Historic neighborhood displays its patriotism with flags

Jamie Teibel/Summer Editor

I pledge allegiance to the flag: Flags line sidewalks, adorn houses and surround light posts on Historic Ninth Street Hill for "A Festooned Fourth."

By Jamie Teibel
Summer Editor

When Sandy Lahr saw a Fourth of July celebration in the movie "The Music Man," she thought, "Man, we could do that in our neighborhood!"

Then, at the next Historic Ninth Street Hill Neighborhood Association meeting, she suggested it. Now, for the 13^th year in a row, Historic Ninth Street Hill presents "A Festooned Fourth" flag display.

Lahr, chair of the association, said the display is a great way to market the Victorian era neighborhood. She admitted that she wasn't as patriotic before, now she proudly considers herself "an unabashed patriotist."

Twelve Common Flag Misconceptions:

Flags should only be displayed during daylight hours.

NO. When a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated (a light source sufficient so the flag is recognizable as the flag).

Flags may not be displayed or flown during inclement weather.

NO. All weather flags of non-absorbent fabric may be flown during inclement weather. Flag owners can make cotton flags all weather by spraying them with water repellant.

If a flag is draped and touches the ground, it must be destroyed.

NO. The Flag should never be intentionally dragged or placed on the ground when displayed or in a parade. An accidental drop or touching of the ground is merely an accident and not a sign of disrespect. Therefore, it does not have to be destroyed.

The only way to diapose of a Flag is at a public burning ceremony.

NO. Flag code only suggests burning as a suitable method of destroying the flag. Also, flags are NEVER destroyed in public - it is done in private and without ceremony.

Torn flags should be properly destroyed.

NO. A flag may be mended.

Flags should always be dry-cleaned if they become soiled.

NO. If a flag is soiled it may be either washed or dry-cleaned.

The mayor of the city can order the flag flown from half-staff/

NO. Only the President of the United States and the Govenor of the State may order a flag flown at half-staff.

The flag is always flown at half-staff all day on Veterans' Day (November 11).

NO. This day was originally known as Armistice Day and was a day of celebration, not of mourning. The flag is only half-staffed during Veterans' Day ceremonies when Taps is sounded, volleys fired, or wreaths laid. On Memorial Day (last Monday in May) the flag is flown at half-staff only until noon and then raised to full staff.

Flags with less than 50 stars should be discarded and not displayed.

NO. No United States flag ever becomes obsolete. Each flag is still legal and is entitled to the same respect shown the current flag.

Only a Veteran of the American Armed Forces may have his or her casket draped with the American Flag.

NO. Any United States citizen may have the flag draped on his or her casket.

Flags used to drape a casket should never be re-used.

NO. After a flag is used as a casket cover it may, and should, be displayed in every normal fashion.

The image of the falg should not appear on jewelry or decorate items.

NO. It is permissible to war a button or pin properly depicting the United States flag if worn as patriotic item. It is not appropriate to use the flag for advertising purposes or to print or impress the flag's image on articles designed for temporary use and discard.

Ninth Street has added 16 flags, totaling 600 large and small flags to its growing collection. For six blocks - from South Street to Kossuth Street - flags, streamers, and bunting adorn all homes, structures, iron fencing and parkway trees. "If it doesn't move, it has a flag attached to it," said Janna Minjarez, public relations chair for the association.

Through July 7, the street will display over 50 special flags honoring landmarks in American history. Walking tour brochures are available at the Historical Museum, Ninth and South streets, and the Greater Lafayette Museum of Art, 101 South Ninth Street.

Minjarez said that 33 people are needed to put the flags up and take them down. She said that many of the flags are donated from various people who lost a loved one in a war or has a veteran in the family. Minjarez said some flags are from the caskets of those fallen or veteran soldiers. "Those are the precious flags that you can't replace," she said.

Displayed on 303/305 South Ninth Street, two flags such as these are flown. According to flag etiquette, casket flags are used and displayed proudly in honor of American military personnel.

Other flags displayed on homes represent the year it was built. 402 South Ninth Street, the home of Mrs. Evelyn Ball, displays a 36-star flag representing the year it was built - 1865-1869. At 904 State Street, a 44-star flag is displayed, representing the official United States flag in the year it was built - 1895.

Mrs. Ball home also flies the flag of The Citizen Band of the Potowatomi Nation. Her husband was the great-grandson of George Winter, the man whose paintings and journals documented the lives of the Potowatomi.

Other flags symbolize battles, fleets, military units, independence, the armed services, explorers and patriotism.

"It really is a celebration of America's patriotic heritage," said Lahr. "We're connecting with a lot of people's roots."

Minjarez said that she, along with the other members of the Historic Ninth Street Hill Neighborhood Association, is trying to give something back to the community by displaying the flags. "(We) proudly hang (the flags of) those who have served in our country," she said. "As long as we're able, we're going to keep putting the flags up each year."


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