DEAR SUN SPOTS: The letters you had in Sun Spots about displaying the American flag are right. However, who made that rule? The politicians in Washington, D.C.

I can understand Washington, military bases, state capitols doing that. They have hired working people taking them down. They do not do it themselves.

If I put up a flag and it rains, do I run out and take it down right away? Do I take it down at night and put it back up in the morning?

I served in the military in Korea, and with all the other people in the Army, Navy, Marines, etc., I am proud of our flag. If it’s torn or faded, I will put up a new one.

Do you think that the little flags they put on graves of veterans in cemeteries are removed at night or if it rains? I know they do not.

I am proud of my flag. I will fly it day and night, rain or shine, in the summer from May to the end of November. Let the politicians do what they want with their flags.

I do read Sun Spots and enjoy it, until I see something like this. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots thinks this is one thing you can’t blame this on politicians. They are not the ones complaining about your flag-flying habits.

To clarify the issue, Sun Spots turned to Wikipedia:

“The United States Flag Code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the flag of the United States. It is Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code. This is a U.S. federal law, but there is no penalty for failure to comply with it, and the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that punitive enforcement would conflict with the First Amendment right to freedom of speech.”

Government offices including those you mentioned, plus the U.S. Postal Service, follow this code, but the only one coming to your door if you don’t do the same will be fellow citizens. (Incidentally, all-weather flags can be left out in the rain even at the post office. Sun Spots remembers putting it up in the rain.)

However, perceived mishandling of the flag is considered disrespectful by many, and other veterans and citizens may be miffed and let Sun Spots know about it.

She hopes that you won’t give up reading the column because of those letters. She thinks it’s admirable that anyone goes to the trouble to put up a flag. Her own is rolled up and stored in the rafters.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are still seeking current military members or veterans with uniforms for the following branches of service: three Marines, three members of the Coast Guard and two from the Navy.

These individuals would be taking part in our Second Military and Veterans Tribute from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

If interested please contact Norm Lebel at 375-6589. — Henri St Pierre, co-chairman, saintweezie1@hotmail.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Sumner Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be holding its annual yard-plant-food sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at the Sumner Fire Department on Route 219 in Sumner.

There will be a door prize and quilt raffle, as well as refreshments for sale.

We are in need of items, except for clothing. For donation information, please call Wilda at 207-388-2981. For donation pickup around the Lewiston-Auburn area, please call Charlotte at 207-784-8941.

Whatever you can donate will be greatly appreciated. All proceeds are going toward new equipment for the Volunteer Fire Department.

Thank you in advance for your help. — Wilda Dunham, Sumner, and Charlotte Blier, Auburn

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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