ELECTRA66
newbie
Posts: 14
Loc: Allen
Reg: 01-29-14
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05-17-14 11:17 PM - Post#168625
Look around at businesses and some homes in Allen and you will find American flags flying that are disgraceful, torn and and very faded.
I am retired from the Navy, and find it so very disrespectful how the flags are treated. I take great pride when I see a very nice looking flag flying.
I've asked the Allen Eagle if, I and others could post something in the paper about who has these flags out and wasn't told no, but never received an answer back from them.
Any suggestions will be appreciated how to get these flags replaced or taken down.
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Allensince1993
enthusiast
Posts: 521
Reg: 06-06-12
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05-18-14 10:33 AM - Post#168631
In response to ELECTRA66
Look around at businesses and some homes in Allen and you will find American flags flying that are disgraceful, torn and and very faded.
I am retired from the Navy, and find it so very disrespectful how the flags are treated. I take great pride when I see a very nice looking flag flying.
I've asked the Allen Eagle if, I and others could post something in the paper about who has these flags out and wasn't told no, but never received an answer back from them.
Any suggestions will be appreciated how to get these flags replaced or taken down.
I've sold homes with flagpoles to new clients have reminded them of the rules with regards to the flags (light if flying at night, raise to full staff at noon on Memorial Day, etc.)If you're going to have a flag you need to be responsible.
My only suggestion is to write a note to the person and sign it as a 'veteran'. I think you'll find many of these people just don't know the rules.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Fl ag_Co...
James DeLaGarza
Realtor/Broker since 1992 |
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Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5920
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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05-18-14 11:53 AM - Post#168634
In response to ELECTRA66
Contact the offenders and offer to officially retire their flags for them. Many will jump at the offer.
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javaprincess
enthusiast
Posts: 151
Reg: 06-01-10
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05-19-14 12:11 PM - Post#168652
In response to Al C
I occasionally drive past that fire station on Alma and Comanche, and there's a container, like a USPS mail drop off box, for retired flags. So it's not that hard to properly retire a flag. People just need to know about these things. It would be nice if the city posts this information around Memorial Day or Veterans Day to educate people. I have immigrant friends that proudly display a flag at their homes but are not aware of the etiquette.
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 9241
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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05-19-14 02:06 PM - Post#168661
In response to javaprincess
I agree that tattered/torn/faded flags should be retired. Any Boy Scout troop will take flags that need to be retired as I am sure the local VFW does the same.
One thing that really bugs me is when I see the Texas flag flown upside down. Some people don't know the white goes on top. I have actually stopped and fixed it at one location (a model home) and then left a message telling them how to properly fly the Texas flag.
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bbaker
enthusiast
Posts: 712
Loc: allen,tx.,usa
Reg: 09-08-00
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05-19-14 02:23 PM - Post#168662
In response to ELECTRA66
Hello,
I am a 2 yr trustee and I am the Patriotic Instructor for the Ladies Auxiliary V.F.W. Post 8627 in Richardson and about 2 yrs ago had a similar problem with some apartments on Plano Pky. They had a huge flag visible for several miles (seemed like) It was so tattered and torn and was barely half of it left. I called them to request that they take it down and retire it properly or let me pick it up and include it in our flag ceremony at the post. They said they had a replacement but that the old one was stuck couldn't get it down. I arranged for the Plano Fire department to take it down for them (no cost) They refused. After 3 months of repeated contact by letters, phone etc. I called the Plano Property Standards office and the head of the PS dept. called them asking nicely (like I did)and the Flag was replaced the same day as I recall. The problem is, they know "by law" we can't make them replace the Flag when it is so torn up that it becomes disrespectful to Veteran's, those still fighting and those who have lost their lives fighting for our freedom. It is shameful but true. I did send the a broshure(several times)on Flag etiquette but it still didn't make a difference.The new Flag was torn up by high winds and they finally took it down again a long time ago and was never replaced. Just a huge empty flag pole. Anyway, maybe polite a call from Property Standards office might do the trick. This is a very personal interest to me and I will do what I can to help. Thank you for your service to our country. 
bbaker
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bbaker
enthusiast
Posts: 712
Loc: allen,tx.,usa
Reg: 09-08-00
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05-19-14 02:30 PM - Post#168663
In response to ELECTRA66
If we could get addresses, I think I could get some broshures from the V.F.W. or American Legion (I am member of both) and mail to the address. Just a friendly reminder of when Flags should be replaced. Of course, we can't post addresses here but my private e-mail is [email protected] I will be happy to mail them.
bbaker
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bbaker
enthusiast
Posts: 712
Loc: allen,tx.,usa
Reg: 09-08-00
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05-19-14 02:56 PM - Post#168664
In response to bbaker
I just found this wesite. If you have address, they will send something.
http://flagkeepers.org/flag_report0.aspx
bbaker
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SB
enthusiast
Posts: 1551
Reg: 09-07-03
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05-19-14 03:12 PM - Post#168665
In response to bbaker
Just a thought . . I am not saying that there is anything at all wrong with prompting folks about correct etiquette or even being pushy about it. I'm not suggesting that there was anything done wrong in the examples of the attempted corrections described here.
But, isn't it worth something that some folks are flying a US flag (when most don't) even if it isn't done quite right? Sometimes it would seem that we focus exclusively on the rule rather than the commendable underlying patriotic sentiment.
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TXWayne
newbie
Posts: 18
Reg: 10-15-12
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05-19-14 03:45 PM - Post#168667
In response to SB
Just a thought . . I am not saying that there is anything at all wrong with prompting folks about correct etiquette or even being pushy about it. I'm not suggesting that there was anything done wrong in the examples of the attempted corrections described here.
But, isn't it worth something that some folks are flying a US flag (when most don't) even if it isn't done quite right? Sometimes it would seem that we focus exclusively on the rule rather than the commendable underlying patriotic sentiment.
Title 4 USC 8 (k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
Seems pretty clear but while it is in Federal Code it is not enforceable. As a veteran I always try to appeal to the patriotism that caused them to place the flag in the first place to take proper care of it and show due respect. Often it is simply a matter of not knowing but you will sometimes run into hard headed people. I still have a hard time dealing with people who during the National Anthem while I am saluting the flag are doing anything but showing proper respect for that short period of time.....
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bbaker
enthusiast
Posts: 712
Loc: allen,tx.,usa
Reg: 09-08-00
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05-20-14 08:51 AM - Post#168689
In response to TXWayne
I can see where SB is coming from and I agree that some folks may not know when to properly "retire" the Flag so there are "nice" ways we can let them know. Ultimantly, it's their decision though because we can't make them do it. If it is a business, IMHO they should replace the Flag. I would if it were my business. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. This is just the way I feel about the matter.
Some time back, NASCAR I think, Harry Connik Jr. sang the National Anthem with his ball cap on. Everyone else I saw had removed their caps. Even women having a bad hair day. I was embarrased for him and I don't even know the man.
bbaker
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civicminded
Community Guide
Posts: 9574
Loc: Lone Star State
Reg: 04-24-02
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05-22-14 08:39 AM - Post#168760
In response to bbaker
Al offers good advice. Some of us in here are always collecting Flags for retirement, and even asking businesses to do the right thing. I have a batch now in preparation for the June events.
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