As a resident and a proud Gloucester City Lion, I was chagrined to read that Cleary\’s Negative Notebook pointed its\’ accusing finger at the Lion Rest Stop flag.
I ordered a new flag on March 7 and I informed Bowie Johnson that we would replace the old flag on March 24, Clean Up Day, with volunteer Lion labor.
Due to the offensive report in your paper, the City replaced the flag with taxpayer\’s dollars.
We Lions endeavor to maintain the rest stop area including the three flags, but we, like the streets department are not perfect.
If any resident or business would like to aid us in our efforts, they could donate a flag. We would appreciate it very much.
I hereby invite the fault fining finger of William Cleary to attend a Lions Club meeting where we will \”point\” out the multitude of positive acts we perform for our City.
Call me to arrange to have dinner (free) on the first or third Tuesday evening, 6:15 p.m.
Jack Hughes, Sight Chairman
Columnist Note:
Dear Mr. Hughes, If you knew the flag was torn then it should have been retired as soon as you were made aware of it. Why allow the flag to fly in that condition and get damaged further. If bringing public attention to the proper way to fly the American Flag offends you then too bad.
I suggest that you and anyone who feels the same way take a moment to read the following:
Section 8 of the United States Flag Code states, \”When a flag is old and ready to be retired 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.\” We recommend that you contact your local VFW![](\"http://spa.snap.com/images/v1.22.2.1/theme/orange/iconLink.gif\"/)
Chapter and ask them for help properly disposing of your flag.\”
The five torn Flags I found flying in our great City were in such a condition that they were no longer a fitting emblem for display. As for the flag flying at the Lions Club Rest Stop it is obvious from this photo Mr. Hughes the flag was no longer a fitting emblem for display. There is no telling how long the flag was in this condition.
While we are on the subject I like to commend the Post Office for removing its torn flag and replacing it with a new one. That flag was one of the five that were damaged.
As for the invite to dinner Mr. Hughes, I rather you take the money and use it towards the cost of the Flag.
Bill Cleary
See more stories on this topic
This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.