VISTA, Calif. — June 14th, 1777 was the day Congress marked the first design of the American flag, but it wasn’t until 108 years later when the first Flag Day was recognized by a teacher in Wisconsin.
Dee Folse has been decommissioning the American flag by cutting the stars from the canton for 9 years.
“You know you’re cutting a symbol of our freedom,” said Folse.
The flag code says a flag can be decommissioned by burning it, but today many are made from polyester and it’s bad for the environment, so Folse gives Old Glory new life.
“When our emblem can no longer be flown with dignity, honor and respect, it needs to be decommissioned,” said Folse.
The white stitched stars are glued to a card with a story about its life, including many that once flew on the Avenue of Flags at Miramar National Cemetery, and given to veterans and their family. But he gives them to anyone who wants one.
Folse said he double checked with military officials who say it is ok to give the flag new life in this way.
“This is one of 17,500 stars that I’ve handed out once that box is empty,” said Folse.
Folse did not serve in the military, but he has dedicated his life to serving his country with respect to the American flag.
“This is hard fought. This stands for dignity, honor, respect, freedom, and most importantly, hope,” said Folse.
And anyone can fly the stars and stripes.
“It makes me crazy when somebody says so, you’re this party or that party, and I go, 'No, I’m an American. I’m a patriotic American. This has no bearing on how I vote whatsoever,'” said Folse.
Folse treats every day as Flag Day.
US Flag Code
Now there are 50 stars and many rules under the flag code that include a flag should be decommissioned if it is torn or tattered.
“Our flag shall never be in the darkness. That goes back to kind of the Francis Scott Key [The Star-Spangled Banner] ‘By the dawn’s early light,’” said Folse.
The stars and stripes can fly at night if there is a light shone and during inclement weather if it’s an all-weather flag and there is proper etiquette in how a flag is folded.
“It’ll be 13 folds, which is cool because there’s 13 stars alternating red and white, and they represent the original 13 colonies,” said Folse.
Never let the flag touch the ground, hand it over with two hands and hold it close to your chest.
He said there is a great deal of responsibility and rules to properly fly the American flag, but he said all you need is heart and respect.
“I don’t know if there’s another emblem of America that’s more important, or that stands for more than our flag,” said Folse.
If you would like a star from a flag that has been decommissioned or you would like your flag to be properly decommissioned, you can contact Dee Folse via email: dee@honorflightsandiego.org.
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