Op/Ed: It's a Grand Old Flag

It is always a treat for me to see people in our community who display the American flag at their business and/or at home. Over the years this always reminds me of our Nation, our Constitution, and the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Thanks to all of your readers who do so. While we are not a perfect Nation, government or people, our form of representative government gives us the greatest ability to make changes that improves the life, opportunities, and liberties of our citizens and all those who live here.

I took a look at guidelines for the display of the American Flag from the U.S. Veterans Administration, and I wanted to share with your readers how they recommend we do it. The excerpt is as follows: “Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it’s illuminated during darkness. The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag. It should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays and special occasions. The flag should be displayed on or near the main building of public institutions, schools during school days, and polling places on election days. It should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.”

Best wishes to all!

David Jinkens, M.P.A.