Do you do anything about poorly flown flags if they are on a private residence?

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 03:47:00 -0400

I drive through my neiborhood and see a flagpole on maybe 1 out of 20 homes or so. Some of them are in such bad shape it makes me sick. There is a Devil Dog down the street from me that had a Marine flag so bad, I bought him one and left it on his mailbox one night. The whole center was ripped out. He had it up the next day which made me happy. He also flys it 24/7 with no light, but there is a street light on the corner which illuminates it somewhat.

There was also a restaraunt close to me that closed up but left the flag flying. The city mounted a rescue and had it taken down. It was in the paper.

What do you all think about poorly flown flags? Anybody knocked on a door and said something?

I want to put a flag up, but I'm holding out for a decent flagpole. Not one of these cheap $79 home depot specials.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Sep 7 at 2014 10:08 AM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 10:08:27 -0400

Sgt Packy Flickinger my mother flies the US Flag and she has the light lit up at night for it. I think a lot of Americans don't read much into how to properly fly the flag or that they don't care or know any better. Great job on rescuing the flag from a the restaurant too. I'm sure the owner of the Marine Flag appreciates your gift to replace the weathered and torn one he had on his flag pole.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 7 at 2014 12:28 PM

SGT Richard H. — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 12:28:15 -0400

As much as I agree with what you're saying, Sgt Packy Flickinger, It's a huge fight to take on. The simple fact is that most Americans, while they fly the flag with the best of intentions, do so with very little knowledge or understanding of flag etiquette. Al we can really do is try to educate them one at a time.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 12 at 2014 3:17 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:17:44 -0400

Sgt Packy Flickinger Nothing wrong with explaining flag etiquette to those who are lacking. We live in a retirement rich area where the best intentions are there, but the body is weak. Sometimes the veteran has died and the widow is elderly.

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Sep 12 at 2014 3:36 PM

SrA Marc Haynes — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:36:14 -0400

Maybe a well placed paper regarding correct flag etiquette.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Nov 13 at 2014 8:09 AM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 08:09:56 -0500

I think a flag should be flown but once it fades tears etc it should be taken down and replaced with a New one or put nothing back up. I had my flag flying for 3 years just replaced it last week it was fading out and needed it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 8:36 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 08:36:00 -0500

I think you answered your own question. Money is tight. And maybe they just want to express their gratitude or allegiance. Best flag pictures I've seen are beat up. With the exception of those draped over my brothers. I think I'd prefer see one up that's a little beat up than nothing at all. But that's just me.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 16 at 2015 4:42 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 16:42:07 -0400

There was one time when I was in recruiting, a business flew their flag up side down...a sign of distress...I almost had the Staff Sergeant with me talked into rushing in like they were under attack (I was an ass then too) but was finally talked into just going in.

When I was talking to the girl at the front counter, and pointed out what they had done, I was glad I didn't do anything more because she was so embarrassed I though she might come to tears. In some ways, it gave me hope that some people actually do care.

SSG Riggleman, if you are out there, sorry SFC now, I still think we should have gone in like a clearing team. I know they really were under distress.