Tattered Flag

As I drove near the Square this morning, I noticed that the U.S. Flag atop the Dick Tracy Museum in the old courthouse building on the Square is tattered - again. And not just tattered; this time it is shredded.

There is no doubt that winds take a heavy toll on U.S. Flags. Not just on the Square but elsewhere in Woodstock, such as at the American Community Bank across from Wal-Mart and previously at the Post Office.

I'll call the Museum, as I did about two years ago after the U.S. Flag disintegrated on the same flag pole. Flying the flag, and bearing the cost of doing so, is patriotic, but the flag must be maintained in good condition. When a flag begins to come apart, it's time for the owner of the flag to replace it. The owner should monitor the condition of the flag.

At the Post Office there is an item on the maintenance checklist to inspect the flag and verify it is iin good condition. This is a great idea that each business flying a flag might follow.

Most who display the U.S. Flag intend to fly it with respect. If YOU see a flag that is coming apart, let the owner know.