The Editor:
There is a legal U.S. flag code. The code was created by the American Legion in 1923 and Congress made it law in 1942. The code is:
Sunrise to sunset: The flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset on flagpoles of buildings.
Illumination: If displayed at night, the flag should be properly illuminated.
No contact: The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, floor, water, or merchandise.
No damage: It should not be fastened or displayed in a way that could damage or soil it. Nor displayed ragged, faded, or soiled.
Not for decoration: The flag should not be used for decoration or advertising purposes.
Respectful handling: It should always be handled and displayed with respect.
Never upside down: Unless in times of dire distress.
No marking: Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.
I bring up the U.S. Flag Code because the notion of flying the flag is, I think, meant to express one’s patriotism. But my casual observation around Blaine and Birch Bay suggests that most residential flag displays do not follow the law.
The non-code displays are, therefore, disrespectful of the flag and the republic for which it stands. This disrespect does not demonstrate patriotism; only ignorance and laziness.
I suggest that flag flyers should follow the code correctly, respectfully, and legally. Or take their flag down.
T.D. Runnels
U.S. Navy veteran
Blaine
The Editor:
In his June 19 letter to the editor, Joseph Snow states that he has “never been so outraged in my hometown of 61 years.” The cause of his extreme distress? At the recent Scottish Gathering at Marine Park, the Canadian national anthem was played before the U.S. anthem, which left him “stunned.”
Well, Mr. Snow, you should address your complaint to the U.S. State Department, whose official policy is that it is customary to play the visitor’s anthem first at such international events, out of courtesy.
As for Mr. Snow’s anger that Canadians in the crowd did not stand for our anthem, I observed that the Americans in the crowd likewise appeared to sit out “O Canada.” Mr. Snow’s general complaint about the event being a dud is totally wrong, in my opinion. The organizers and the many volunteers did a fantastic job, just as they did last year. Granted, the parking situation could stand improvement, but I’m confident they will address that next year.
MacLeod Cushing
Blaine
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