Oooooops!

A few days ago I wrote about the American Flag. A reader pointed out something I didn't include. What to do with the flag you're replacing. I'll correct my "haste makes waste" (and incomplete posts) error right now.

You've probably heard that tattered and torn American Flags should be disposed of by burning. I don't like the sound of the perfectly good word, "disposed" in this context, but it is what it is. And some folks don't like using another fine word, "burn," when discussing Our Flag. How about "Retire, Retiring, and Retirement?" I like those. And that's how the subject is described in the American Legion Manual of Ceremonies.

Most Legion Posts will Retire your flag for you. And, a number of Boy Scout Troops will help you. Give them a call.

I like the picture I ran, so much that I'm putting it up again.

Image Detail: Melinda Bula of El Dorado Hills, Calif., made this art quit for her son

serving in the U.S. Marines. It's titled "Our Flag Was Still There."

Our Flag, waving it, respecting it and

We proudly fly a flag. It's one of the type that fits in a brace on the side of a building wall. It's waving daily. Occasionally I forget to put it out. Occasionally I forget to take it down. Rarely have I ever left it out when it's raining. I love the American Flag. I love what it represents. I proudly served under it. I admire everyone else who has. I respect the sacrifices that have been made in its name.

I wanted to use a picture of the flag waving in the breeze. Enter my faithful Google. I found the one below and before I go on with the purpose of this post, I'd like to tell you about the picture.

I don't intentionally steal something that's been copyrighted nor do I plagiarise. I credit my source and try not to forget to provide a link to the originator. I found this picture and followed the link. This picture was part of an interesting story that includes information about this piece of art and blends with my reason for starting this post. I'll only include this part... 

"Image Detail: Melinda Bula of El Dorado Hills, Calif., made this art quilt for her son serving in the U.S. Marines. It’s titled 'Our Flag Was Still There.' "

An art quilt by Melinda Bula

The American Flag has been the source of patriotism, pride and controversy. It's been burned and defiled. I dislike folks who think their frustration or hatred toward the United States should be expressed in some action involving our flag. I'm not going to argue the First Amendment. At this time.

 

Today I realized I have disrespected my flag. It has to be replaced. It's become a little faded, tattered and torn. Thus, my thoughts.

 

I don't believe folks intentionally let their flags become faded or ragged pieces of fabric. We just seem to become so accustomed to putting it up, flying it, taking it down and storing it, we don't think to consider its condition. I hate to say it, but that sounds like I've been guilty of taking my flag for granted.

Did you know we have a Federal Law regarding our flag? At the link is a 17-page document you can read or download for reference. It contains history, etiquette, our Pledge of Allegiance and other interesting facts. It seems like something that should be used in our schools.

If you wonder when the flag should be flown at "Half Mast," there are web sites you can reference and most even offer notices by e-mail. I like this one because it includes guides for the 50 state flags.

May our Flag continue to fly and represent Good. And may God continue to Bless our United States of America.