To the editor:

I was raised a patriot. As I matured, my views may have differed with my elders but I have never forgotten the lesson I was taught about honoring our country and its highest symbol its flag. During the last few months, the country has gone wild with its newfound patriotism and flag waving. And while that may be well and good, may we have a little decorum, please?

The American flag is not a blanket. It is not to be worn or draped and should never touch the ground. That is not how you honor or display our flag as seen recently in photos in this paper. You don’t honor the flag by wiping with napkins or towels with it emblazoned on the front. You don’t honor the flag by flying it from your vehicle until it is tattered and torn. You don’t display it in the window backwards. You don’t honor the flag by wearing sweats or a handbag out of material resembling the flag.

There are guidelines for displaying our flag. There is good sense and taste in honoring our flag. If you are going to fly the flag, please do so properly. Take it down in inclement weather unless it’s an all-weather flag. Take it down at night unless it is illuminated. Repair the tears in your flag or destroy it according to the U.S. Code and Executive Order. Go to the library or look on the internet to find the proper etiquette.

Now, if you want to protest our country and its symbol, go right ahead. Wear it, burn it. I believe in the First Amendment. But, I find it ironic that the people who are displaying their flags incorrectly are the same people who would complain upon seeing someone using it as an expression of protest.

Do it right, or don’t do it.

Jennie Washburn,

Baldwin