Flag: Fly it proud, no matter the weather

Being a veteran and a proud US citizen, as well as a native Washingtonian, I notice the ways that people and companies display our American flag.

This winter, as I walk around Tacoma, I have noticed a local company with a great flagpole setting, but was not displaying the flag. I stopped in and inquired as to why and was told it’s because of the extreme wind/weather. They did not want to damage the flag.

Upon a bit of cogitating about this response, the thought occurred that I am sure happy those fighting on behalf of our freedom did not decide to take a day off because of extreme weather.

A week or two later I walked past the same business and the flagpole was still empty. I stopped in and shared my thoughts with an employee and was told the same answer, but that they would be putting it up soon.

Flying/displaying our American Flag is a privilege and a right. If we choose to do so, we certainly should not leave the flagpole empty; that sends a different sort of message.

This story was originally published February 6, 2020 at 1:14 PM with the headline "Flag: Fly it proud, no matter the weather."