A poignant memory I have from the 1960s was seeing the raising and lowering of the American flag on the front lawn of my high school. Every school-day morning, an adult and two students would briskly raise the flag. Every afternoon before students left, the flag would be lowered and respectfully folded. It was never wadded up or carried in a heap. This made a lasting impression on me and instilled deep respect and love for this very visible symbol of our country.

At this time in our country’s history, when respect and admiration for America seem to be waning, seeing our flag waving strongly in the wind can offer encouragement and build up national pride. This was especially true for me this summer. While on a trip to Arizona. I became more aware of the Star Spangled Banner in the wide, open spaces of the West. Upon returning home, I started noticing the Stars and Stripes in our area.

Linda R. Davis is a resident of Tallulah and is regent of the Ashmead Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. E-mail her.

For over three months, my husband and I have been driving around Vicksburg and Tallulah looking for places where the flag of the United States of America is flown according to Flag Code. We made several tours.

I spoke with many people, either in person or by phone, about the proper way to fly the flag. Most were very responsive and appreciative of the information I shared. For example, I called Vicksburg’s hot line to report that the flag in front of City Hall was not lit and that the bulb probably needed to be replaced. The next time I checked, that flag was well lit. I called Glenwood Funeral Home and McDonald’s on Iowa Avenue to let them know that their bulbs were burned out. Both were shining by my next visit. The flag at the American Legion Post No. 3 was replaced after I called about its condition, and plans have been made to have a special light directed upon that flag.

The Flag Code states, “It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.  However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated. … The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.”

I found 48 places in Vicksburg and 16 in Tallulah that fly Old Glory according to Flag Code. This is a commendable display of patriotism in our area. As regent of Ashmead Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, I expressed our members’ appreciation by presenting the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Certificate of Award for proper use, correct display and patriotic presentation of the Flag of the United States of America.

I encourage citizens to express their appreciation to the following people and places in Vicksburg (in no particular order): Blanche Millsaps, Vicksburg’s flag lady; Herman Smith, superintendent, Vicksburg Bridge Commission; George Washington Ball House; Kentucky Fried Chicken on Indiana Avenue; all of the McDonald’s; Vicksburg Post Office; Warren-County-Vicksburg Public Library; Candlewood Suites; Hampton Inn Suites; Econolodge; The Home Depot; City Hall; Horizon Casino; American Legion Post No. 3; Monsour’s at the Biscuit Company; Vicksburg Insurance Agency; Mississippi River Commission; Fastway on Cherry Street; BancorpSouth on South Street; Abraham’s Department Store; Thorne’s Collision Center; Sheriff’s Department; City of Vicksburg Police Department; Vicksburg National Military Park; Vicksburg National Military Cemetery; Cairo Museum; Rebel Welding; The Vicksburg Post; Vicksburg Catholic School; Vicksburg Welcome Center; Exxon on Halls Ferry; RiverHills Bank on U.S. 61 North; River Region Medical Center; Purks YMCA; Hinds Community College; Glenwood Funeral Home; Walmart; Vicksburg Ford; Old Court House Museum; Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce; Central Fire Station; Fire Station No. 2; Fire Station No. 6; and Fire Station No. 8.

The Flag Code also says, “The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse.”  I did not have time to check all of the schools in Vicksburg. That will be a project for this coming April. 

After presenting all of the flag certificates that I had ordered, I found more places flying the flag properly. In the spring, I plan to order and present additional award certificates. This will give time for those places where faded, worn, torn and tattered flags are flying to replace them and for lights to be focused on the flags that are now flying at night. I hope more citizens will make an effort to educate the public that this is a disgraceful treatment of our American flag.  It is better not to fly a flag than to fly it incorrectly.

If you have a flag that needs proper disposal, you may send an e-mail to landbdavis@hotmail.com. A DAR member will pick it up and get it to the local Boy Scouts for their annual flag disposal ceremony. 

We must be ever diligent and aware of  the things that we often take for granted in this land of freedom.