Businesses Step Up for Flag Day

Bring out your flag on Thursday or go to your neighborhood hardware store to purchase one to commemorate the 1777 launching of our favorite red, white, and blue.

Do you know which item, when purchased, will never have added sales tax? If you guessed the American flag, you were right.

Though the day is dedicated to the flag, another holiday draws more business.

"The majority of flag purchases appear to be on Memorial Day," said Todd Kirschner owner of Trio Hardware in Plainview. "We offer a tax-free complete kit that comes with a flag, pole, and a bracket to mount to a house," Kirschner added. Trio said they offer all price ranges, everything is made in the U.S.A., and will do special orders for larger ones not carried in the store.

"In Syosset, flags line the streets starting on Memorial Day, remain up to observe Flag Day, and continue flying until the celebration of Independence Day," said Gus Scutari, vice commander of the American Legion in Syosset.

If you are looking for everything you could possibly need to fly a flag around your home or if you are invited to be in a parade there is a company called BeeKay in Farmingdale specializing in everything patriotic.

It has all types of flags and the accessories to go with it, from in-ground flagpoles to the largest flags you can fly or mount, both indoors and out. Although it is situated in an industrial area, it is open to the public.

Ahead of the holiday, check to see if your flag is tattered and torn and not worthy of flying. If so, take it to any local American Legion and they will burn the flag in a dignified manner along with the proper burial of the ashes.

If you are passing through Syosset they have a designated mailbox on Berry Hill Road with a graphic of the American Flag covering the box. It is here where you can drop it at anytime.

Note that not all American Legions have this specific mailbox.

When you purchase a replacement remember that oftentimes you get what you pay for. A good flag will have triple reinforced stitching, each stripe will be assembled as such, and the stars are embroidered. Not all material is created equal. Generally, the higher the price the longer the flag will last due to the heft of the weather-proof material.

Here are few etiquette tips to note on flying your flag:

Flags should be flown from sunrise to sunset, or if on display for 24-hours it should be illuminated during darkness.

Never fasten or tie it down, it should flow freely in the wind.

When removing the flag from a mount or flagpole it should never touch the ground.

Be respectful; never use as a cover, draw or deface it, carry things in it, or use it as clothing.

So let 'em fly high and make some waves.