I look at the American flag every morning.

I have a 25-foot steel pole in my yard that can fly a four-by-six flag… along with the POW flag. And that’s exactly what it does. Every day. Every night.

Speaking of night... did you know that a flag must be lit up if it’s flying at night? To let it sit in the dark is a sign of disrespect.

It’s also disrespectful to fly an American flag that’s tattered and torn.

At the Olympics, the American flag is never to be dipped to a dignitary or head of state. This was most notable at the 1936 Olympic games in Germany. The U.S. flagbearer refused to dip the flag so that it wouldn't appear to be a sign of respect to Adolf Hitler.

I think he did the right thing.

The American flag is not meant to show respect to others. But it is meant for others to respect the flag.

Respect is why we stand and salute the flag during the National Anthem before the game.

Respect is the reason for pomp and ceremony surrounding the flag.

Respect is why we hold special ceremonies to burn retired flags.

That reminds me... the flag at the house is getting a little bit tattered. You probably can’t tell at first glance, but I can. And I don’t want it to get much worse. So, I’m gonna replace it.

I’ll take the old flag to the American Legion, the VFW, or hand it over to the Boy Scouts for proper disposal.

For an old, worn, tattered flag, it’s the final sign of respect.

Happy Fourth of July.

Be well. Stay well. And fly your flag.