In honor of Flag Day, Jerry Hanson, post commander of American Legion Dorsey Liberty Post No. 14 in Lawrence, will answer questions about how to display, store and otherwise care for the American flag.

jniccum

What is your stance on the political issue of flag burning?

mpaget

When I’m not flying my flag, how should I store it?

Moderator

Hi, everybody. Thanks for joining us today, and happy Flag Day! I’m Terry Rombeck, a reporter at the Journal-World, and I’ll moderate today’s chat. Jerry Hanson, commander of the American Legion Dorsey-Liberty Post 14 is here today to answer your flag-related questions.

Jerry Hanson

Good Afternoon, welcome to Flag Day questions.

ahenry

My father was a career soldier (24 years Army) and is now buried in the veteran’s cemetery in Leavenworth. As he had requested, I arranged for him to receive a standard military burial. During the service, the flag was folded improperly by the funeral detail and then presented to me with the casings from his 21 gun salute.

It is my understanding that when a flag is properly folded, one should see, from top to bottom, one, three then five stars. I have also been told that once a flag is folded it should not be unfolded.

I would like to honor my father’s service properly. So, should I leave well enough alone with the poorly folded flag or do I have another option?

Jerry Hanson

The easy way is to bring your flag to the Legion Post on West 6th st., behind Spangles, any morning between 9 and 12 noon and our members will refold the flag for you.

Dracul

Explain the requirements for night flag display and why many local restaurants get by without following the rules. (not a question – more of a request for info)

Jerry Hanson

The basic rule is that flags that are flown after sunset should have a light that allows you to clearly see the flag until daylight. The flag code, title 4, the United States Flag code does not have any legal enforcement support behind it so there is no one to report misuse of the code.

Moderator

I’ve always wondered: When flying the flag vertically, which side are the stars supposed to be on? I see it both ways.

Jerry Hanson

The blue field with stars should be to the left upper corner of the person facing the flag.

Moderator

One other from me – is there a proper way to wash/clean a dirty flag? Is it OK to stick it in the wash or something?

Jerry Hanson

The flag should always be protected. You should always make sure that you follow the corect procedure for the material it is made of and always wash the flag by it self so their is no chance of it being miscolored by any other colors. Carefully press the flag after washing.

riffraff

Is it true that the image of the flag shouldn’t be worn on clothing or depicted on other items, like mugs.

Jerry Hanson

The image of the flag on a cup, t-shirt or plaque is acceptable, but sewing a flag to a piece of clothing is not. The exception is that members of the military, police, fire departments and other organizations are given permission to do so as long as it worn respectfully..

Jerry Hanson

The American Legion post nearest you will usually accept your flag for proper disposal. The Dorsey-Liberty Post in Lawrence has mail box outside of the post that flags may be dropped off. Please drop only the flag into the box, no boxes or other containers in to the box.

Moderator

Are there any other common issues you see with displaying the flag, or any other suggestions you’d have for people this Flag Day?

Jerry Hanson

If you are flying a flag on a vehicle it should be mounted as close as you can to the right front quarter of the vehicle, the antenna in that area is a good spot or a window mount on the right front door. Never allow the flag to touch the ground and when you take it off a flag pole you can fold it length wise and carry it respectfully to a storage place.

Moderator

That does it for today’s chat. Thanks, Jerry, for coming in today, and thanks to you all for asking good questions.

Jerry Hanson

Take care of our flag. Flag etiqutte and history info can be found on most browsers and pamphlets are available at your local American Legion and VFW posts.