Beyond Rivalry

... fly it properly. Karen at Free Range Librarian pleads with American flag-flyers to do it right: with attention, with discipline, with care, with remembrance of those fighting in its name, and following protocol:

"We're not over there humping our way through the 140-degree heat trying to secure a patch of dust and avoid getting our rumps blown sky-high. We're here, driving to Wal-Mart to buy ourselves a little patriotism, looking for a good price on a flag sewn somewhere overseas, a flag we'll hoist right before we make another run to Publix for more beer and burgers, because we wouldn't want to not have our every whim met tomorrow, even if some troops fighting that unseen war are in such short supply their water is rationed.

"We extend the same carelessness to flags, as well."

Briefly:

• Raise the flag quickly.
• Lower the flag slowly.
• Buy an all-weather flag or bring it in during inclement weather.
• Keep it illuminated or bring it in every night at sunset.
• Fold it properly, don't wad it.
• Dispose of it properly when it's frayed, worn, dirty.
• Remember what the flag represents.