Parade Marshall, Mrs. Virginia McKay, gave a wonderful speech during the Memorial Day Service in the center of Randolph yesterday. Many people listened with wet eyes as she spoke of honor, patriotism, and our flag. She said, “Even if it is a small flag; I see some of you waving them now, just stick it in the ground. Be proud of the great country you live in!”. This Memorial Day leaves us with a lot of emotions. It leaves us to question how best to honor the people who sacrificed their lives. The best way, in my opinion, to honor them is to honor what they were fighting for. Fortunately, we have the most powerful symbol of righteousness in the world that we can display to honor our fallen soldiers.

In Randolph Township, we encourage everyone to proudly display their patriotism. For those who wish to learn more about US Flag Code here is a list of things you should and shouldn’t do according to Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code (4 U.S.C. § 1 et seq). While this is a Federal Law please keep in mind it is not enforced. So if you haven’t or aren’t going to follow the code you have nothing to worry about. It is simply etiquette. This article only serves as information to those who are interested. Here is a list of Flag Etiquette:

• The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing.
• When a flag is so tattered that it no longer fits to serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be replaced in a dignified manner.
• No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
• The flag should never touch anything beneath it.
• The flag should always be permitted to fall freely. (An exception was made during the Apollo moon landings when the flag hung from a vertical pole designed with an extensible horizontal bar, allowing full display even in the absence of an atmosphere.)
• The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard.
• The flag should never be upside down. According to the United States Flag Code, an American flag upside down means a sign of distress or great danger.