Las Crucens reminded to keep their U.S. flags in good shape

In this photo illustration, an American flag, badly weathered and torn, should be respectfully retired. A flag retirement service is planned at 9 a.m. Monday at the Aztec Masonic Lodge, 180 E. Boutz Road, conducted by Boys Scout Troop 64. Flags for retirement can be dropped off at the Masonic Lodge on Monday morning. (Robin Zielinski Sun-News)

LAS CRUCES >> American flags seem to burst from front porches during the summer months as celebrations drift from Memorial Day to Flag Day to Independence Day.

U.S. flags are especially popular with buyers this time of year, Signergy co-owner Diana Herrera said. The shop on North Main Street in Las Cruces sells flags, signs, banners and more.

"It's our best seller," she said of the American flag.

With an abundance of red, white and blue holidays ahead, residents should keep in mind the proper etiquette for handling and disposing of the nation's most revered symbol.

Flags are flown at half-staff on Memorial Day from sunrise until noon. The flag is then risen "briskly" at noon and stays up until sunset in honor of fallen service members, according to a Department of Veterans Affairs guide.

The flag is also lowered for the death of the president, vice president, Supreme Court justices, members of Congress and other dignitaries.

"Only the governor and president of the United States can order flags at half-staff," Kevin Dasing with the 2nd Congressional District Veterans' Advisory Council said. "It can't be the mayor or the police chief."

Flags should be taken down in foul weather, Dasing said. They should also be lowered at night unless they are lit. Flags cannot fly in the dark, he said.

It's a fallacy that a U.S. flag must be burned if it touches the ground, Dasing said. It must be brushed off and cleaned but not burned.

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Las Crucens reminded to keep their U.S. flags in good shape