Editor: It appears that some Healdsburg businesses who display an American flag have a philosophy of “hoist it and forget it.” U.S. Flag Code requires that the American flag be flown at half-staff for the president or a former president 30 days from the date of death. A presidential order was given on Dec. 1, in honor of former president George H. W. Bush. The code also requires that flags displayed after sunset must have direct illumination on the flag itself.
During this 30-day period flags at the several locations in Healdsburg were in non-compliance for both codes. Flags were not lowered to half-staff, nor do they have direct illumination for being displayed after sunset.
The flag at the Center Street shopping center needs replacement, the current flag is faded, torn, tattered and should be removed immediately and disposed of properly.
The flag at the Dry Creek Best Western is also frayed and torn and needs to be either repaired (if possible) or replaced.
Garrets Hardware, Healdsburg no longer displays a flag on its pole. Three times over the last five or so years I have go into Garrets to point out that they are displaying an American Flag that was frayed and torn, most recently, last Memorial Day. I guess it is easier to simply not display a flag, rather than respect it, how disappointing.
I believe that the city of Healdsburg needs to adopt an ordinance for the proper display of an American flag. Suggested:
- If you have a flag pole, accept the responsibility of displaying under U.S. Flag Code or remove the pole.
- After notification of non-compliance, one has 24 to remedy before incurring a fine of $1,000.00 per day.
- I am sure that our local American Legion can use all fines collected for either the Fourth of July fireworks or find a deserving charity benefitting veterans.
I do not believe that Healdsburg wants to be known as the city that condones American flags displayed in a manner that is disrespectful to most Americans and all military service personnel, present and past.
Ron Arata
Healdsburg
