I recently passed one of those massive flags at a gas station. I’m sure it was supposed to show their love of country; instead what I saw was a tattered, faded insult – an ethical lapse, an esthetic failure, and even a marketing bust.
As a teacher I taught the Flag Code and my husband was a Navy reservist for 30 years. It was these points I expressed to the headquarters of that chain. I was surprised to receive a response within days, and it was better than I expected. They said that although a local company was responsible for operations, they would follow up with them.
How often do we see something that should be addressed and, rather than get involved, we just write the company off as uncaring, lazy or worse? After years of being a consumer I have followed through enough times to pick my fights. At different times, I’ve gotten refunds, I’ve written the BBB, and I’ve been ignored. Even though I gained nothing from writing about that flag, it was my duty to complain.
Ordinarily the flag should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset, although the Flag Code permits nighttime display “when a patriotic effect is desired” and the flag is illuminated. It should never be used for advertising purposes, which makes me wonder about the flags put out by realtors. Mind you, I like the way it looks, but if they’re put out they should be taken up. It’s disrespectful for faded, ratty little flags to be at the curb weeks later.
Five days after I received that email from the gasoline company, they responded with, “Sorry it took so long – the new American Flag had to be special ordered.” Attached was a picture of the new flag. I smiled. Each of us can make a difference.
One more thing, let me mention that American flags can be dropped off at the Judd Kendall VFW Post, 908 W. Jackson Ave., for proper disposal or recycling.
