>
>B. wrote:
> > Drove by some US govt. bldgs. today, flags at half
> > mast. Anyone know why?
> >
> > I'm sure the answer will make me go, "D'oh! Oh yeah."
> > Unless it's because of Falwell.
>
>It's not because of Falwell, but something far worse.
>
>National Police Week
Yesterday I was at the jail Paris Hilton will soon be staying in. I noticed the flags at half-mast and then noticed they were filthy and threadbare, something I see a lot these days. I got curious about flag washing and google came up with a flag-etiquette site. Here's one of the answers to the query "is it ok to wash a dirty flag."
>Cleaning the US flag is definitly tricky business. The US flag
>should be stored properly to avoid dirt and damage, but inevitably
>these things happen.
>
>For newer flags, simply wash by hand in mild soap to avoid damage
>while cleaning it. Be sure the flag is thoroughly dried before rehanging it.
>
>For older flags, however, it is a good dea to use a vaccuum cleaner
>attachment covered in cheesecloth. Gently blot the flag to avoid
>causing rips or tears in the material.
>
>If the flag is beyond repair, contact your local American Legion
>Hall. They can help by disposing of the flag properly in a
>flag-burning ceremony.
http://www.usa-flag-site.org/forum/wash-a-dirty-flag-960.html