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thedrifter
10-04-03, 10:32 AM
Keep Old Glory glorious - These colors don't run; it's up to us not to let them fade
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 2003103184355
Story by Sgt. Ryan Smith



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(October 3, 2003) -- Since that fateful day, Sept. 11, 2001, patriotism has flowed in the blood of Americans everywhere. I remember watching on a small television in Iwakuni, Japan as the World Trade Center was reduced to contorted steel beams and mangled wall pieces. I watched as the emergency service workers used pure adrenaline to stave off all the dust and debris to find survivors. One survivor will always remain vivid in my memory; the American flag found amongst the debris and raised profoundly above the wreckage.

Tattered and torn, this flag seemed to become a rallying image for Americans to stand behind. In its own way this tattered flag proclaimed to the world that it had been beaten and torn but still stood tall - as does America.

The American flag, a symbol of so many things to Americans and the world, has been hanging proudly in front of stores, homes and businesses in almost every town, city and village in America. You can see it waving in the breeze from the antennas of automobiles. The colors are there, hung with pride, helping to put personal patriotism on display.

It has been said that "these colors do not run," but they do fade.

Some flags seen down "Main Street" America have been there for the past few years and the sun has given the red, white and blue a harsh introduction to the effects of sunlight on material.

"Once a flag starts to become frayed or faded, it is time to replace it," said Sgt. Richard M. Sierra, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego ceremonial detail. "Of course, it depends on the type of flag you are flying and what it is made of to know how long a flag will last."

There are other effects the weather can have on the flag. Water damage, dust and dirt in the wind and even changes in temperature can hamper the way it waves.

"If left in the sun, it will fade," said Sierra. "Rain, wind and dirt can all cause the fibers to decay, dry up and crack causing it to fray or smell bad, especially on the natural fibers such as cotton or wool."

Before holding your personal morning colors ceremony, you should take a close look at your flag before presenting it to the neighborhood. Carefully inspect the flag for any rips, tears or holes in the material.

"The best advice is to put it out in the morning and take it down at night," said Sierra.

The American flag when worn or torn is still the American flag. You can not throw it away like a piece of trash. You must dispose of it properly.

According to the U.S. Flag Code, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."

American Legion posts, Veterans of Foreign Wars offices and local government agencies often have facilities to dispose of unserviceable flags.

For more information on the American flag, check out www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/4/ch1.html.

Next time you go to put your colors on display, take a closer look to make sure your colors are still as vibrant as your patriotism.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003103184645/$file/burn-this-flag_lr.jpg

The American Legion collects tattered American flags like these and disposes of them properly and respectfully.
Photo by: Sgt. Scott Dunn

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/8984685CDCA1702E85256DB4007CDEE5?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger
:marine: