Bloomfield American Legion Post 196 Adjutant concerned about flags

A local man is hoping to spread the word about proper protocol for American flags.

Bloomfield American Legion Post 196 Adjutant Aaron Hamm explained that the public is often unaware of proper flag protocol and that often times flags are flown unknowingly in a manner that is disrespectful.

"If a flag is flown outdoors it must be made of all-weather material and if it's up after dark it must be illuminated," Hamm explained. "It cannot be torn. If it is (torn) then it should be replaced."

If you have an old flag in your possession, you may drop it off at an American Legion so it can be disposed of properly, he explained. The next flag disposal day is June 14, which is Flag Day.

The condition of one American flag currently on display at a local ball diamond is quite poor, Hamm stressed. The flag is flown over the Northside Diamonds -- which is located just outside of the Bloomfield town limits.

Hamm recently went to the Northside Diamonds to check out the condition of one such flag.

"It (flag) was ripped from seam to seam and it was ripped so bad that a part of where it was torn was flipped up over the flag pole," Hamm explained.

The Northside Diamonds has five flag poles, he noted. All of the flags are currently down except for the one that is flying over the concession stand.

"Right now only one flag is up and only about half of it is there. It looks as if it's been hanging all year," he stressed. "It should be taken out of the winter weather."

During his visit to the diamonds, Hamm lowered the flag and upon further investigation noticed that it must be cut to be taken off the pole. That's when he decided against taking it down.

"I felt is wasn't my responsibility," he said.

Hamm has also noticed that when the flags are up at the diamonds during the summer months they are not properly illuminated during the evening hours.

"During the summer they fly over the fields and they are not lit," he noted. "They should be taken down prior to nightfall if they aren't illuminated."

Bloomfield American Legion Post 196 will not donate to the field or leagues in anyway because of the situation, Hamm stressed.

Steven Toon, current president of Bloomfield Little League, explained, "I've been made aware of the situation and me and Aaron (Hamm) are working in conjunction to resolve this issue."

Toon just recently took over the position as president of the league.

Hamm has also noticed the condition of other American flags being displayed throughout the county.

Some are in poor condition and still others are not properly lit during the overnight hours, he explained.

"Since the flag code is a guideline and it cannot be enforced by the police it can only be a respected (thing)," he said.