TAKING CARE OF OLD GLORY
No matter what term of affection you choose – Old Glory, The Star-Spangled Banner, Stars and Bars the American flag flies proudly over this nation to remind us of our freedom, and the price of that freedom.
As we approach Flag Day 2015 (Sunday, June 14) the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Bluewater Boathouse would like to remind everyone that there is a proper way to display the American flag, as well as a specific method for disposing of old, tattered or weather-beaten American flags.
According to the VFW and the Federal Flag Code, the universal custom is to display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset but, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day as long as it is properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
Steve Ewing (right) general manager of Coronado’s Bluewater Boathouse, presents a stack of weathered American flags to Michael Turner of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Coronado Post 2422. Turner and the VFW, addressing all American flag protocol for such a time-honored task, will dispose of the flags in an appropriate manner. All photos by Joe Ditler.
No flag should be torn, soiled or damaged in any way, nor should logos, insignias, letters, words, figures or designs be attached to the American flag. It should not be used for clothing or as a costume.
The flag should never be used to carry or hold anything. And it should never be used for advertising. The flags image should not appear on boxes, paper napkins, plates or anything made to be discarded.
Disposal of the flag also carries rigorous instructions that many may not be aware of. “The flag should be folded in its customary manner,” said Michael Turner, spokesman for the VFW (Coronado Post 2422). “Once folded the flag should be placed in a large, sufficiently intense fire to ensure the complete burning of the flag.”
Old Glory flies proudly from the top of Coronado’s Bluewater Boathouse. It is seen here with traditional maritime signal flags delivering the message to our military, “GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS,” and “NAVY A GLOBAL FORCE FOR GOOD.”
Specific guidelines on disposal of the American flag include coming to attention, saluting the flag, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, or taking a moment for a brief period of silent reflection while the flag burns. Once finished the fire should be completely extinguished and the ashes buried.
“In Coronado,” said Turner, “or in otherwise crowded cities and suburbs, it’s not recommended that people build fires in their backyards to dispose of the American flag. We invite people to bring their American flags to their nearest VFW Post, where we regularly dispose of flags with all necessary procedure and protocol.”
Bluewater Boathouse, celebrating the American spirit, flies Old Glory night and day from the peak of the historic 1887 cupola. They also offer a discount on lunch and dinner to all active duty military.
This red, white and blue piece of cloth is the most honored trademark of our nation. In all cases, never allow the flag to touch the ground, and always handle it with pride and care.
The Coronado VFW is located at 557 Orange Avenue. For more information on the Coronado VFW, contact Michael Turner at (619) 865-4809 or [email protected].
Coronado VFW Post 2422.
