Dear Editor,

Much time and thought has gone into the wording of this letter. It is not my intent to anger or frustrate anyone. Please read this knowing that if you choose to fly the American flag in your yard or at your place of business, I applaud you for your patriotism and hope this does not deter you in honoring our flag and all it represents.

At a time when our country and the freedoms we enjoy are taken so blatantly for granted, I feel it is important to show a proper respect, honor and appreciation for our flag. If you have made the decision to display “Old Glory,” please do so in a manner that exemplifies its true meaning and all that it symbolizes.

Having stated the above, I implore those of you who have invested the time, money, and effort to purchase and display our flag to do so properly. I am no expert but I do know that it is disrespectful to fly our flag when it is faded, tattered and frayed. There are many online sites that explain the correct way to display, care for and eventually dispose of it when it has faded or become worn. Might I suggest http://www.infoplease.com/spot/flagetiquette or perhaps http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infflag/usflag.html.

Both of these sites give very detailed information.

Please do not stop flying our flag. We need your patriotism and pride. I do ask that you give this symbol of our great country the respect and honor that many have given their lives to preserve.

Thank you

Brenda Leggett