Don’t forget to salute the flag Monday

Published 12:00 am Saturday, May 27, 2000

Red, white and blue always are the colors that set the tone for the area’s spectacular Memorial Day celebration.

Saturday, May 27, 2000

Red, white and blue always are the colors that set the tone for the area’s spectacular Memorial Day celebration.

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We honor not only those who currently serve in our armed forces and who safeguard our freedom, but we especially pay respect to those who have bravely served in the past and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

The flag is now and always the most beautiful symbol of our freedom. It has flown in the most remote corners of the globe and has been proudly planted on the moon.

It epitomizes everything that is good and right about the United States of America.

Unfortunately, too many of us fail to display it properly, and even more fail to give it the proper respect.

Although most of us learned flag etiquette in grade school, we’re never too old to review these important rules:

The utmost respect should be paid to the flag.

Always hoist the U.S. flag briskly. Lower it ceremoniously. When lowering the flag, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object. Fold the flag neatly and ceremoniously.

The flag usually should be flown only from sunrise to sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night. The flag should be saluted as it is hoisted and lowered.

The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.

The flag should not be used as a drapery or for covering a desk or any decorative purpose. Instead, use red, white and blue bunting.

The flag should never be used as part of a costume or uniform except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, firefighters, police officers or members of patriotic organizations.

Never attach any mark, insignia, letter, word or drawing to our nation’s flag.

The flag should be cleaned and mended whenever needed; however, when a flag is so worn that it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

When on display indoors, the flag should be accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area. Other flags should be to the left.

The flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags are displayed.

When displaying the flag against a wall, the flag’s stars should be at the top to the flag’s own right and to the observer’s left.

When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the U.S. flag may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.

Whenever you are in doubt, use common sense and good manners. During the wonderful and historic Memorial Day Parade tomorrow, don’t run across the street in front of the flag. Instead, stand with respect as it passes by your spot on the parade route. Instead, cover your heart with your right hand and pause for a moment and think about all the places in the world our nation’s symbol has flown and continues to fly.

The flag epitomizes our collective and individual spirits. It is one of the most recognizable symbols on earth.

We should be proud of our flag, and we should give it the utmost respect.

Jennifer Allen is publisher of The Ironton Tribune.