Dear Ann Landers: Today is Flag Day, and I hope you will print this for all those who are displaying their flags.
1. When the flag becomes frayed and worn, replace it with a new flag, and destroy the old one by burning it in a dignified manner.
2. Display the flag only from sunrise to sunset, unless it is properly illuminated.
3. Never let the flag touch the ground.
4. Do not fly the flag in inclement weather, unless it is an all-weather flag.
5. The American flag should fly above any other flag on the staff.
6. When flying the flag at half-staff, first raise the flag quickly to the top, then lower it to the halfway mark. When lowering the flag, reverse this procedure.
My brother was a Vietnam vet, and I hope you will print this column to honor his memory. — Marilyn Rae in Ohio
Dear Marilyn Rae: With so many American flags being flown these days, it is good to know the proper way to display them. Thanks for the input.
Dear Readers: Remember to pause today and say the Pledge of Allegiance at 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, which is 6 p.m. in Chicago, 5 p.m. in Denver, 4 p.m. in Los Angeles, 3 p.m. in Anchorage and 1 p.m. in Honolulu.
Dear Ann Landers: I hope you will ask your readers to take a moment to remember our young sons and daughters who serve today in very uncertain times and often under dangerous circumstances.
Unless you have been a member of the military or part of a military family, it is difficult to understand how lonely it can be to serve far from home. Today’s military is unique in American history. It is a military of volunteers. We will not be able to continue to depend on these volunteers, however, unless we continue to show them that America remembers their sacrifice and service.
The USO (United Service Organizations) and the Department of Defense Armed Forces Entertainment Office are proud to have been part of the lives of our military since 1941. As a private, not-for-profit organization, the USO turns individual contributions and concern into entertainment and a safe haven in 118 locations around the world. Today, entertainers are performing in USO shows wherever our military is stationed, and USO volunteers are providing much-needed support and comfort to active duty military members and their families.
On behalf of the USO — and the volunteers who defend us all — thank you, Ann, for your unstinting support of the military and of the USO. Sincerely, — Edward A. Powell, president and CEO, USO, Washington, D.C.
Dear Edward Powell: Thank you for reminding my readers about the USO. Your organization has provided entertainment and improved morale for our troops overseas for over 50 years. Bless you.
Dear Readers: I would like to tell you about a lovely little book titled “Once Upon a Town,” by Chicago Tribune columnist Bob Greene. This is an inspiring and uplifting tale about the North Platte (Neb.) Canteen and the amazing people who somehow managed to greet (and feed) the soldiers of every troop train that passed through their community for the entire duration of World War II. I was moved to tears, and you will be too. The publisher: William Morrow and Co. Price: $24.95 (In Canada: $37.95).
———-
Drugs are everywhere. They’re easy to get, easy to use and even easier to get hooked on. If you have questions about drugs, you need Ann Landers’ booklet “The Lowdown on Dope.” Send a self-addressed, long, business-size envelope and a check or money order for $5 (this includes postage and handling) to: Lowdown, c/o Ann Landers, P.O. Box 11562, Chicago, IL 60611-0562. (In Canada, send $6.) To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
