Letters to the Editor
Observe Flag Day to honor those who serve

Flag Day, June 14, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation...one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon. As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag. So raise the flag today and every day with pride.

Flag Day has always been a very special day for me. Old Glory has displayed in her Red, White and Blue colors for me in war and in peace. I fly the American flag from the top of my 25-foot flagpole day and night which located in my front yard. The US Marine Corps flag is displayed under Old Glory. They are lighted during the dark hours. My dear beloved mother died, age 90, on Flag Day 1987.

You can purchase an American flag that was flown over the capital building in Washington, D.C., by requesting it through Congressman Jeff Miller. If you need a flagpole installed on your property, contact Larry Hayes at: docksidedr@cox.net

Properly Display Our Flag. There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag. The American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying the American flag:

1. The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.

2. In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.

3. The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.

4. The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.

5. After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It's called "half staff" on land, and "half mast" on a ship.

6. When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field , or "union", is at the top and at the end of the pole.

7. The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.

8. The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left.

9. Never let your flag touch the ground, never...period.

10. Fold your flag when storing. Don't just stuff it in a drawer or box.

11. When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash.

Noah H. Belew

Gulf Breeze

City elections were not fair

A response published last week in GB News tells us that our previous comments regarding fair elections have missed the mark. We'll try again.

First, while running for GB City Council, J.B. Schluter used his influence as Vice-President of Gulf Breeze Sports Association (GBSA) to organize a GBSA endorsement in support of his candidacy. GBSA is a community-based, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization and it is forbidden by federal tax laws for any officer or board member to use activities of a nonprofit organization for personal benefit.

Second, using funds collected from the community for sports activities, GBSA published and distributed a political endorsement of Mr. Schluter's candidacy to all residents of the City. Endorsement of any candidate in any election by a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization is strictly prohibited by federal tax laws. Both of these limitations on nonprofit activities are clearly described at www.irs.gov.

Our concerns are not about sports, expanding athletic fields, good-old-boys or who would make a better city council member. We are simply concerned that Mr. Schluter and GBSA have illegally interfered in City elections and that no measures have been taken to prevent them or others from repeating these actions.

What's frustrating is that GB City Council does not seem to care about the current violations (or GBSA's conflict of interest with the City) and claim it is none of their business. With this perspective from our city leaders, should we expect fair elections in the future?

Bill and Julie Ann Fisher

Gulf Breeze