Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Thursday, January 15, 2015

A Viewer Writes: WAR MEMORIAL IN SALISBURY


"Have been discussing this with Ireton but he refuses to change it, saying it is correct the way it is, but it isn't".

The first picture is the War Memorial in Salisbury on N. Salisbury Blvd. across from Pep Boys. It is a 1950 postcard showing the American flag being flown on the proper side of the monument. It is, and should be, on the right side, if you are standing at the monument and viewing it. (This would be viewing it from the opposite direction shown). The other picture is recent and shows the American flag on the opposite side, and the city flag on the other. City officials, at the top, have been advised that this is not correct etiquette for the American flag. They insist it is correct the way it is, but it isn't. It has been suggested they ride around Salisbury and check flags flown at county, or state facilities, but apparently they don't care enough to do so..

The flag is always on the right, as you are facing out from the objective or subject. If you are on a podium facing an audience, it should be on your right, the observers left. If it is in front of a building with other flags, and if you are standing on the steps facing out, it would be on your right, the observers facing toward the building would see it on the left. The zoo is a good example, as is the Elks Lodge, Wor-Wic College and many others locally. 

Considering that the monument in question is the subject, and if you are standing in front of it facing out toward the flags, the American flag should be on your right.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why wait for the "city officials" to change the positions. As an American citizen its your flag to honor!

Anonymous said...

The postcard picture is correct. Since when do you expect the Mayor to know anything about etiquette, flag or otherwise?

Anonymous said...

Just go change it. They are not patriotic enough to notice.

Anonymous said...

He's going to erect a new pole in the middle with a rainbow flag on it. Don't ask... don't tell.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure he would rather have that rainbow flag flying, but in the United States Ireton, please follow protocol and etiquette - have one of your staff go change the flag so it is correct.

Anonymous said...

You are correct. Have him compare the placement with the arrangement in council chambers - descending order from the viewer's left.

Unknown said...

Have they corrected the error?

Bob Aswell... Army Vet Vietnam Era said...

How the Hell would Ireton know? He's allways been TOO busy chasing MEN to serve in the military. For him and Jake Day they are monumentally WRONG. My last detail in the military was in charge of the Honor Detail which encompassed the striking of the flag in the morning and the retirement in the evening and the public display at funerals and interment of the body. If they CAN'T do it right, which they're NOT, then they should not display and deploy AT ALL. Theres NOTHING so sad as ignorance except arrogance. Tell Ireton and Day who is SUPPOSED to be SOME KIND of soldier they're both suffering from a case of acute dumb*&*$%%#SS.Also if they would like to call me I'm in they phone book.

Anonymous said...

I appreciate the fact that so many are flying the US flag, but please remember that if flown at night, the flag is to be illuminated.

Anonymous said...

No, they have not changed it, rode by there not long ago, was still wrong.

Anonymous said...

And take the flag down in the rain and snow. Tired of seeing weathered worn out flags! Have some flipping pride! And Jake Day should be all over this. Were is your pride Jake?

Anonymous said...

Stop talking about and do something.. bunch of Damn talking about nothing and continuing to do nothing.. shut up and take it..

Anonymous said...

At least it's the real city flag and not the beach towel. BTW, the post card photo shows the Maryland state flag.