Since Sept. 11, 2001, Americans have a new awareness of the
country
’s flag. But there is a proper way to treat the stars and
stripes that many people don’t follow, according to several flag
experts.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, Americans have a new awareness of the country’s flag.
But there is a proper way to treat the stars and stripes that many people don’t follow, according to several flag experts.
“People need to know the proper etiquette of their flag and most don’t,” said Morgan Hill resident Janie Knopf. “I grew up in a military family and took an interest in it early on. If I see people displaying their flag improperly I try to stop and explain to them proper etiquette. Most are very gracious about it.”
Flags should be flown from sunrise to sunset unless they have a light illuminating them, said Wayne Cegelske, of the VFW Post 6309 in Gilroy.
“A lot of people leave it up at night, but if they do that they should leave the porchlight on so it illuminates it,” he said. “Of course, that raises your energy bills.”
And although some American flags attached to freeway overpasses show a patriotic spirit, this practice is not considered good flag etiquette.
“That’s not being properly displayed,” he said. “It could come loose and go to the ground and get run over by cars.”
Knopf pointed out that another problem she often sees is the positioning of the stars on flags, noting that the stars should be positioned in the upper left corner whether the flag is in a horizontal or vertical position.
“People and businesses also need to know that using the flag in advertising is also wrong,” said Knopf.
Flags should also not be worn as costumes, nor should they be used as bedding or drapery, Cegelske said.
Lately, many flags can be seen attached to the antennas of cars, but this can also be seen as improper presentation of the American colors, he said.
“It’s nice but they can come off or they can become frayed and torn,” he said. “It’s a disgrace to be flying a flag in that condition.”
Some people put paper flags on their back windshields which is patriotic, but they should definitely consider the safe operation of the car, he said.
“We don’t want people putting up flags on their cars where it can interfere with looking in the rearview mirror,” he said.
The proper disposal of old flags is also a form of respect, he said. The American Legion group in Gilroy collects used and torn flags during the year and on June 14, National Flag Day, has a ceremony where the flags are burned in the incinerator at Habing Family Funeral Home, he said.
“Anyone who wants to get rid of their torn flags can bring them to the Veterans Hall on the first Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m.,” he said. The hall is located at Eigleberry and Sixth streets.
