flags may be flown at night, but only if it has direct illumination. Otherwise, the flag should be lowered and raised each night and day.
The flag code came about during the first Flag Day in 1923. Flag Day is celebrated every June 14. The code carries no legal penalties. There have been several attempts to institute penalties for using the flag in what was alleged to be disrespectful, but these have been rejected by the court system as contradictory to freedom of speech as interpreted in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Editor’s note: See the letters to the editor section for a letter concerning flag displays.
