The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dear Editor,
With our nation's birthday coming up so soon I think that extra attention is paid to the flag around this time every year. Recently while driving through town I noticed that we have several flags flying that desperatly need to be replaced. Many of which are fraying at the ends and look terrible.
The flag is a symbol of our country and should be treated with respect and flying them in such manner is definetly not showing any respect. After seeing this I decided to look up the flags codes and in Section 8-Respect for the Flag, letter K it distinctly says "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."
8. Respect for flag
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
a. The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
b. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
c. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
d. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
e. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
f. The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
g.The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.
h. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
i. The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
j. No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
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
Brian Covert
La Harpe
YOUR BIRTHDAY CARD, AMERICA
By Elaine Slater Reese
Special For The Quill
It's almost July 4th, and we're making preparations to celebrate your birthday. Let' s see-we will need 234 candles.
That will take a BIG CAKE. I have out red, white, and blue yarn and plastic streamers. I've made a wreath out of them. It is hung on the front door.
Ole Glory is waving in the wind. We want to send the message that those who live here appreciate this country and those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.
I looked for a birthday card for you. But this year I just couldn't find the right one. In 2010, a funny card definitely will not do it.
(The world situation and life in America is just too critical right now for that.)
In 2010, one decorated with flowers and lace definitely will not do it. (That would be looking at our country through rose-colored glasses. Wish I could do that - and that things would be different.)
You've been on a lot of journeys, America. But even in my lifetime, you have changed so much. I see that you are losing so many of the attributes you were founded on. For years, we liked to call your changes PROGRESS.
And there was great progress. But at some point, we citizens stopped focusing on what was the best for all - for you, America.
And our focus shifted to OURSELVES. Even the poorest of us have more than people in many other countries have.
Yet, the majority of we Americans now almost unconsciously think of OUR OWN LITTLE WORLD - what we want, what we must have.
We have forgotten how to help our neighbor, how to give to others. I am afraid, America, that you, in many lives, have become one little word - ME, ME, ME!
And that has caused you to change - from our three branches of government right down to each of us citizens.
Many have answers as to how we can get back on track. And we all know, that those opinions are as varied as day and night.
Because I am an American, I have been given the right to express my opinion. My answer would be found in one scripture - 2nd Chronicles 7:14. "
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then
I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
So, America, even though I can't find just the right birthday card for you this year, I will still honor and celebrate you. There is no other land where I would rather be.
Editor's Note:
Elaine Slater Reese is a freelance writer in Spring Green, Wi. who grew up in Hancock County - near Bowen, Illinois