It’s perhaps the most recognizable symbol of patriotism in our country.

While flying the American flag is a true sense of unity and national pride, proper flag etiquette is essential.

The Palmerton United Veterans Organization has come across more and more flags that are found to be in a dilapidated state.

Joe Uhnak, first vice commander, American Legion Post 269, Palmerton, said the group has a drop-off location for torn flags right in town at the Country Harvest Family Market, 572 Delaware Ave.

Both he and Bruce Frisch, second vice commander, American Legion Post 269, encouraged people with torn or frayed flags to merely drop them off at Country Harvest and the UVO will dispose of them.

“I can’t believe they let these flags fly the way they are,” Uhnak said. “This has been going on for a while now that they’re allowing this to happen.”

Frisch echoed that sentiment as he disappointedly looked at the ragged flags they brought to the Palmerton Veterans Memorial in the borough park to further accentuate their point.

“We fought and died for this,” Frisch said. “Most people keep an eye on them, but don’t let it fly like this.”

While flags are made for wind, both agreed that once they begin to fray on the ends, take them down, give it a fold, and sew them back up, or replace them.

They said polyester seems to be the best flag to fly, and also nylon.

Though both urged homeowners, businesses, and others to continue to fly our country’s flags, they ask that they do so the right way.

“Show your patriotism, put flags out,” Frisch said. “But take care of them.”