I want to extend a thank you to everyone who is being patriotic by displaying the American flag outside their home. Please keep it up. I would like to remind everyone, however, that there are rules of etiquette that apply to flying and handling the flag. Some of the basics are:

1. Do not fly the flag at night unless it is directly lighted. A porch light does not count. Yes, this means you will have to put it out in the morning and take it down in the evening.

2. Do not fly a flag in inclement weather (rain) unless it is an all-weather flag (it would say so on the package).

3. If your flag is worn, faded, shredded or otherwise damaged, please retire it properly. Call your local VFW.

4. NEVER let the flag touch the ground.

5. Make sure your flag is flying properly. It should not be wrapped around the pole or snagged on your roofline.

For more guidelines on displaying your flag, please visit
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html.

Remember that the American flag is a symbol of our country and its freedoms. Let's respect it for that. Keep up the patriotism and American pride. Thank you.