KENT, Conn.—On Memorial Day, the streets of Kent will be ablaze with the colors red, white and blue—in the clothing worn by citizens as they gather for the annual Memorial Day parade, in kerchiefs tied jauntily around the necks of dogs, in hats and sunglasses, and, perhaps most importantly, in the little flags distributed to one and all by the Lions Club.
“Our American Legion is looking forward to Memorial Day in Kent and would like to help our townsfolk to understand flag etiquette,” said Legion member Kathleen Lindenmayer. “We appreciate the donation of the little flags that are distributed to all the little kids, but it is important that they know how to respect them.”
Lindenmayer, who retired as a Naval intelligence officer in 2010 after 26 years of service, said the American flag “is the cloth of our nation and as such deserves our respect.”
“Because I have been in so many other countries, I know what we have here is special,” she said. “People die to get here. People want what we have.”
She said that when veterans see even inadvertent disrespect to the flag “it hurts.”
Here is a reminder of how to properly display and preserve the American flag:
- When displayed with other flags, the American flag should be at the highest point. If displayed on the same level, it should be to the flag’s own right (the observer’s left).
- When displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union (blue field with stars) should be uppermost and to the right (the observer’s left).
- When displayed over a street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north over an east-west street, or to the east over a north-south street.
- The flag should always be displayed in a way that ensures it is not damaged or soiled.
- The American flag should never be dipped for any person or thing.
- The flag should never be displayed upside down unless as a signal of distress.
- The flag should never touch the ground, floor, water or any other object.
- The flag should never be used for advertising purposes, nor printed on temporary items such as napkins.
- A flag should not be used as clothing, bedding, drapery or for decoration.
- No letters, insignia or designs should be placed on the flag.
- The flag should not be used for carrying or holding anything.
- A tattered or dirty flag should not be displayed. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
- When the flag is worn beyond repair, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, typically by burning. There is a box at Town Hall where worn flags can be deposited for disposal.
- The flag should be flown at half-staff as a sign of mourning during specific events or upon presidential order.
- When displayed at night, the flag should be properly illuminated.
KENT, Conn.—The Kent Land Trust will hold its annual Memorial Day community conservation picnic on Monday, May 26.
The rain or shine event is free for Kent residents, but donations help to protect nature in Kent.
The family-style picnic will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the field south of the monument.
Offerings will include a barbecue lunch, live music by the Joint Chiefs, summer crafts and games, a chance to discover Kent’s wildlife and to learn ways to help save pollinators.
