WB9DDF Loc: Knoxville, IL

I was out walking my dogs when I saw this old veteran of many past storms enduring one more windy day. When I finished with the dogs, I got my camera to capture this once glorious flag which has been reduced to pink and grey streamers by the elements.

Canon 60D, Sigma 70-300mm (214mm), full automatic sports mode (1/2000 F5.6 ISO 500)
For the purists who will want to complain about my use of automatic settings, I say this: It was cold. My gloves came off to shoot the photo, not to fiddle with the camera. ;-)

(Download)

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

The veterans here will not be happy about the condition of this flag... Glad somebody else suffers for their art like I do! This is one reason I moved to Texas in '92...

WB9DDF Loc: Knoxville, IL

I'm not happy about it either but I have seen far too many flags in similar condition. Hopefully the homeowner will retire this flag soon.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

It looks like it could be currently flying over our tattered Capitol.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

I hope it is not a reflection on the owners health - a lot of folks fly Old Glory and maintain them, it is the ones who are getting on or failing health that I see this...

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I hope someone gently reminds the person displaying this flag to read U.S. Code Title 4 Chapter 1, Section 8, Subsection k which states, "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".

This is not interpreted as putting the flag in a containing and incinerating it. There is a ceremony in which the procedure is properly listed.

FLAG DISPOSAL:
1. The flag should be folded in its customary manner.
2. It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.
3. Place the flag on the fire.
4. The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.
5. After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.
6. Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.
--Bob

WB9DDF Loc: Knoxville, IL

I sent the tattered flag photo to the photo page of the local newspaper with the same caption I used here. The next weekend a new flag appeared. I guess somebody looked at their flag after my photo called it to their attention.

:thumbup: :) :) :)

jfn007 Loc: Close to the middle of nowhere.

I am pleased the flag was replaced. I hate to see tattered US flags. It also griped me that for six years our local high school had the flag incorrectly hanging vertically. I told the principal on numerous occasions that it was wrong. The dumbass just shined me on. Finally, I call the superintendent and he got it hung correctly. (I was a teacher at the time. Thank God I am retired.)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Good for you. I used to manage a web site that humiliated people who would fly flags in conditions that were well past usable. If they did nothing, I'd post photos of the flag, the business, etc. on the site. Once that was done, several friends would then team up and stick it to them. One would discuss an order, make a reservation, etc. for a considerable amount. Then the next day another friend would call and inquire about following up on the order and during the conversation mention the presence of their flag on the site. At that point, they would cancel any further discussion about the order, reservation, etc. stating the condition of the flag and the number of veterans who work for the company would cause a conflict.

Though they'd never hear from us again, the flag was replaced.
--Bob

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I had to inform one of the local military reservations here that they were flying the flag incorrectly on Memorial Day. The MPs with whom I spoke didn't seem to know, or care about it.

I contacted the base commander regarding the situation the following day. Apparently, he cared. His assistant called me and asked if I'd care to meet and discuss the issue. We did and as a result of the meeting, I was asked to revise several of their internal web pages in order to make clear what the correct procedure was so this didn't happen again. I was happy to volunteer to do that.
--Bob

WB9DDF Loc: Knoxville, IL

As a side effect, I have noticed several obviously new flags flying around the area. If your local paper published subscriber photos, try this experiment. Send them a photo of the most tattered flag you can find. Don't say where it is. Just make a comment that you salute people for flying the flag but you wish they would take care of their flag.

In a couple weeks, look around your community and I bet you will notice old flags got replaced and new flags have appeared.

After a few weeks, let us all know if this works for you like it did for me.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Knowing my local papers, as I do, it'd have to be a flag related event, such as a holiday, or flag day, for that to even stand a chance of being published. It's worth a try, but I'm jaded enough to realize how our papers work around here.
--Bob

WAR10CK Loc: Blacklick, OH

I'm glad it got replaced. When I was commander of our local VFW I carried a supply of new flags in my vehicle and would replace any badly worn ones on us.