Hopatcong Police Dispose of 'Disgraced U.S. Flag'

The Hopatcong Police removed a "disgraced United States flag" flying at a business on Durban Ave after receiving a complaint, Lt. Thomas Kmetz said.

Kmetz and Police Chief Robert Brennan responded and informed the owner they were there to take down the flag and retire it the proper way.

According to Kmetz, the owner was cooperative, thanked the officers and said they had planned to take of it themselves when they had time to "get to it."

Brennan, who is an Eagle Scout and former Marine, said he was personally angered and disgusted that the United States flag was flying in that condition. He said anyone from Hopatcong is welcome to take their torn or tattered United States flag to him at the Hopatcong Police Department Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. He will bring the flag to the VFW, where there will be a proper ceremony to retire it. 

Brennan said there is proper etiquette when it comes to parades and having a flag on your property. Hopatcong police remind residents of some common respects that American citizens should be giving the flag:

Parading and Saluting the Flag

When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.

The Salute

To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.

Flying the Flag

DO NOT throw out a tattered or torn United States flag.  There is a ceremony in which the flag is retired. Organizations like the VFW and the American Legion will take your flag.

Do not keep a United States flag flying that is ripped or torn. Have it retired.

At sunset the United States flag should be taken down or illuminated.

The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem

The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting. When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.

You can learn more by visiting the VFW website.